Steering box/arm question

[apache]

This probably sounds stupid but on my 84 K5 the steering arm will move up and down on the shaft when the wheel is turned a bit. Is this normal at all or Ok for that matter? granted its adding to steering slop but only marginally. My guess is the splines or bore in the ID of the arm are worn, either the box shaft or the arm has to be softer,hopefully the arm? Second question is where to find another,and I dont need a lift type arm really,just a stocker. Napa etc say no go on new ones.

 

[75GmcJimmy4x4]

This probably sounds stupid but on my 84 K5 the steering arm will move up and down on the shaft when the wheel is turned a bit. Is this normal at all or Ok for that matter? granted its adding to steering slop but only marginally. My guess is the splines or bore in the ID of the arm are worn, either the box shaft or the arm has to be softer,hopefully the arm? Second question is where to find another,and I dont need a lift type arm really,just a stocker. Napa etc say no go on new ones.

did you try to..... tighten it

 

[apache]

Yes,obviously thats been checked, Matter of fact I snapped the OE bolt so I drilled it and put a larger G8 flanged bolt and nut in the hole. Still didnt squeeze it enough to snug it up. Id imagine the box shaft is somewhat worn but considering what a buzzard FxxK it is to remove a couple of the bolts with the ORP frame brace oil cooler and lines etc,Id rather not have to again.