Sloppy Steering

[jxw004]

Ok, so I have notice that on the freeway (65mph+) my steering gets sloppy. I can keep it in the lane but I am constantly having to correct/adjust her. I have replaced the following:
-upper control arms
-lower ball joints
-Inner/outer tie rods
-idler arm
-pitman arm
-Intermediate steering shaft
-gearbox.
-Wheel bearings

Im not sure if I missed something or what, I am planning on adjusting the gearbox (the nut and screw on top) but if this does not work I'm not sure what else to do. I have about 6-7 degree of play in the wheel all the way to the gearbox. Is this normal for those with a lift? (this is my first lifted vehicle)

 

[01Konvict]

Sounds a little off try adjusting the gear box pressure screw. Most play is in the idler pitman arm but since those are new.

 

[Duramax05blk]

i have also seen the knuckle taper enlarged from over torquing the tie rod ends. but would try to tighten box up to, just dont over tighten it maybe 1/16 or 1/8 at time drive it for a day or two make sure theres no binding. its very easy to over tighten and trash box and lose steering.

 

[jxw004]

OK so I tightened the box (about 1/2 a turn) and it seems to have helped a little bit, how much can this be safely tightened?

 

[Duramax05blk]

As far as I know there is no max, other than till it binds. 1/2 seems like a lot I would also look for slop in the intermediate shaft

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[jxw004]

I would also look for slop in the intermediate shaft

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That was replaced and the wheel and both upper and lower steering shafts are solid, the play looks like it is in the gear box...I got a reman one, do they make new or improved ones?

 

[Duramax05blk]

Red head I believe is the name

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[jxw004]

Ok, So I think I have found the slop. I think it might actually be IN THE STEERING WHEEL, are there any bearings or is it just a bolt or bolts that hold the wheel on and in place? is it possible for these parts to become loose?

 

[Mr. 960]

Check your alignment. Sounds like the front is towed too far out which will make the truck wander. Unless it was a crappy rebuild, 1/2 turn on the box is too much. I turned mine on my original box a little shy of 1/4 turn, and this is with 100,000 miles on it.

 

[jxw004]

Check your alignment. Sounds like the front is towed too far out which will make the truck wander. Unless it was a crappy rebuild, 1/2 turn on the box is too much. I turned mine on my original box a little shy of 1/4 turn, and this is with 100,000 miles on it.

Alignment was checked by Firestone (lifetime alignment) and they said everything was within specks, and on the sheet they sowed everything was green. Checked out the wheel and nothing is loose behind it (just a bolt with splines). I am going to try the redhead gear box and see if that works, just waiting for them to get back to me on the price. Will update as I get more. Hopefully I can get this figured out.....I would hate to get rid of this rig.