Steering Issues

[Firstgenfanantic]

I bought my 93' CTD 4x4 back in the summer of 07'. Since purchasing it, my steering has been really sloppy with lots of play. I dare not drive through the mud/snow with only one hand on the wheel. The pickup has 204K for miles and nothing has been replaced up front except for front axle u-joints. What are all the items associated with the steering? What should I check besides the stock steering shaft? I need to have a "checklist" on items that affect steering performance. I really like my 1st gen, but I hate driving it on extended road trips because of the slopping steering. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[pepecat]

Kingpin Bushings, Tie Rod Ends, Borgeson Steering shaft are just a few Items I'd tend to... And then a good old fashioned Alignment.

 

[JLEONARD]

What pepecat said and you might need pitman arm and idler arms too. A couple of years ago I helped a local guy who had about 30 degrees pf play in his wheel... we put on a used Borgreson joint and that took care of 95% of the play. It was amazing.

And take it to a GOOD alignment shop, or they won't do it right.

 

[rumblefish]

check to make sure the steering box is tight on the frame. my old crew cab kept loosening up.

 

[dpuckett]

MY W350 had about 30deg of play in the steering when I got it. New tie rod end and drag link cured 85% of it. I still have a few degrees now.



The toe-in is the only thing adjustable on these trucks. Just measure your track width at the front of the tire and rear of the tire and see if you need to adjust anything. The FSM has specs on toe.



Daniel

 

[PToombs]

Check the pot joint on the steering shaft just above the gearbox. Most of your play is probably there. You can replace all the parts for about $30-40 or buy a Borgeson shaft for $200. Check draglink and tie rod ends too, like everybody else said.

 

[Firstgenfanantic]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Yeah, I really want to correct all these problems. Would you all recommend a certain brand for replacement parts? It seems like most generic auto parts store stuff can't hold up to the diesels' wear and tear... ... ... maybe I'm wrong?

 

[rumblefish]

i would suggest moog. o'reillys carries it, but i don't think they are out in wasington yet. beware, the moog that advance auto carries is NOT the same as the genuine stuff. alot of it is reboxed trw stuff leftover from when they switched brands.