Newbie 1st gen owner

[Flinty]

Hello all... I've just joined the ranks of the first gen crowd and would like to know if anyone has a suggestion with regard to a new front seat, aftermarket or otherwise. The one the truck came with has got to go, a milk crate would be an improvement. Also, are the bearings that keep the steering wheel from wobbling around a pain to replace or is the problem greater than that? I've read about the steering shaft upgrade and will pursue it soon. I couldn't find any information about the wobbly steering wheel specifically.



The truck is a '92 4X4 with a nv4500. Yes, nv4500. 274k, ex. cab, loaded. New VE, new injectors. I like it.



Any and all advice is much appreciated and valued.



Jon



P. S. Air filters?

 

[Tippin Spotted Cow]

Welcome. You're wobbly steering most likely is your steering shaft. Best way to test is to shut the truck off so you dont have power steering, but leave the key to accessories so the wheel is unlocked, reach under the wheel well, grab the shaft and twist it back and forth. Where the problem occurs is the coupler that attaches the rod to the steering gear. You'll see the rod wobble inside of that coupler pretty bad. The upgrade shaft replaces the coupler with a universal joint. Wonderful product, highly recommend.



What I did for my air filter is measured the stock flange that the filter clamps on, and ordered the biggest filter that AFE made with that size flange. Most aftermarket full intake systems come with a filter thats probably 8-10 inches tall, I found one thats 14".

 

[dpuckett]

Ditto the steering coupler. Also, if original, your box itself is probably showing some signs of wear. I had a box rebuilt by PSC and loved it. Had it not been 20deg for the high when I sold the truck, it would be on its way to its 3rd truck now. When I decide which 4x4 to keep, I'm definitely getting another.



There are numerous options for seats. If you have a club cab, you can swap in just about any seat you like if you have some fabrication skills and the brain power to use them. I put a 94 40-20-40 seat in a 91 regular cab, and liked it. Not as much as my captain's chairs, but still better than the 4"-off-the-floor bench that was in it.



I'd stick with a paper air filter in the midwest- the dust in the air is just too fine for a K&N. AFE, et al, to capture. I occasionally get just a hint of dust at 20K with a paper filter, but by then it's time to change it anyway. A BHAF with an Outerwears cover would be another option, though a housing has to be built. I wouldnt recommend letting it hang, as the fan blows hot engine compartment air right into the filter, heating your intake air.



DP