I have about 1" side to side play in my steering wheel. I checked and there is no play in the steering shaft or the suspension components (pitman arm & tierods). I can plainly see the shaft rotating with no output from the steering box. So I tried the adjustment screw. No matter how I adjust it the wheel still have play. Even if the screw is tightened all the way down minus a 1/4 turn (which creates bind in the wheel).

What now? Is it possible the gears are to worn to tighten? Should I get a new box or rebuild this one?

BTW: This is a 2WD so no track bar.

 

i have a 97 2500 4x4 with the same problem so i am going to change the gear box i have check or replaced every thing else. the one good thing about loose steering you can come around on a hay wagon fast

 

im pressuming you have a 4x4 so check your trac bar roll down your window turn off your truck grab your wheel and turn it side to side if you can see your axel shift side to side, then its your trac bar

 

ah sorry just saw your p.s. 2wd no trac bar

 

didnt see 2 wd either