Loose steering question

[Photomike95]

I just recently purchased a 1995 Tahoe. It had new idler arms, new pump and I replaced the steering shaft as the rag joint was shot. I've adjusted the steering gears, I'm afraid to do that to much, but there's still a fair amount of play in the wheel. It came with 31-10.5-15 tires. Now I'd like to possibly rebuild/replace steering box as it's pushing 200,000 miles thinking this is my issue. As soon as I get a chance it's due for tie rod ends, they are still in decent condition and greaseable. Suggestions please as to my options in tightening up the steering. Thanks

 

[exp500]

Welcome to the board!
If you have changed /inspected ball joints, pittmann arm and still have play, Try putting big pliers.wrench/vise grip on steering shaft or coupling at steering gear. Then wiggle steering wheel. That will check entire steering shaft for play. Then go underneath and watch while helper gently rocks steering side to side watching pittmann arm for movement. That tests the box.
I have had decent luck with Lares boxes(6). GM rebuilts 50/50(8-10). Heard about Red top and Blue top here. There are a few posts about them.
You can adjust box until it either goes to on pressure sitting still, or until balls bind in the chute you are adjusting. I adjust them engine running- 1/8 turn at a time.
Good luck and keep posting results.

 

[east302]

I’ve had similar results with boxes. A Delco reman bad out of the box. One redhead and two bluetops were just fine.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum. With that age and mileage you likely have a combination of weaker components that when add together all their looseness, you get a larger looseness/play feeling.

 

[Ben Gatewood]

My guess are the ball joints.

 

[Eman85]

Check the ball joints and control arm bushings.

 

[JackFox]

I am assuming you mean the play that does not include anything past the sector shaft. You may be feeling a gearbox out of adjustment . Set the steering straight. Loosen the adjustment nut and screw the adjuster all the way in until it stops. Then back it out a tiny bit more than 1/8th turn. Hold in place and snug the adjuster.

Popping sound or binding when turning past the straight-ahead poiunt means it is too tight. If it is not and still a little loose, it's probably a part part. Later GM models of truck has 2 set screws on the steering column where you take the airbag off and get to them. Plenty of trailblazers and envoys had that.