It's really hard to find all the play in parts. I could see a teeny movement in the track bar but that was it but driving was another story. Last go around the gear had the play but I couldn't tell from underneath or testing it. Start with track bar, then tie rods, then gear.

 

Steering box was replaced in mine shortly before I got it. (stock replacement) I haven't done much digging lately, but, there are other issues going on up front as well, so, likely gonna do a major 'refresh' on the front end here soon. Brakes, steering, bearings, u-joints, etc.

 

Yeah, I get that. These front ends are not long for this world. Funny because everyone bad-mouthed "wimpy" IFS trucks back in the day but that's what lasts the longest.

Anyway, start with one thing: track bar. You might find that's enough improvement to tide you over. I almost bought ball joints too but mine are still good (!!!) after 273k. Glad too cause just the stuff I did took a week and wore me out.

I have found I put steering stuff in one bucket and drivetrain another. Had a shop do ujoints 9 years ago and they're still good. Had another shop do hubs five years ago, still good. Never considered doing steering stuff at that time.

Then I did steering 4 years ago and now again. Point is, I realize the whole front could use a "refresh" but that's just too daunting/expensive. So I do a thing here, a thing there. Keeps me just slightly insane.

 

Yes they are. i had a few contents recommend them, now you have me scared. $800 is a lot to spend on a box that is ****ty.

 

it's the damn swype I use, but I'm always in a hurry so can't type every word out

 

I need to address the tie rod roll, and one of my tie rods I already know is bad. Once those are dealt with, going over the rest with a fine tooth comb.

 

Well, in that case, I recommend NOT adding washers like I did. While it stopped the roll, something else was binding or something. These new rods are much better, though still vague on center. Could be the box but it sure seems to not have play. I don't know.

PSC may be good, there was something up with them. I'm pretty sure they stopped making boxes for awhile. Maybe it was Borgeson that was getting the vitriol. In the end, everyone swore by Redhead which is why I went that route. Joke's on me, I guess. Point is, nobody has the perfect box so whatever you get will be a crap shoot.

Oh, and today I heard the pump whine again, just not as loud. I can live with this noise. The power assist seems decent and the steering was fine. There's still a VAGUENESS at center. It's not real sure of 12 oclock if that makes sense. But there's hardly any play so that's good.

I wonder if I should get a new intermediate shaft? The little ujoint has some play. . . .

 

Any slop between the steering wheel, and the box, is going to feel exaggerated as play. If you can find a reasonably priced replacement, go for it.

 

Will this work?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=11373&jsn=469

 

that's the one I used