Loose Steering!!!

[benw]

Is there anything I can do to improve My steering? It has gotten too the point where it takes half a turn of the wheel just to get the truck to respond

[KylePBZ]

I would venture to say it's time for a front end rebuild. 247,000 it's probably due!

[skipr]

have a friend turn steering wheel right to left numerous times, while you look under front end at linkage. You will probally notice alot of play in the pitman arm and/or idler arm.Do this with engine not running (no power assist)

[clampjockey]

i just put a pitman arm and idler combo on my truck, and it tightened mine up a lot. imho don't buy the cheap parts like i did, the idler arm was shot from new, 2 weeks later it was worse than before the new parts were put on. luckily, its the easy one to change. my steering box had to be loosened to get the pitman arm on.

[joe92k1500]

Look at your tie rods. If they are loose, there can be a lot of play. I only needed one replaced, and that was 70% of my play ( mine was almost half a turn also) I have a little play in the pitman arm, but i'll live with it until it gets warmer.

[J-Ri]

There's a tension/clearance adjustment on the steering gear box on my 86, tightening that helped me a lot.