Sloppy Steering Repair (GM)
 

This is an inexpensive repair That I kniw work on full fullsize up to 96
S series would also guess up 96
Should also work squarebodies
Also a Gbody car if you have one.

One of the main issues in vehicles with sloppy steering may actually be the rag joint in the steering shaft. So Before spending lots of $$$$ on new pitman ,idler arms, etc Try this first. Average cost is less than 20 bucks.

The Solution is using a steering shaft from a Jeep Cherokee XJ The steering shaft has no rag joint eliminating slop in the rag joint. Ive done this on my truck and it does make a diff!


This is a super easy swap to eliminate a butt load of steering slop. Minus my learning curve the basic swap took about 20 min.
The shafts that fit are 84-96 Jeep Cherokee XJ steering shafts. The square body, NOT the Grand Cherokee. They are almost a direct fit for OBS trucks up to 96. For 97+ there's a link at the bottom.
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/001.jpg
Start by removing the Rag joint at the bottom of the stock Shaft. Remove the bolt and pry off with a crowbar. The shaft will compress at the top.
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/008.jpg
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/009.jpg
Now remove the bolt at the top blob joint. pry or tap gently. DO NOT pound this joint. There are plastic pieces inside your steering column that will break.
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/010.jpg
Ok, now u will need to grind a SMALL groove at the top of the flat spot on the steering column joint. This is for the top bolt of the XJ shaft.
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/014.jpg
The XJ shaft will need to be separated. There is a plastic thangy inside that needs to be broken. Easiest way is to heat it with a torch and knock em apart.
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/004.jpg
Gods gift to GearHeads;
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/005.jpg
Ok,now cleanup and grease the lower end of the shaft and reinsert it into the upper.
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/015.jpg
Now grease the spline at the steering gear and slide the lower shaft on. The lower bolt will fit perfectly into the stock spline bolt groove.
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/016.jpg
Do the same for the upper, aligning the bolt with the groove u cut earlier.
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/017.jpg
Now u got a no slop steering shaft.
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...0Shaft/018.jpg
Enjoy!



UPDATE: For 97+ Try this. Post # 50 and 56,57
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/g...eap-obs-3.html
and this.
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0005

best upgrade for the money! helped my steering tremendously.