87 3/4 Ton Steering Slop

P.S. It has new tie rod ends and steering damper. Also, new upper and lower ball joints.

Jake292 wrote:

you'll also want to look at the steering coupler (rag joint).. after

20 years it could be worn to the point of hitting the safety stops to turn the steering box. that's what happening on my '88, but I've just not gotten around to pulling the shaft and replacing the rubber disc.

-Bret

Allen-wrench... and be EXTRA careful not to go too far. Did you check the drag link ends? Did you have it professionally aligned after the ball joint and tie rod end replacement?

If none of the steering items are worn, I would replace the gear box. A good used one from a salvage yard should not cost more then $50 at most. You can get a good rebuilt unit from Lee Manufactoring. Charles

I've always known that older chevys have a lot of play anyways. just thought it was natural

I have not had an alignment yet. When I replaced the tie rod ends, I carefully measured and matched the distance from the center of the insertion bolt to the tie rod itself. I was very accurate but still wanted to eventually have a pro alignment. Would that effect steering slop? Don't laugh but, what is a drag link?

Shades wrote:

A drag link is the HD tie rod looking thing going from the pitman arm on the bottom of the steering box to the steering arm attached to the left steering knuckle.

...and yes, too much toe-in would feel like steering slop and too much toe-out would make the truck wander.

An alignment is a good idea. They will find and report problems that affect the steering and those problems need repairs BEFORE the wheels can be aligned. This can be money well spent. Saving the money can prove often to be false economy.