Loose steering

[greenmonster]

I have a 75 k10 and the steering has alot of play in it.I just replaced the ball joints so it is not that.What usually wears on these trucks.

[Redneckchevy]

Well if u checked your tie rod ends i would say its the steering box...There is a amusement on the box that will let u take up some of the play..But you only do it if all Ur tie rods in and out are good

[greenmonster]

The tie rod end seem to be tight and it goes down the road straight.

[Redneckchevy]

How much travel do you have before the tires move?

[greenmonster]

1/8 of a turn maybe a little less.Just enough to make it interesting in tight traffic.

[Redneckchevy]

Yea then..i would  adjust it at the box then

[greenmonster]

How do I adjust the play in the gear box.

[Redneckchevy]

Looking down at the box you will see a flat head screw with a lock nut around it ..Turning it to the right Brings the gears closer..which will take the play out..Turning to the left will separate gears giving more play..So loosing the  lock nut turn it a Lil to the right maybe 1/4 turn at a time and re tighten the  lock nut down and check it..But dont over do it or the gears will go bad faster

[greenmonster]

Thanks for the info.I hope this works if not it sounds like it is going to be $$$ to fix.

[Redneckchevy]

Well just dint over do it..stop turning it when the play is out. when the play is all gone back the screw up just a hair to take the extra pressure of the gears then tighten the lock nut

[greenmonster]

I was just saying if this didn't work then I probably need a new box.

[Redneckchevy]

No i figured that lol....But some times pepole want to over do it then that will cost alot of money to fix....But 1/8 isnt much at all ..its when u have inches you gotta worry

[VileZambonie]

Do a "drypark check" of the steering and suspension:

With the wheels on level ground have an assistant rock the steering wheel back and fourth.

Check your tie rod ends, drag link, gear box where it mounts to the frame, the frame horns in the front for flexing, etc

Jack it up and check your wheel bearings,

To check for excessive lash in the gear box, observe the rotation of the steering shaft into the flexible coupler (rag joint) for play. If ok observe the movement of the pitman arm vs the amount of rotation of the steering shaft. If it's excessive and everything else is ok you can adjust the high point on the gear box. 1st make a witness mark on the lash adjuster and the jam nut so you have a baseline and while holding the adjuster loosen the jam nut. Hold the jam nut with a 5/8 wrench and turn in the lash adjuster slowly 1/2 turn max at a time and check it again. again have someone rock the wheel while you observe. Make sure the wheels are pointed straight ahead when you do this.

[greenmonster]

Should I do the check with the truck running or off.

[VileZambonie]

Off, you want as much resistance as possible to reveal the most movement