Sloppy steering on 83 k10

[dads83k10]

I have a problem that none of the local chain alignment shops can figure out. I have a 83 K10 that I have been restoring over the past two years and I can't find anyone that can center the steering wheel or get the slop out of the steering. It stays about 1/4 turn off and you have to turn it about the same amount before it finally turns. I have been told 3 different time that is needs a new steering gear box. I have replace it all 3 times, the last time was with an AC Delco reman. I have replaced EVERYTHING(ball joints, tire rods, gearbox, springs, bushings and drag link) on the front of this truck, but I cant get rid of the slop. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[blazer74]

Steering shaft itself at the sliding connector and also the rag joint have you checked?

Is the truck lifted? That's usually what causes the steering wheel to be off.

[dads83k10]

yes, it has a 4 inch lift but it does have the corrected steering arm on it. I have already replaced the rag joint with a rag joint eliminator. It's starting to drive me nuts. I have had someone turn the wheel while I was looking at the steering column and the gear box is turning immediately. I am running out of things to check.

[K20Detroit]

Any chance it has the cracked frame issue?

[dads83k10]

I thought that at first, but I have checked the frame every time that I have had the gear box off. I am planning on getting the ORD brace to prevent any future issues and see if it stiffens the steering up.

[blazer74]

Mines not straight either and I have shortened the drag link by cutting 1/2 inch from one of the link ends.
My frame has a 1/4 inch plate welded to the frame under the box making it worse I think.

Double check your frame by turning the input to the box by hand and check for flex.

The steering shaft at the upper end is not worn. Something is moving some where.

Obviously sloppy driving?

1/4 turn of play engine running or off?

[dads83k10]

Very sloppy driving. The 1/4 turn is engine on.

[blazer74]

With all the new parts sure sounds like cracked frame. If it's in the box you should be able to see it.

You set your preload when installing the ball joints?

[bd]

...I have had someone turn the wheel while I was looking at the steering column and the gear box is turning immediately. I am running out of things to check.

Repeat this check with an assistant turning the wheel back-and-forth while the wheels are on the ground and you watch the entire linkage from the gearbox stub shaft all the way out to the knuckles.  Observe what is moving and what isn't.  The 'slop' could be cumulative between multiple pieces.  Typically, if the frame is cracked the box will move in relation to the frame, but only when the wheels are weighted, creating a counter force to turning.

[dads83k10]

Blazer74 I didn't want to tackle the ball joints, so I paid to have them installed. I'm assuming that they were preloaded, but we all know what happens when you assume. I have had the gear box off 5 times if you include when I painted the frame and I have never seen a crack. I can't seem to find a shop that knows anything about these old trucks. 

BD I have checked the entire linkage/ steering column and the slop is coming in after it gets to the gear box. The wheel and shaft turn in sync but there is lost movement starting at the box.

[bd]

BD I have checked the entire linkage/ steering column and the slop is coming in after it gets to the gear box. The wheel and shaft turn in sync but there is lost movement starting at the box.

Right, but if you study each connection point carefully while an assistant jostles the steering wheel back-and-forth, you should be able to tell which specific joint(s) result(s) in the play, no?

[dads83k10]

Well, I was driving home last night and heard a loud pop, and the truck was almost impossible to turn left. I limped it home, and took the drag link loose to see if it was a bad gear box. The gear box was fine without pressure on it. I decided to pull the gear box and found a very small crack on the upper front bolt hole. I'm sure its worse than that, but the sun was setting and the truck will not fit in my garage so my light was limited. Picking up a frame repair kit from Summit today. Looks like Blazer called it. Thanks for the help guys!!

[bd]

Read through 87 R10 Cracked Frame Repair @ Steering Gear if you have never repaired a broken frame or installed a steering gear reinforcement.  Although the thread applies to a RWD truck, 4X4 frame repair is similar with subtle differences existing in the configuration of specific parts.

[dads83k10]

Thanks for your help! I hope to be able to get it to my shop tomorrow and I will start the repairs then. For now I'll have to settle for driving the bike to work.