New Steering Shaft Feels Different With Play
02-12-2017, 06:01 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
New Steering Shaft Feels Different With Play
I put a new steering shaft in my 2004 XLT 4wd. Went in fine after I discovered the little round cutout for the bolt to slide across 
My question is that this shaft is much stiffer than the old one which is fine for a new one and it will loosen up a little but now I have about 1/2-1in free play in the center in either direction before it hits a noticeable "stop" and the wheels turn. It turns smoothly enough with no clunk, hesitation or hang but I'm wondering if this is normal with larger tires in these trucks? I have 285/70/17 on this one. I'm aware of the normal wander wider tires will have over stock and narrower ones.
So, did the new shaft point out something else that is going on?
My question is that this shaft is much stiffer than the old one which is fine for a new one and it will loosen up a little but now I have about 1/2-1in free play in the center in either direction before it hits a noticeable "stop" and the wheels turn. It turns smoothly enough with no clunk, hesitation or hang but I'm wondering if this is normal with larger tires in these trucks? I have 285/70/17 on this one. I'm aware of the normal wander wider tires will have over stock and narrower ones.
So, did the new shaft point out something else that is going on?
02-12-2017, 06:13 AM
#2
Senior Member
It is also common for there to be play in the rack on these trucks. IMHO, the rack is not heavy enough for the vehicle. Replacing front end components with new and tight stuff will allow you to feel it more. A lot of guys will say it's inner tie rods, replace them, and have the same thing. Do a you tube search on steering clunk to see what I'm talking about.