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

 

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.

 

no what is the rubber parts between the pitman arm and drag link?

 

the ball joint grease boot?

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

I have been corrected. Im sure about this part, dont forget to get an alignment done afterwards.