Replace steering box?

[scouthead]

I posted in the garage also, but my steering box on my 1984 military blazer is having issues- i was hearing popping sounds-
Dont seem to have issues with bushings or frame cracks. The box seems to bolted down tight.
But, if someone turns the wheel side to side, the sector shaft and pitman
Arm actually pop down, away from the box. Ive had side to side play in other boxes, but never actually seen the whole shaft pop up and down before...

Should i bother trying the usual adjustments? Or does this up and down movement mean i should go immediately to a new box?

 

[clandr1]

Tagged for updates/responses. My steering box does the same thing, and I have absolutely no frame issues or loose bolts. I also installed the weld in and bolt on frame braces from ORD over a year ago which did not fix the issue.

 

[scouthead]

Just wanted to post an update:

I adjusted the box. I did not have an inch pound deflection beam torque wrench or have the box out of the vehicle or drained of fluid.

I didnt think adjusting it would fix the problem, but tried anyway- did my best to follow the directions pictured above, and adjusted the spud shaft end of the box first, and then moved to the top cap and allen adjuster... The allen adjuster had to be turned in almost 3 complete turns before it contacted anything.
Wiggled everything around and turned the allen adjuster in and back down a few times, and then backed it off about a quarter turn- maybe just shy of that.
-Made sure the drag link and column were still straight, and then looked over the rest of the truck down there- tightened up u-jojnts and and a few other things.

VERY PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS. Night and day difference. No more popping and creaking sounds. compared to how it was before, it steers like a new truck.