I’ve searched this site and several more over the years. Along with Facebook groups, Google etc trying to fix my steering on my 97 2 door Z71 with 4 inch lift. I’m not above missing something along the way either.
I’ve had this truck for a long time, my guess 15 years. I’d guess I’ve put 15k miles on it since I bought it. Mainly used it for off-road, hunting etc. Recently started driving it in town and doing some restoration on the truck. The steering was a little loose when I first bought it but as I tried to fix it got worse lol. Shortly after buying it I installed a few front eng parts and different steering gearboxes. Currently have an AGM steering box.
I decided a couple moths back I was going to fix it once and for all. I replaced every front end part on the truck. Ball joint, tie rod end, idler arm, pitman arm you name it with brand name parts. Including upper lower control arm bushings. Also complete new Cunningham steering shaft.
Quite a few years back I removed the EVO and installed the bypass kit too.
When we swapped out all the front end parts a few weeks back I had the shop install a Redtop steering box to replace the AGM. Shop said the AGM box was tight, I said swap it anyway. Turned out the RedTop box preload was so far out we called Red Top they told us we could adjust it. We did but couldn’t even drive down the freeway, had to put my old box back in. Sent the box back to RedTop and got my money back.
So I’m back to where I was. We have the preload cranked way the hell down on the AGM box to tighten up the steering. I still has play at freeway speeds. Brand new BFG all terrain tires too. All work done on the front end by a shop in Houston that only does front end work and alignments. Been in business 32 years.
This is what I think. I think I’ve yet to put a good steering box on it. All these RedTop and AGM boxes are rebuilt. I also think even though I bypassed the EVO with the bypass kit, it’s possible I have to much boost. Not sure if I need a non EVO box, I thought 95-98 boxes were all the same. If not hope someone can comment.
My next step is to buy a brand new steering gear, probably a Lares. Chinese or not what I’ve read Lares maybe my best bet. I think they are all made in China now days.
I’ve kicked around in my head taking it to another shop and getting the alignment check. But I doubt that’s it.
I’d like to get comments. I need all the help I can get, thanks Billy
