my truck when i went on the highway today the steering has alot of play back and forth to the right and back to the left all over the place.I dont really notice it off the highway but on the highway its bad.what could be causing that?you think its the ball joints? grrrrrrr.

 

Raise & support the front so the front wheels are off the ground. put each hand first at the 9 & 3 o clock positions then go back & fourth 1 hand at a time. If there is excessive play, it is the the tie rods & steering linkages. Then put your hands at 6 & 12 positions & do the same thing, if there is play there, that is the ball joints. Good luck!

 

With the truck parked, and running, have a friend "see-saw" the steering wheel left and right like an 1/8th of a turn back and forth. When they do this, get down and have a look at all of the steering components. If you notice and play, make a note where it was and move on to the next component.

Don't pick a friend that would run you over if given the chance either...

Make sure to check the track bar where it mounts to the frame also.

 

If all of that is good, there is an adjustment screw on gearbox. Instructions can be found in service manual located in DIY section.