steering issues

[causethechicksdigit]

for some reason i was on the way home and my steering wheel started to get play in it. it got to the point that i could turn it half a turn each way before the tires would react. looked underneath and could watch the input shaft of the steering gear turn and it would turn alot before then output shaft wold move so i replaced the steering gear box. and now its gotten better but yet when i turn to the right i can still turn a bunch before the wheels react and the left responds instanly. anyone know what to try now

[Fireman40]

I would check all of your connections under there. ball joints, tie rods, pitman arms and so no. Check anything the pivots during turning. The easiest way is to start the truck and have someone turn the wheels left and right while you look under neath

[Fordman99]

+1
I would check all of your connections under there. ball joints, tie rods, pitman arms and so no. Check anything the pivots during turning. The easiest way is to start the truck and have someone turn the wheels left and right while you look under neath

[7.34ever]

Play to the right but not the left? That's wierd.

Did you check the column? PS pump? Column to gearbox shaft?

[sinner6.0L]

definitely have someone gently shake the steering wheel back and forth (with the wheels on the ground) while you crawl underneath and physically feel all of the joints for play. I change a lot of upper drag links in 7.3s

definitely check out your track bar too

[causethechicksdigit]

thanks for all the feedback guys...iv looked over everything now and still havent came up with much. but im a bit confused on the track bar i didnt think they had much effect with the set up of the steering so how would you check to make sure its in working conditon

[codyryan07]

You said you checked the pitman arm, but did you check the nut holding the pitman arm to the steering box? Mine keeps backing off a hair and it's a PITA :/ just a thought.