Can't get rid of play in the steering

[Fastduramax]

Who da f**k is Les Schwab ! Is this some automotive tech slang I'm not privy to ? Or some Walmart chain automotive shop that actually exists, if so I'm sure glad I haven't seen Lester here in the NE, not that I let anyone touch my truck except with a spray gun...

 

[Radiohead]

Was is more appropriate....

 

[DoubleDingo]

Who da f**k is Les Schwab ! Is this some automotive tech slang I'm not privy to ? Or some Walmart chain automotive shop that actually exists, if so I'm sure glad I haven't seen Lester here in the NE, not that I let anyone touch my truck except with a spray gun...

Never stepped foot in one, but it used to be a good establishment. Was never one near where I lived, but know people that swore by them.

 

[Ricko1966]

I can turn the steering shaft and see the pitman arm is not moving. I still suspect the cardone steering box.

Okay,so now we know where the play is,make sure the shaft isn't slipping around inside the pitman arm,if it isn't,then you need a steering box. Did you say you adjusted this box? Did you follow the factory procedure I posted? Just the little screw on top doesn't cut it. You have to set end thrust first.

 

[Fastduramax]

Thanks Dingo haha never heard of one ! Hell many many years ago I never heard of Sonic or Popeye's till I drove to Flaridar to rescue a Squarebody from sexual abuse, like Earl Schieb !

 

[idahovette]

Never stepped foot in one, but it used to be a good establishment. Was never one near where I lived, but know people that swore by them.

Now, there are a lot of people who swear AT them. First, Les's son got killed in a Jeep? accident, Then Les retired and the Son-in-law took over....started down hill, then SIL sold out and took the money and ran. The first Idaho store was here in Weiser Idaho in 1969. Had numerous opportunities to go to work for them, But NOBODY tells me how long my hair can be AND I AIN'T RUNNING TO GREET ANY CUSTOMER......... sorry about the rant

 

[Cyrillious]

I had the problem there was too much play in the steering wheel turning right especially. I changed my tie-rods that create the drag link that attaches to the pitman arm. This oozed out the dry grease in there and decided to do it now. But the biggest change I found was adjusting the worm gear on the Saginaw steering box. I used a performance spanner wrench (part# W30781) and just doing that helped aligned the steering wheel proper! I have yet to test it but I'm looking forward to it!

 

[TotalyHucked]

Does anyone offer a beefier crossmember.....where the prop valve is? I'm not seeing it anywhere. I'm in if there is one.

Hell I'd like a a mini I beam across the sh|t and get done.

TinWorks does, I plan to add it to my truck along with the suspension goodies

Core Support Crossmember - Classic Chevy Truck Parts - Tinworks Fabrication

Our core support crossmember is ideal for 1973-1987 Chevy/GMC C10 & C20 trucks with damaged factory units, often bent by tow straps or chains.

tinworksfabrication.com

 

[Camar068]

TinWorks does, I plan to add it to my truck along with the suspension goodies

Core Support Crossmember - Classic Chevy Truck Parts - Tinworks Fabrication

Our core support crossmember is ideal for 1973-1987 Chevy/GMC C10 & C20 trucks with damaged factory units, often bent by tow straps or chains.

tinworksfabrication.com

wow, thanks dude. Sent them an email and will go from there. At that price if I have to grind one rivet and it's better, why not.

 

[TotalyHucked]

wow, thanks dude. Sent them an email and will go from there. At that price if I have to grind one rivet and it's better, why not.

Agreed. I was originally just gonna weld in a tube but for that price and I can keep the OEM+ look? Yes please

 

[Bennyt]

TinWorks does, I plan to add it to my truck along with the suspension goodies

Core Support Crossmember - Classic Chevy Truck Parts - Tinworks Fabrication

Our core support crossmember is ideal for 1973-1987 Chevy/GMC C10 & C20 trucks with damaged factory units, often bent by tow straps or chains.

tinworksfabrication.com

Not worth it unless you want the wow factor. The problem with the front cross member is that they are riveted. Remove the rivets and drill it out to 7/16(IIRC), install good grade 8 hardware and it gets much stiffer. Also the bumper needs to be aligned and tight.

If running large wheels or spirited driving the truck..the ORD or Autofab brace as well as the ridetech braces will remove any flex in the front frame. The Autofab/ ORD style braces reinforce the back bolts of steering box and Ridetech reinforces the front bolts and triangulates the front rails, both sides.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Not worth it unless you want the wow factor. The problem with the front cross member is that they are riveted. Remove the rivets and drill it out to 7/16(IIRC), install good grade 8 hardware and it gets much stiffer. Also the bumper needs to be aligned and tight.

If running large wheels or spirited driving the truck..the ORD or Autofab brace as well as the ridetech braces will remove any flex in the front frame. The Autofab/ ORD style braces reinforce the back bolts of steering box and Ridetech reinforces the front bolts and triangulates the front rails, both sides.

Absolutely worth it over the flimsy '81-up 2wd version. My rivets are tight, it was the actual crossmember flexing. So this new one will get bolted in with the larger hardware. I might add in the Ridetech triangulation brackets as well, we'll see.