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sloppy steering problem found

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Old 02-07-2009, 01:25 PM
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Default sloppy steering problem found

there are two main issues with my truck bad tranny and sloppy steering. well i think i found the culprit. i had a helper wiggle the wheel will i look under the truck. there is a joint or something between the pitman arm and drag link that when the wheel is turned back and forth, there is a large ammount of play in it.

well i need to know what exactly is worn between them so i can get this taken care of.
thanks
Old 02-07-2009, 06:49 PM
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The drag link attaches to the pitman arm, and the other end is a tie rod. Then for the other side there's a long inner tie rod and a short outer tie rod.
Old 02-07-2009, 09:03 PM
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no what is the rubber parts between the pitman arm and drag link?
Old 02-07-2009, 09:11 PM
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the ball joint grease boot?
Old 02-07-2009, 09:56 PM
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It's just a dust cap. It comes with the drag link or tie rod end, or a universal one can be purchased separately. But if it's bad then it usually means the part is bad too because the grease doesn't stay in as well.
Old 02-07-2009, 10:26 PM
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so what wears out first the pitman or the drag link?
what it be worth buying these items at a jy instead of spending $80 for a new one?
Old 02-08-2009, 12:19 AM
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The pitman arm is a non-wearable item, it should never need changing. I would buy a new drag link, that's not the kind of part you should buy at the junkyard. I think I paid like $50 for mine new.
Old 02-08-2009, 01:15 AM
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Im not sure but I dont think that will help the play in the steering wheel much.
Old 02-08-2009, 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Boogerburns
Im not sure but I dont think that will help the play in the steering wheel much.
I had a lot of play in the wheel and changed the drag link since it was the most worn part. It took out a lot of play in the wheel.
Old 02-09-2009, 06:32 PM
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I have been corrected. Im sure about this part, dont forget to get an alignment done afterwards.


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