I've just got through re-doing the front end of my 96 1500 and I still have play in my steering wheel mostly going one way though to the right.

I replaced the shocks, tie rods, ball joints upper and lower, control arm bushings, wheel bearings and pitman arm. I also adjusted the steering gear box.

Tires are in good shape and same pressure and I did have it professionally aligned after doing all the work. Its now alot better than it was before I started but still some play to the right. It also has a little bit of road wander at higher speeds 70+ not alot though.

Ideas anyone?

By the way I'm not much of much of a natural mechanic, everything I've done so far I picked up from reading old posts here. Thanks to all for that.

 

inspect, see where the slop is. Having a friend help makes it easier. Probably still got some slop in the box, or steering shaft.

 

+1 on the the gear box still being bad, they are junk.

 

I was kind of afraid it might be the steering box as well from reading posts. I was looking at prices and cant afford one of the non-rebuilt ones at the moment and since I've read a rebuilt one can end up having the same problems I'm going to live with it for a bit.

thanks

 

There is a procedure for adjusting the box in the service manual. It consists of TWO adjustments. Easiest to yank the box to do that though. Might help you out some more.

I think gdstock rebuilt his himself... you need a couple special tools for that behavior though.....

 

A reamn box will certainly improve what is there if your box is worn. But over time, like 150,000 more miles or so, it will be worn again. If you can save for a Borgenson or Redhead, adjust what you have, make sure it is safe, and save for the good fix!

Rebuilding is a lot of precision work, and special tools are required. I would not do it again. It was a learning exercise. My next one will probably be a Borgenson.....if I still have the truck in 10 years!

 

I suggest you add ALL the info about your truck to your sig AND profile.

Another thought, was it aligned after replacing all those front end parts? Not that it would help with any play, but the tech might notice something.