I've been lurking around the forum for awhile now but have yet needed to post yet yet until now, I have a 1994 1500 regular cab long bed, 5.2 auto tranny 4 wheel drive, when I put my new wheels on back in April I noticed that I could slightly wiggle my wheel, when grabbing it in the 12 and 6 position, and that was back in april, the play has not gotten any worse since then and I cannot figure out if its the wheel bearing or ball joints. Any help would be greatly appriciated

 

Well have someone ELSE shake the wheel (as you described) while YOU look at all the components.

 

I'll give it a try when it quits raining, I've looked before but couldn't see movement, but wouldn't ya think it would get worse over time? It hasn't gotten anymore play in it at all and it makes no noises what so ever

 

I suspect a BJ. But with the tire in the way, it's hard to tell when doing it yourself. Get a friend or your girlfriend or wife to help with the BJ's.

 

Haha that's a good one, that's what I suspected its the ball joint, cause if it was a wheel bearing it more than likely woulda let go by now or atleast gotten noisey and have a lot of play

 

All kidding aside, you need someone to help you check. Have one of them inside the truck and saw the steering wheel back and forth so you can check the rest of the components as well.

 

Mine had a bit of play in all directions. 12 and 6, and 3 and 9. It was the bearing. It is tightened right up, NO play. From your symptoms, I would say ball joint, but definately have someone help. A lot of times it is the severity of the wear.

 

It can't be too bad yet cause you can barely feel it move with the tire on and of ya take it off it doesn't move at all

 

grab the wheel at 3 and 9 and have someone hold the steering wheel, u jiggle the wheel back and forth if it moves BJ, if not drive the truck down the road and turn hard to left or right witch ever side is doing it, if u hear growling WB.

 

Could be your tie rod. If your wheels or tires are bigger those kill your tie rods