Play in steering

I may have said before that my 94 Bravada was pulling to the right. However, I have narrowed that down to some minor play in the steering. Considering most streets and freeways in California have a slight slant to the right to prevent flooding, it is understandable for me to have to hold the wheel to the left to prevent drifting to the right, and vice versa for the rare road that slants to the left. However, the vehicle continues to have tight steering while making turns, and the play doesn't really cause it to wander. Anyways, my first thought was that the idler arm was worn, but after a quick check of the linkage and assemblies for the steering, everytjing flet tight and the was it sould be. Now I'm thinking it might be the steering gear box. Any thoughts?

Try moving the steering wheel back and forth off center as you watch for corresponding movement in the wheels, if there is lack of related movement in the wheels suspect the gear box is loose, this assumes the tie rods and center link are ok. Also inspect the flex joint at the bottom of the steering shaft.

Yeah, when I move the steering wheel, there is no movement for about an inch, then the wheel begins to respond normally.

"pulling" in one direction is very different from "wandering". pulling usualy indicates and alignment or tire pressure problem, sometimes brake problems (i.e. a stuck caliper). wandering is a symptom of lose or worn front end components such as the idler arm or steering box. the idler arm on my wifes 92 Bravada is so worn it makes me look like a drunk driver coming down the road as the tires follow the rain grooving. common problem on GMs, but not really a saftey issue. going to change it out as soon as it gets warm here again.

i found that my whole steering system was worn when i got mine at +170k on the clock. changed everything except the pitman and it helped a lot and it wasnt real expensive. pitman still needs to be done but i am just procrastinating because it looks like the steering box wants to get detached and maybe even disconnected from the steering shaft. havent studied it too much. anyone on the list done one? is it any worse than loosening the box to get the nut for the arm off?

How would I go about tightening the gear box, because it is really cramped down there.

From the bottom with an 90 degree allen wrench.

Well, I can't see it, so I'm taking it to a mechanic I know who's really honest and has great deals.

Our trucks are known for steering slop caused by the rag joint. The best way to eliminate it is, replace your steering box with a ZQ8 steering box (12.1:1 ratio vs stock 14.7:1 ratio) which will give you more responsive steering. Then for your 94 replace the intermediate shaft with a solid intermediate shaft from a 98+ wrangler. Direct fit for your truck.

Pic of a 1st gen with the wrangler shaft...

http://www.pghconsulting.net/teal/shaft/1stgen.jpg

For the 95+ trucks, see my how-to in the blazer section