I have a 96 1500 2WD - 5.9l that I jacked up today under each lower control arm to check for ball joint or tie rod play.

I didn't notice any 6 o'clock/12 o'clock play but I notice a buttload of play from the 3 o'clock/9 o'clock position. Further, I got under the truck and pushed/pulled the wheel (one at a time) back and forth and it appears the play is coming from the linkage between the inner/outer tie rods and also where the inner tie rod links with the pitman arm.

My question(s) are;

1. Is there a kit available whereby I can replace all the joints in the steering linkage?
2. If not what are my options to tighten up the steering linkage?

 

I don't know if there is a full kit available other than the ones on ebay but you could buy all the parts that are bad and replace them. All parts stores have em. There are several kits that include all the parts in a kit form on ebay. I don't remeber the seller but they were on there available as of this morning.

 

one thing that will help out your suspension is the polyeurothane bushings kit, i think its made by energy suspension. the guy on that show gears on the speed channel was talking about that. he said it'll stiffen it up and help with steering response and keep the body roll down.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. I had planned on the poly bushings for the control arms, might as well get them for the steering linkage too and do it all at one time.

Thanks again