Steering Slop

[BaddBusa2005]

I have noticed a substantial amount of steering slop in my trucks front end. I put it on the lift today and seen that the idler arm needs replaced, but there is more slop than what the idler arm is causing. It looks to be in the steering box. I imagine this is possible, but what do you guys think? Also if it is in the gear box, is there any adjustment to take it out or just replace the steering box?

edit: my truck is an 81 c10 2wd

[Moostifer]

I put a steering stabilizer on my 83 c10 2wd like the ones on most 4wd (basicly, a horizontal shock) and it made a world of difference!

might try that before wrestling with the gear box...

[Prerunner1982]

steering stabalizers will only mask the problem, check your frame around the gear box as it can crack and cause the gear box to move around. Might just be time to replace all the bushings in the front end. As far as just the steering, there is more than just the idler arm that can cause excesive play... you have 4 tie rod ends as well as a pitman arm.. You might try this route first before the box, more than likely it all needs to be replaced anyways..

[BaddBusa2005]

Originally Posted by Prerunner1982

steering stabalizers will only mask the problem, check your frame around the gear box as it can crack and cause the gear box to move around. Might just be time to replace all the bushings in the front end. As far as just the steering, there is more than just the idler arm that can cause excesive play... you have 4 tie rod ends as well as a pitman arm.. You might try this route first before the box, more than likely it all needs to be replaced anyways..

yeah thats true. it sounds stupid but, i would like to just get some of the slop out of it, as I am looking for another daily driver and also trying to get the 6 liter swap done in my 94 trans am. Anyhow i want to wait and do it all at one time when i tear it down completly. Oh well something i will have to deal with for a bit.

ryan