STEERING PLAY

[RMP750]

I hope im not repeating a question but i have looked and cannot find the answer. So here it is- 02 4wd 7.3 on 37 inch tires with a 6inch lift, had a bad ball joint off the pitman arm-easy enough to replace, after replacing still have play in steering, today I checked all the steering linkages and arms and I found play from pitman arm to steering gear. Is some play normal? Is it common for the pitman arm splines to wear out? The reason i think the splines are worn is because I found the nut on the pitman arm loose when i replaced the tierod end. Thanks for the help in advance.

Ron Pope

[Raul@Stealth Automotive]

Their is play when the truck is stopped or you feel it when your driving?

[RMP750]

Both-I removed the trailing arm from the piitman arm and i can feel play at the pitman arm. Its a very small amount there but by the time it gets all the way to the ground it feels like a ton of play.

[Raul@Stealth Automotive]

do you feel it would be more of a worn trailing arm issue or a steering box issue.... those end joints wear pretty fast once you lift your truck and add larger tires....

[RMP750]

I disconnected the trailing arm from the pitman arm and i can jerk on the pitman arm and feel the play so im pretty sure it is coming from the pitman arm or steering box.