Can someone crash course me on identifying slack in the steering being the gear box vs. the shaft? I mean I know the obvious just want to make sure I am not overlooking anything.

I had new tie-rods, ball joints, and pitman arm replaced, and that took a great deal of it out, but I still have some slack, and I think that slack is what's allowing my travel trailer to wander a bit when towing.

 

the steering shaft coupler was real bad in my truck... the 2wd trucks dont have such a problem with them but they will wear out.

 

You can adjust your steering gear box right on top of it. And have you replaced the rag joint. It could be wearing out.

 

I'm having the same issue with my 93 and I even replaced my steering box. I'm curious as to what others on here tell us. Does your truck feel like it's in 4 Low when you turn sharp like mine does? I'm not sure why it does this!!!!

 

Check the frame and the steering gear bracket (if it's 4x4) for breaks or cracks. These are common!

 

Mines a 2wd, but what I feel more than anything is it does not feel like its gripping the road. My rear feels very loose and the truck wanders the road a little. Its not horrible by any means, but its very noticeable when towing. The reason I think its the front end is when I tow it takes a lot of weight off the front so that escalates the problem.

My rear feeling odd I attribute to having a heavy skirted flatbed and when I replaced my leafs, I went with the lighter duty ones for a smooth ride, and with the weight of the bed the springs are compressed more than they probably should be and I've lost the stiffness back there.

 

Check the kingpin bushings and springs. There under the cap on top of the knuckle on the passenger side, under the steering arm on the driver side.

 

2wd has balljoints not kingpins.

You should have load range E tires.