Steering column play

[philo_beddoe]

When going over a series of smaller bumps, i can feel play right up the sreering column and to the steering wheel. Where is this play likely coming from? It doesnt feel like its originating from the front end susp.

[WhiteHorse75]

I had a similar problem, after $600 worth of work at Les Shwab.
I went to the auto parts store and bought a double steering damper....($200) solved the problem.

[LTZ C20]

I would honestly have to drive your truck to experience it to be able to even start trying to help figure it out. But that may just be job experience talking. I was very used to my steering before, with all this new stuff, it was definitely tighter but what took the most getting used to was the steering shock I added. I could feel the difference between not having and having it. I do prefer to have it now.

[philo_beddoe]

Could be coming from the steering box??

[zieg85]

idler arm.  Take the center link and see if it moves up and down at the idler arm

[philo_beddoe]

I will check it, just to clarify, there is no play in "sreering" the steering wheel. But i can grab the column (under the hood) and feel play when pulling up on it. There is a collar then like a sleeve at the top of it where it comes out of the firewall, is there a bushing in there?

[hatzie]

This should help some.  They're from the 73-78 GM 51A parts illustration book.  Click on the pictures and they should open to that page on the GM Parts Wiki site.
If I understand you correctly the parts of interest are #s 31-36...  #36 is a bearing.
If you have the Parts Illustration Book 51A PDF from my signature it's page 322...  You'll need the Parts Book 51 to look up the actual part numbers in the x.xxx section numbers listed on the description page.

[philo_beddoe]

This thing..., looks like # 41, coupling.

[hatzie]

That's part of the steering shaft.  If that's loose do a Jeep XJ U-Joint steering shaft upgrade and have done with it.

[VileZambonie]

You need a complete check of the steering and suspension. Do a dry park check, have an assistant rock the steering back and forth while you observe the front end components, the steering gear, frame flex etc.

[philo_beddoe]

Can you be the "assistant"? I'm due for a visit. I'll bring a dd ice coffee.

[VileZambonie]

Better make it a double. 

[philo_beddoe]

No problemo!!  Text me a day and time, at your convenience.

[VileZambonie]

I have some vacation time I plan to use soon so we'll pick a day when I'm playing around in the garage

[philo_beddoe]

Sounds good, i'll save some coin, maybe inspect rear diff. as well. Didnt make camerota's yet, soon though.