Steering help

[Infragate]

Hi everyone. Wondering if you could answer of few questions of mine. I have a 91 Xl and have some play in my steering. Now what it is exactly: the steering wheel can be moved from one side to the other about 1/8 before the wheels actually turn. Now ive been doing alot of research on this site and others as well as work. I will rule out a few things. So far i have replaced my wheel bearings all my ball joints all my bushings up front to poly incl. axle pivot. Basically everything up front is new. I have replaced my drag link and the upper tie rod ( not my lowers though cause they are tight) I have inspected my steering wheel and intermediate steering shaft for play but everything checks out. I am basically thinking that the steering box is NFG. I have adjusted the mesh load on the box but it really has not changed the amount of play, i just notice the steering gets tighter. I have had a buddy turn the wheels while i watch underneath and find that the pitman arm does not move when it is in the area of play. So basically i feel that the gear is bad. Here's the thing, i just ripped that gear out of another X in the scrap yard. My old gear was the same but a little worse. This one is better but seems it is worn too.
Here's what i want to know. Is it just worth my time and money to have a rebuilt put in or try my luck in the yard. what do they usually go for and who could i get a rebuilt from? Also, when a pump begins to go bad will you notice it in play from the box or dead spots in the steering. And last but not least, when adjusting the mesh load, what is exactly happening inside. I am assuming it is some sort of a relief valve as it works only under hydraulic pressure. Or am i wrong and it is pushing the worm screw down into the gear? I know its alot of questions but i just want to get rid of this play. Thanks alot. I really enjoy the site. I have learned alot of stuff about my X, only thing is, the wife doesn't seem to share the same interest or understand that i need to spend the money on my truck! LOL

 

[bmxking5]

I had a similar problem with my 93. Then I put on a steering stabilizer on and it got rid of most of the play I had. Now it isn't even noticeable. Hope this helps.

 

[Infragate]

well, that is eventually going to end up on my X but i would like to fix the problem before that. It really wouldn't fix the problem as the play is in the box. If my linkage was worn then it would help but thats not the case unfortunetely. But thanks for your input. I appreciate it!