2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering box play- no leaks?

[alchemy]

Hi all. New here. Im was just about to swap out my steering box on my 96 and noticed something that seems odd to me. The output shaft of the steering box has quite a bit of slop when the wheel is turned back and forth, both lack of movement and side to side play. However, There are no leaks on the gearbox. This seems crazy to me since all of these boxes end up leaking sooner or later, and especially because the shaft play should have destroyed the seal. Anyone have any opinions? Should i try adjusting instead of replacing? Id hate to send in a good box for the core only to have the new one start leaking . Thank for any input!

 

[bpjmartin]

Unless I'm completely misunderstanding your description, I would try tightening the sector shaft screw first to see if that takes out some of the slop before looking to replacements.

 

[SAndreasen]

It's likely shot mine did the same thing before I replaced you can put a dss bracket on and that will take the play out of the bottom of the shaft but you might as well replace box anyway while your in there I bought a Reman box from carquest and it helped quite a bit I'm I need of new tie rod ends as well