Steering gear box play
 

Is it normal to have a little play in these truck gear boxes? I replaced mine over a year ago with a reman Napa box and it has some play. I assumed that as soon as the input shaft turns that the pitman arm shaft should turn as well with no play? Mine is a mid 80's 7802644L steering gearbox. Whats the deal do the worm gear or sector shaft/rack gear wear over time? Any info would pretty appreciated. I want my steering to be as tight as possible

Re: Steering gear box play
 

Suspect the worm gear was barely in specs or overlooked. I had one completely fail during parking before on a old gear box. Glad I was only doing a crawl during the turn in. Would have been a mean accident at a speed. For that reason I don't take chances with a gear box I can't see inside or know if it had been in a flood before etc.

Re: Steering gear box play
 

Check out redhead steering gears if you want to buy a steering box that will be a reliable rebuild.

Re: Steering gear box play
 

Just about anything in the front suspension/steering system can result in steering wheel play. Tightest steering box in the world isn't going to do well with worn parts allowing relative movement.
Might just want to start with a manual and check everything out.
RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here

Re: Steering gear box play
 

Yep, we sell red-head steering gears. They are remanufactured not just rebuilt. Most retail companied like napa, and others buy their rebuilt gears from A-1 Cardone. Their policy is replace what's broke and you get gears that have lots of ware on them. red-head completely remanufactures their gears and all bearings are replaced as are the gears that are worn. WES

Re: Steering gear box play
 

Everything else is tight already checked. The gear box has some play in it they shouldn't, disappointing for a reman Napa box less than a year old. Anyways Red head is the name that pops up all the time. I gave them a call looks good. I'll probably give them a shot if the sector shaft adjustment doesn't do much good.