front end

[ArnzCardz]

I have some looseness in my steering. What is the cause in your opinions? Thanks in advance. What a great place to get answers.

[blazee]

You can find out for yourself, have someone move the steering wheel back and forth (works better with engine off), you look under the front and see where the slack is. Everything should move together smoothly, if not the place that has the slack is bad.

When mine was loose, the problem was the idler arm.

You can get more life from your steering components if you grease them regularly. There are 11 grease fittings on the front of these trucks. (beat you to it BlazerLT )

2 upper ball joints
2 lower ball joints
2 outer tie rod ends
2 inner tie rod ends
2 on the idler arm
1 on the pitman

Just grease them until the rubber boot is firm to the touch. I use two grease guns, one with a hose and straight end, and one with a 90 degree fitting for the tight places.

[rlith]

Also one of the biggest culprits of steering slop is the rag joint at the base of the intermediate shaft where it attaches to the steering box... They wear out over time and cause the slop... Replace this with a solid shaft and it helps immensely... Also consider changing out to a Zq8 steering box and you will be much happier...

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by ArnzCardz

I have some looseness in my steering. What is the cause in your opinions? Thanks in advance. What a great place to get answers.

I too have some slack in my steering right now and it is from the idler arm and pitman arm and the the right inner tie rod end assembly.

That is where most of the slack and problems occur in our front ends.

Lift the right front tire off of the ground and turn the tire in and out slightly and you should see the play.