I'm in the middle of replacing my steering box with a remanufactured one from a local auto parts store. I had to stop because I couldn't get the pitman arm off so I just ordered another one.

anyway, while waiting, I went ahead and mounted up the "new" box but have not connected the hoses to it (still need to flush the pump).

now to my question: I have play in the steering wheel! Probably worse than before. Could the fact that I'm "dry" be the cause? I'm thinking of pulling it back out and exchanging it before I even finish hooking it up. But I didn't know if the absence of fluid is why I'm seeing it.

 

Never mind...it was a very long and frustrating day and I'm a dumass. There was a ton of play, but I guess I had not tightened the pinch bolt yet. Now that it's tight, it seems like it is gone. Won't know until I can get my new pitman arm on to really see movement.

 

Don't be surprised if the remanufactured box is as bad as the worn out stock one. The build quality of most remans just isn't there

 

Yeah I was reading that but what else can you do? Just bought this thing and can't keep dumbing $$ into it (discovering something every time I turn around).

the original box had lateral movement at the pitman arm. Wasn't too bad to drive until I lifted in a bit. Now that it's a little more bouncy, the play at freeway speeds is a little unsettling.

all I can do is cross my fingers and hopefully not half to use that lifetime warranty. Personally I was going to go for a NAPA Auto Rebuild, but the O'Reilly's was on sale.

had the pitman arm come off, this would have been a much different experience... maybe even enjoyable