Steering Shaft ??

[R C Cola]

Newby here ! Seem to have steering shaft slop where it enters the steering box ! There is a grommet (badly worn) and shaft moves when I wiggle it by hand right down by the box. Shaft seems to go into a round extension from the box that is about 2-1/2 " long by about 1-1/4" diameter. Shaft movement is about 3/16" when moved by hand. I do have strange tire wear that we have not been able to pin down (funny kind of inside cupping).

Is this emergency or beginning stages and what is the cure. ?

Just reading TDR sure is a big help. Thanks R C :-{}

 

[1stgen4evr]

sloppy steering

Read the Frequently ask Questions. Search 'pot joint', and that is not a hippie smoking place. The problem is well documented there and elsewhere. The pot joint can be repaired cheap. I have done mine and still working fine. If you are 4x4, think Borgeson retrofit. The undefinable tire wear was somewhat corrected on my truck after taking care of the joint and a line up job. Also the wandering steering was eliminated. I know of people who spent hundreds on a front rebuild and still traded the truck off because they couldn't correct their problem. Few shops know about the pot joint.



1stgen4evr

James

 

[guava]

You can buy just the rebuild kit for where the steering shaft fits into the top of the steering box. It was 12 bucks at the local shop. A lot cheaper than going with a complete new shaft system. I can look up the part number if you want.



You have to disconnect the top of the shaft to get the thing out. Its a goofy torx bolt but you can get it with a 12mm 12 point socket if you need to.



I had a real hard time getting the shaft back together because of the spring-steel piece that is used to hold pieces in place. SOrry for the cruddy description. If you buy the kit, it will become obvious.



John

 

[sparks57]

Don't rebuild it, just get rid of it for a good aftermarket unit. The stock shaft will just wear out, over and over... Borgesson has a crappy warranty, but it's cheap. Flaming River is the only other option, and I've never heard a complaint about them except for slow shipping a long time ago.



I put a borgesson on my first gen, and I liked it.

 

[Lock93]

Just added a double u joint borgie shaft to mine (elim rag joint). Now, Steering is as good as my previous '02

FWIW