Steering box. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hAetWagon · 07-09-2005, 01:29 PM

I have isolated my steering play to my steering box (which was supposed to have bee replaced I guess)..
it has a good 1/6th of a turn of free play and it makes driving irritating.
(The 2ft steering wheel diameter does not help)..
My questions is :Is that much free play normal? Am I being too nitpicky?

Prerunner1982 · 07-09-2005, 05:13 PM

you might check the frame where the box is mounted... might be broken or getting ready to break. more commone on 4wds not than on 2wd trucks, but it does happen.. mine did.. right now i have quite a bit of play in mine but i believe its due to worn tie rods, ball joints, and control arms bushings...

hAetWagon · 07-09-2005, 05:35 PM

I'd suspect that if I hadn't witnessed the play while looking directly at the box. The play is internal.

Bob Gervais · 07-09-2005, 05:38 PM

That much freeplay is not normal. Check the frame, as mentioned by Prerunner. You'll need to remove the steering box to be able to get a good look at it.

Also, I assume you checked all the front end components, did you check the wheel bearings as well? I chased a problem like this on my 87 for a couple weeks, only to find that my Dad improperly set the front wheel bearings and they were way too loose. I set them properly, and it's been fine ever since.

hAetWagon · 07-09-2005, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hAetWagon

I'd suspect that if I hadn't witnessed the play while looking directly at the box. The play is internal.

**chevy71super** · 07-09-2005, 11:00 PM

Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the steering box, linkage, etc. The source of the slop will become apparent. Don't overlook the rag joint.

hAetWagon · 07-10-2005, 06:44 PM

ROFL...you guys are just messing with me now right???

I KNOW exactly where the slop is coming from...it is the steering box..
My original question was asked to see if that much play was normal.

**JIMs70GMC** · 07-10-2005, 08:02 PM

Not normal, but since your going 6", now is a good time to get a 2wd box and go with crossover steering. You"ll need:

2wd box
dropped pitman arm for box.
pass side flat top knuckle drilled for a new steering arm
draglink to connect steering arm and new pitman arm.

Several companies offer the parts.

hAetWagon · 07-11-2005, 02:46 AM

Thanks Jim. I was going to ask about crossover steering ....

07-09-2005, 01:29 PM	#1
hAetWagon Schlongbed MEMBER (heh)#15 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sacramento Posts: 232	Steering box. I have isolated my steering play to my steering box (which was supposed to have bee replaced I guess).. it has a good 1/6th of a turn of free play and it makes driving irritating. (The 2ft steering wheel diameter does not help).. My questions is :Is that much free play normal? Am I being too nitpicky?

07-09-2005, 05:13 PM	#2
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	you might check the frame where the box is mounted... might be broken or getting ready to break. more commone on 4wds not than on 2wd trucks, but it does happen.. mine did.. right now i have quite a bit of play in mine but i believe its due to worn tie rods, ball joints, and control arms bushings... __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call Last edited by Prerunner1982; 07-09-2005 at 05:17 PM.

07-09-2005, 05:38 PM	#4
Bob Gervais Truckless for the moment... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cranston, RI Posts: 180	That much freeplay is not normal. Check the frame, as mentioned by Prerunner. You'll need to remove the steering box to be able to get a good look at it. Also, I assume you checked all the front end components, did you check the wheel bearings as well? I chased a problem like this on my 87 for a couple weeks, only to find that my Dad improperly set the front wheel bearings and they were way too loose. I set them properly, and it's been fine ever since. __________________ 1987 V1500 GMC Suburban, 350 TBI, Flowtech dual exhaust, Rough Country 2" spring lift, 56" 3/4 ton rear spring conversion, 33" BFG All Terrains, and the smokescreen engine mod -- Former truck, searching for another now...

07-10-2005, 08:02 PM	#8
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Not normal, but since your going 6", now is a good time to get a 2wd box and go with crossover steering. You"ll need: 2wd box dropped pitman arm for box. pass side flat top knuckle drilled for a new steering arm draglink to connect steering arm and new pitman arm. Several companies offer the parts. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

07-09-2005, 05:35 PM	#3
hAetWagon Schlongbed MEMBER (heh)#15 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sacramento Posts: 232	I'd suspect that if I hadn't witnessed the play while looking directly at the box. The play is internal.

07-09-2005, 11:00 PM	#6
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the steering box, linkage, etc. The source of the slop will become apparent. Don't overlook the rag joint.

07-10-2005, 06:44 PM	#7
hAetWagon Schlongbed MEMBER (heh)#15 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sacramento Posts: 232	ROFL...you guys are just messing with me now right??? I KNOW exactly where the slop is coming from...it is the steering box.. My original question was asked to see if that much play was normal.

07-11-2005, 02:46 AM	#9
hAetWagon Schlongbed MEMBER (heh)#15 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sacramento Posts: 232	Thanks Jim. I was going to ask about crossover steering ....



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.