True or false!

[79jenny]

Having big tires and a lift can cause steering wheel play... compared to stock tires and a stock lift...I got 33' with a 2' inch lift and I have steering play .. some say I need a new gear box others say no it's normal cuz of tire size and lift

 

[Bigb55]

Did you do a drop pitman arm? Or anything to correct the angles?

If no, then some play is to be expected. But it shouldn't be excessive. 33" and 2" lift shouldn't cause anything crazy.

 

[Big Ray]

Hell, I'm running 33s with no lift.
No problem here...

 

[Big Ray]

check all the components in your front end...ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings....

If your rig is high mileage the steering box may need rebuilt or adjusted.

 

[ryoken]

also the factory rag joint is often a major factor in steering wheel play... #jeepshaftFTW

 

[ktmoutfront]

Cracked frame at the steering box will also allow steering walking.

Check spring u-bolts for tightness.

Easiest way to see what is causing it is to watch what is going on as someone rocks the steering wheel.

 

[Bent77]

Big tires and lift doesn’t cause steering play

It does however magnify and issues you already have in the steering

 

[ZooMad75]

Big tires and lift doesn’t cause steering play

It does however magnify and issues you already have in the steering

Ding!

Let’s be realistic. The newest squarebody is still 30 years old. The earliest is 49 years old. Stuff wears out. There’s lots to wear out on one of these. All of which have an impact on how tight the steering feels.

Starting from the top, rag joints on the intermediate shaft are commonly overlooked and never get changed out. Steering gearbox can get loose and reman boxes are hit and miss. Rod ends on the drag link can be suspect. Ball joints on 10 bolts and Dana 44’s are often overlooked and ignored due to the chore it is to replace them. Then you have the rod ends on the tie rod that can be loose. Like Wade said earlier the frame at the steering box can crack and cause flexing that will make the steering feel vague and loose.

Worn out leaf spring bushings will add to the loose feeing. But like Bent said the larger tires will exaggerate all those problem. Larger sidewall tires can add to vague feel too if they are under inflated.

Nobody will tell you a 4wd squarebody will handle like it’s on rails even when everything is fresh and tight. But they can drive without looseness or wandering. You just need to shake down the steering and suspension and address what you find.

 

[nvrenuf]

Yep, definitely other issues. I’ve got 8” with 40’s and my steering (after mods) is the tightest I’ve ever had on a big truck.

 

[Wes Harden]

False. 33's 4" lift no play. (there is a minimum allowed) You have worn out parts somewhere.

Very tall side wall tires with low air pressure will have play, but this is not your situation.

 

[Big Ray]

also the factory rag joint is often a major factor in steering wheel play... #jeepshaftFTW

That reminds me....lol