My steering wheel has about 3 inches of play either way before it starts to turn the wheels, i tightened the worm gear, no help, any other suggestions? or is it somethin ill just have to deal withh?

 

Man, you sure do have alot of questions!

What do YOU think it could be besides the steering box? What troubleshooting have you done? Don't tell me FTE is your first stop...

Hint.. the steering system is made up more than just the steering box... there are tie rods, drag links, a pitman arm, a steering shaft (with rag joint and/or steering U-joint coupler).

Everything should move in unison.. input=output, right? If a component is slow to react, then ya might have just found the problem.

 

well i have next to no mechanical experience and im on a bit of a steep learning curve, trying to soak up as much info as possible, sorry if i'm posting too many q's! :/

 

First, check the coupling (AKA "Rag joint"). This is just above the steering box, between the box and the firewall. These have a rubber disc in them that deteriorates over time and can cause a lot of slop. With the engine off, rock the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the coupling. There shouldn't be any slop in the coupling.
Next, get under the truck and watch the steering linkage while someone again rocks the steering wheel back and forth. There should be NO play anywhere in the linkage.
If all this looks okay jack the truck up so the front wheels are off the ground a few inches. Grab the top and bottom of the tire and try rocking the tire up and down, you're looking for play in the wheel bearings. If it's excessive, remove the dust cap in the hub center. Remove the cotter pin and lock. Tighten the nut while turning the wheel. You want to gently "snug" the nut, then back it off untill there is just a perceptible amount of play. Once that's set reinstall the cotter pin and dust cap. Then stick a long pry bar, 2 X 4 or something simillar under the tire and pry up and down, look for any play or slop in the king pins.
If all this checks out then, in all probability, the steering box needs to be rebuilt. If that's the case, save yourself a LOT of grief and go with Red Head Steering Gear. These guys are in Seattle, WA and offer the only truly rebuilt unit, not just resealed. They also correct some design flaws so the box lasts. And the cost is on par with a standard chain store rebuilt.
Remember, it might not be any ONE item with a lot of slop. It may be an accumulation of several parts, each with a little play.
Good luck.

 

If you have a question, then you go ahead and ask a question. I have asked a ton of them and almost always get a great answer. Most of the time it is answered by the gentlemen that posted above me. I love to see those rolling oooOOOoooOOOos post a reply for me. I owe him more than one meal/beer and you will too before it's over, but you won't know if you don't ask.

 

Thanks MAULMAUL.
Have an E-beer on me.

 

No problem.. I understand. We'll help ya out as much as possible. 'Just have some skin in the game, OK?

I'm glad you are willing to learn instead of being spoon-fed.

 

Thanks for all of the great help!! im glad there's so many people willing to help!!