For the last year or so my truck had been giving up some hard steering issues. Sometimes it seems as though the steering wheel has to be turned excessively before the wheels move. Everything as far tie rod ends and balljoints have been replaced recently.

The steering does have excessive play in it.

Doe these trucks have a rag joint or U joint in the steering shaft?

Do the steering shafts wear out and cause issues like this?

I thing it is the steering gear box itself. I havent diagnosed it yet. I trying to see what I should look out for when diagnosing.

Thank you in advance for any and all replies.

 

Yes it will have a rag joint unless someone changed it. My 94 does. Don't know if the steering shaft would cause it unless it is really bad. Steering gear box will cause play,excess travel. Also I have read where the steering column bearings will cause excess play. I had to put on a rebuilt steer box because of excess play. Hope this helps.

 

At times the steering gets extremely difficult. Like worse than no power assist.

 

Sounds a lot like steering gear box but checking will confirm. FYI Red Head steering box seams to be the go to . I used a napa rebuilt for 1/2 the price and life time warranty. It has worked well for 2 yr or so now. If you need a new steering shaft you can get them on e-bay for about 300. has u-joints in lieu if rag joints.

 

Some of this is turning out to be the column bearings and bushings. Steering column came out last night. Once I get it back together and operational I will go down the shaft and sector box to see what else is wrong.