Can't get rid of play in the steering

[Camar068]

I'd just push a piece of 6 in channel iron up against the frame rails in front of the sway bar drill 3 holes per side bolt it up, it would hold the frame rails parallel you could get fancier but that would add a ton of ridgity,cheap and easy. 6x2 channel 3/16ths

you mean parallel/against the frame or one piece from drivers side to passenger side frame?

 

[Ricko1966]

you mean parallel/against the frame or one piece from drivers side to passenger side frame?

Passenger side to drivers side,just like a receiver hitch.

 

[Camar068]

Passenger side to drivers side,just like a receiver hitch.

gotcha....threw me off with the 3 bolt part.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Wow, didn't know they were that flexy those years! I'll have to take a closer look at one next time I see. I was actually going to use the later rear crossmember at the tail of the bed on my 77 as I figured the holes would create some additional access that I could have used.

It just depends on the usage of the truck. Especially at the rear, the later crossmember with holes in it will be fine for most trucks. But I'm working toward my truck being a Pro-Touring/Auto-X build, so I need the stiffness. I'll also be replacing my rear crossmember with a TinWorks fab unit that is stiffer

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But the '81-up 2wd crossmembers have so much material cut out of them, even a street truck/cruiser could benefit from a stouter version. I've seen a handful of guys swap in the 4wd one since it's solid. Here's a pic of mine, note the huge holes and that where it rivets to the frame has legs cuz there's more material taken out of the sides. That was part of the weight reduction they did for '81-up, I think they saved 300lbs or so over an '80-down truck.

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[Steppin Razor]

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.

I did.
I thought as much re: steering box. I was hesitant ordering the cardone, but it's not like there are a lot of choices.

 

[Ricko1966]

I did.
I thought as much re: steering box. I was hesitant ordering the cardone, but it's not like there are a lot of choices.

Have you made sure that steering shaft isn't moving inside the pitman arm,?As in the steering box out put is turning but moves before it starts moving the pitman arm. Have you laid under the truck and watched for what moves vs.what doesn't move,while some one else works the steering wheel? Little side to side motions,then bigger side to side motions.

 

[Camar068]

Have you made sure that steering shaft isn't moving inside the pitman arm,?As in the steering box out put is turning but moves before it starts moving the pitman arm. Have you laid under the truck and watched for what moves vs.what doesn't move,while some one else works the steering wheel? Little side to side motions,then bigger side to side motions.

mine was going that a few months ago. A few ooga-dooga's with an impact took care of that.

 

[mtbadbob]

If you go to Les Schwab and ask them to tell you what is wrong with the steering - they will diagnose it for free in the hopes that you will pay them to fix it. Just ask for a repair quote, and it will list all the issues that they can find. The specialize in these types of diagnostics.

You trust those monkeys working at tire shops???