Loose steering

[MDc10]

Here's the deal, I recently replaced my steering box on my 86 shortwide. It leaked like a sob, the steering was also loose as a goose. So I assumed change the box would take care of my loose steering, wrong. So I changed my tie rod ends, inners and outers. Still loose. When I say loose, what I mean is when im driving straight down the road and can turn my steering to the left and to the right and my truck doesn't move. And im not talking about moving it a little, damn near a quarter turn. Loose steering right? Does anyone else have this problem? Does the sway bar need to be changed, is there another way to "tighten" the steering, or have I overlooked something? Would appreciate you guys help on the subject. Thanks in advance.

Mike
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[JTautomotive]

Originally Posted by MDc10

Here's the deal, I recently replaced my steering box on my 86 shortwide. It leaked like a sob, the steering was also loose as a goose. So I assumed change the box would take care of my loose steering, wrong. So I changed my tie rod ends, inners and outers. Still loose. When I say loose, what I mean is when im driving straight down the road and can turn my steering to the left and to the right and my truck doesn't move. And im not talking about moving it a little, damn near a quarter turn. Loose steering right? Does anyone else have this problem? Does the sway bar need to be changed, is there another way to "tighten" the steering, or have I overlooked something? Would appreciate you guys help on the subject. Thanks in advance.

Mike
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The steering in my 1980 k10 was remarkably loose just as you described yours, the ragjoint the connects the steering shaft to the box was the culprit for me. i would check the ragjoint out first

[75chev4x4]

Was this a new box or a used box you put in?

[JoeyBones]

From reading around and looking at mine, the rag joint is my first item on the list to change. Check out the Jeep XJ steering shaft modification. If you can find one of those locally in good shape that would be a pretty good upgrade. You can also order a u-joint shaft from summit or the like, but they get pricey quick.

[MDc10]

Originally Posted by JTautomotive

The steering in my 1980 k10 was remarkably loose just as you described yours, the ragjoint the connects the steering shaft to the box was the culprit for me. i would check the ragjoint out first

changed it when I changed it the steering box.
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[MDc10]

Originally Posted by 75chev4x4

Was this a new box or a used box you put in?

It was a new box.
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[75chev4x4]

How does the frame look around your box?

[MDc10]

Originally Posted by 75chev4x4

How does the frame look around your box?

I can't see it at tue moment. But when I changed the box I didn't notice and out of the ordinary, everything looked good. Why do you ask?
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[JoeyBones]

have you tried making any adjustments ON the box?

[MDc10]

Originally Posted by JoeyBones

have you tried making any adjustments ON the box?

That I haven't don't yet. How exactly do I do that?
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[JoeyBones]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAD0ugRQNek

Check that video...should help

[INSIDIOUS '86]

That adjustment doesn't work on worn boxes FYI. When you tighten that the slop can go away but the more you turn from the left or right of center it start getting hard. Why? Because the worm that that adjust doesn't wear evenly.

Is this a "rebuilt" box from the parts store? The consensus on those is that they are leak free shiny versions of what you already have and don't solve anything. Try firm feel, flaming river, agr or summit and get a box that is FIXED not reconditioned
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[Skunksmash]

Also check your idler arm, and you pitman arm. Gotta get to the steering on my own truck for this reason. When I replaced my pitman arm, it took about 1.5" of play out of the wheel. A big improvement. Now only 3 inches left to go lol.

[Skunksmash]

I checked around at those you listed insid, and it looks like only AGR sells them for these trucks. Summit racing just sells the autozone stuff, Firm feel is for mopar, and flaming river doesn't sell them for the later models. Agr has them though, but they're pretty pricey. 300-400 dollars. Is there anything wrong with the ACdelco brand ones? Seems like they'd have to be up to GM's specs.