I have about 1" of play in my steering... Not on the front side (connecting out to the relay rod), but on the back side (connecting up to the rag joint & steering wheel). Doesn't appear to be any way to adjust this out...

That said, is there a way to rebuild it or am I stuck digging thru junk yards for a replacement?

I'd figure out exactly where the supposed play in it is coming from before I started throwing expensive parts at it. Steering boxes rarely just wear out (but sometimes they leak).

I'd probably have someone turn the wheel back and forth while watching all the parts move and/or feeling them/turning them by hand and feeling for play, kinda like you would for a u-joint. Same thing at the steering box- unlock the wheel and turn the input to the box by hand and feel if there is any play between the input and output.

If its just a "feeling" of looseness in the steering while driving, then it could even be an alignment or tire issue. Or even wheel bearings.

You can adjust the slop out of the steering gear box. Put the front of the truck on jack stands. Pull off your radiator expansion tank by pulling and wiggling upward. Look down on the top of the box, you'll see a shaft with a slot in the end (for a flat-bladed screwdrive) and a lock nut on the outside of it. Mark the position of the slot before you loosen anything. Loosen the lock nut (17mm, I think). Tighten the slotted shaft (clock-wise) no more than 1/4 turn. While holding the position of the shaft, tighten the lock nut. Check steering to make sure nothing is binding. Adjust if necessary, repeat until satisfied (or frustrated that you just can't get it any better<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />). Replace expansion tank. Go for a drive. Enjoy. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Did all that... I adjusted the adjusting screw tight enough to start binding. The play is NOT in front of the steering box - it's behind (steering shaft to steering wheel). And it's not the rag joint - that's tight. I can grab the steering shaft & turn it at least 10 degrees before the worm gear catches. No play anywhere else - Not the ball joints, TRE's, idler arm or wheel bearings. It's definitely in the steering box.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

ive got a spare if you need one <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Are you going forward with a SAS?

If it's for sale, I'll take it... PM me with details! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />