Upper Ball Joint Question 1999 Tahoe

1999 Chevy Tahoe, 4 Door, 4x4, 5.7L

I replaced an upper ball joint this weekend, was a pretty simple job overall, but have one question. What is the proper torque for the bolts that hold the ball joint to the upper control arm? I torqued them to 17 ft lbs (per Hayes and Autozone) but that seems a bit weak. Thought I'd throw it out here before I drive it..

On a side note, my next project is to replace the pitman arm. There is also a lot of play in the gear box. I know you can adjust the gear box with the set screw on top. I have also read the "proper" way to adjust the gear box involves removing the gear box and adjusting it on the bench with a torque wrench etc.

So I guess my question is (and would like your opinion), with 203K on the truck, what are my chances tightening up the steering box and having it last. Or given the work involved with removing the pitman arm and the gearbox, would I be better off just spending the ~$210 replace the gearbox and being done with it? I know doing it myself is "free", and while I enjoy working on the thing, lets face it, nothing worse than being penny wise... pound foolish...

Thanks -

1999 Chevy Tahoe, 4 Door, 4x4, 5.7L

I replaced an upper ball joint this weekend, was a pretty simple job overall, but have one question. What is the proper torque for the bolts that hold the ball joint to the upper control arm? I torqued them to 17 ft lbs (per Hayes and Autozone) but that seems a bit weak. Thought I'd throw it out here before I drive it..

On a side note, my next project is to replace the pitman arm. There is also a lot of play in the gear box. I know you can adjust the gear box with the set screw on top. I have also read the "proper" way to adjust the gear box involves removing the gear box and adjusting it on the bench with a torque wrench etc.

So I guess my question is (and would like your opinion), with 203K on the truck, what are my chances tightening up the steering box and having it last. Or given the work involved with removing the pitman arm and the gearbox, would I be better off just spending the ~$210 replace the gearbox and being done with it? I know doing it myself is "free", and while I enjoy working on the thing, lets face it, nothing worse than being penny wise... pound foolish...

Thanks -

upper 37ft lbs lower 52ft lbs ball joint torque..

the pitman arm gear box when removed and adjusted will reveal if you need to replace it ..this should be noted in your proceedure..