there is a small amount of center deadzone on my trucks steering causing unresponsive steering until i move the wheel a bit further what is causing this and how can i fix it

 

first you have to find out what is causing the steering slop. it could be any of the 4 tierods connecting the 2 wheels to the steering box, then the steering box could be worn out.
first check the tierods and the balljoints on the end of the axle,the steering box can be adjusted if needed

 

Careful with the adjustment, too tight will blow up the box quick. Haynes manual has a procedure that has you pull the pittman arm and check torque to turn the column, but I just tightened mine down a little bit at a time and made sure that the wheels turned nice and free (jacked up the front and turned tires side-to-side by hand). I'm not expecting more than a few thousand miles out of the steering box anyway though but it seems to be working nicely after adjusting.

Just make sure it's not tie rod ends/ball joints before you touch the adjustment.

 

Thanks guys, i need to check into this one myself.

 

It could also be the steering shaft. Just replaced mine, $120 from the stealer and about half an hours worth of work.