steering slop
 

Ok guys I need some help, my 70 c10 SB has some major steering slop the steering wheel rotates 3inch before the steering box works. the rag gear seams tight, I have adjusted the steer box to the max. My question is, should I buy a new steering box or should I just spend the long dollar and buy a rack and pinion setup? There seems to be lots of steering box options on the net, and just as many rack and pinion setups. Any help on this topic would be
greatly appreciated

Re: steering slop
 

Check your steering column too. It may be way worn out as well.

Re: steering slop
 

A new steering box tightened up my steering, no more slop as you describe.

Re: steering slop
 

What condition are the other steering parts in? Might be sloppy sitting, but might be worse moving. If possible before a rack and pinion set-up, maybe look at the cost of a power steering set-up, if you are not already equipped.

Re: steering slop
 

Figure out where the slack is before replacing parts. Get someone to work the steering wheel back & forth (only as much as the slack play) while you look at the various steering components. Identify the bad part(s), then replace. You mentioned already adjusting the steering box, which indicates that *might* be the problem.

I don't know what's involved with converting to R&P. If you can figure it out, fine, but if your box is shot and the rest of the steering is fine, why not just replace the box with a new one?

Re: steering slop
 

Jack up the front of the truck and grab the tire on each side then wiggle it and see if you can feel any slop then grab the top and bottom of the tire and see if you can feel any slop, if everything feels tight then you are all good on tie rod ends and ball joints and the most likely cause is a worn out steering box.

Re: steering slop
 

eliminate all the other slop before throwing any money at a new box or a rack and pinion set up. otherwise it will still be there when your don with a new install.

I would stick with the box over the r&p. But I'm old's cool

Re: steering slop
 

Has the front end been rebuilt, ball joints, tie rod ends ect? crack in the frame by the box?