Steering Maintenance and upgrades

[DarkandShiny]

Okay I bought an 89 3/4 ton suburban out of Victorville CA last week and (luckily) drove it 650 miles home without an issue. The steering is in bad shape as it wanders all over the road. So I took it to a shop to have some basic maintenance done on it. Here is a quick list of what I need to do - questions come after.

• Steering box has a lot of play and needs to be replaced/repaired
• Upper Ball Joints are toast
• Lower Ball Joints are toast
• Inner Tie Rod End
• Outer Tie Rod End
• Sway Bar bushing is dust

In the future I hope to build this truck into an awesome rig so I plan on adding ORD's Cross Over Steering kit. So my question is, do I upgrade my box now to a 2wd ported box?
Also, If I don't do the work myself - what do you think I should expect to pay for the above items? Any other steering components I should upgrade while I'm doing the work? I've never replaced any of the parts listed and my mechanical skills are basic.

Thanks,

Here she is

 

[ktmoutfront]

With a 2wd box you would have to do the cross over now.

How many miles are on it?

Do you know how to check the stuff they said needs fixed? Is the shop someone you know and trust?

A lot of times they over do the list because it makes them more money. Did they give you the "I wouldn't drive it like that for very long" line?

And before you post any more pictures, pull the brush guard and running boards off.

 

[michael0584]

My 87 was loose, I adjusted the slop in the steering box and that fixed mine. Get someone to wiggle steering wheel while you look underneath to check tie rods. You can also watch the pitman arm to check for slop in the steering gear box. Check this thread on how to adjust the slop out of the gear box.

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283339&highlight=Adjust+steering+box+slop

 

[rey]

Steering is the Main control.. You should maintain it safe..