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Slack Steering Troubleshooting

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Old 10-18-2010, 02:24 PM
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Slack Steering Troubleshooting

Can someone crash course me on identifying slack in the steering being the gear box vs. the shaft? I mean I know the obvious just want to make sure I am not overlooking anything.

I had new tie-rods, ball joints, and pitman arm replaced, and that took a great deal of it out, but I still have some slack, and I think that slack is what's allowing my travel trailer to wander a bit when towing.
Old 10-18-2010, 03:23 PM
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the steering shaft coupler was real bad in my truck... the 2wd trucks dont have such a problem with them but they will wear out.
Old 10-18-2010, 05:36 PM
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You can adjust your steering gear box right on top of it. And have you replaced the rag joint. It could be wearing out.
Old 10-19-2010, 09:37 PM
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I'm having the same issue with my 93 and I even replaced my steering box. I'm curious as to what others on here tell us. Does your truck feel like it's in 4 Low when you turn sharp like mine does? I'm not sure why it does this!!!!
Old 10-19-2010, 10:09 PM
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Check the frame and the steering gear bracket (if it's 4x4) for breaks or cracks. These are common!
Old 10-20-2010, 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by unclet
I'm having the same issue with my 93 and I even replaced my steering box. I'm curious as to what others on here tell us. Does your truck feel like it's in 4 Low when you turn sharp like mine does? I'm not sure why it does this!!!!
Mines a 2wd, but what I feel more than anything is it does not feel like its gripping the road. My rear feels very loose and the truck wanders the road a little. Its not horrible by any means, but its very noticeable when towing. The reason I think its the front end is when I tow it takes a lot of weight off the front so that escalates the problem.

My rear feeling odd I attribute to having a heavy skirted flatbed and when I replaced my leafs, I went with the lighter duty ones for a smooth ride, and with the weight of the bed the springs are compressed more than they probably should be and I've lost the stiffness back there.
Old 10-20-2010, 05:11 PM
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Check the kingpin bushings and springs. There under the cap on top of the knuckle on the passenger side, under the steering arm on the driver side.
Old 10-20-2010, 07:44 PM
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2wd has balljoints not kingpins.

You should have load range E tires.
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