I took my truck in for tail gate cables and told them about the steering raddle and a noise when turning they replaced the intermediate shaft and steering box I was happy about that. When I got it back the steering feels tighter and now it seems to have alot of play in the steering while driving it seems you have to turn the steering wheel more to make corrections. I took it back they said the pitman and idler arms are worn causing the play I checked myself and cant see any play in them only 41,000 miles no offroad I thought I read about people having there steering boxs replaced and having the same problems. Any Info would be great Thanks

That does sound like a pitman arm/idler arm wear symptom. They often need replacement at 50k miles or so.

Thanks for the reply I guess I will change them out. It would be nice to get better quality ones for replacement rather than keep changing the stock ones. I love the truck wish the front ends were better quality though.

I had the same situation, only I was going on a 10,000 mile trip the day after they replaced my steering box and steering shaft. (When I got back it was out of warrenty) 65000 miles on the truck now. I still have the play. I needed new tires a couple of weeks ago and they said my idler arm was bad, but the pitman was ok. I replaced the idler. Then yesterday I replaced the front shocks. The truck certainly steers and rides a lot better than it used to, but I still have the play, and really did not notice the play till after the steering box was replaced.

I think the Tech. may just put the box on and not adjust it. I asked on the forum several months ago about adjusting it and did not get a lot of non-concrete answers as to the amount and method. I have adjusted the boxes in my older trucks and never thought anything of it, but some of the replies I got were saying how you had to be so careful in adjusting it etc, that I left it alone. There is the adjuster on it, just like they have been for years and years.

Let me know how yours turns out.

Thanks for your reply just like you mine was only loose after the new box was installed I thought about adjusting mine like you said I have older vehicles and it worked out great just loosen lock nut then take the play out then retighten lock nut. I told the dealer when I took it in about the box but when I got it back he said it was pitman and idler. I still believe its in the box though. I guess for the sake of it as I know the steering parts are poor quality anyway I will replace the pitman and idler in a while and then hope it goes away. Or maybe I should try to tighten box if it screws up I guess I could take it back and see what the dealer says. I guess if the play goes away that would solve my problem if not I might be able to put it back where it was.

3/16 Allen Wrench and 5/8 Box Wrench turned the Allen 1/2-3/4 Turn to the right and all is well again. Play is gone fells like it did before.