ok guys, im totally self taught when it comes to this working on car stuff. since ive joined this group however ive managed to install a 3" lift, do a gauge swap, cooling system conversion, and some other basic stuff. my question...my steering is ridiculously sloppy and i know for a fact most of my bushings are shot..can you guys tell me what i need to order exactly? ive been thinking about just getting a poly kit since it has seems to have ALL of the front end bushings but ive heard mixed responses on that..the guys at the parts store by me are less than helpful and to be honest, i dont even know the names of half the rubber down there! so, to tighten up my steering, can anyone tell me exactly what to buy? thanks in advance and sorry about rambling for so long!

oh yeah..the reason im thinking about bushings first vs tie rods is cost..only got 100 bucks to play with

 

The first thing you will need to do is to adjust your steering box. There is a nut and allen screw on the top. loosen the nut, have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth with the engine running and screw the allen in until the pitman arm moves immediately with just a little motion on the steering wheel.

 

dont adjust it too much though, or youll grenade your box.

 

wow..thats actually the first time anyone mentioned the steering box to me..thanks! ill be doing that first!

 

Before adjusting your steering gear I would suggest you roll under it while a buddy rocks the steering back and forth inspecting all your other steering components. You have a lot of steering joints that could be worn that are cheaper to replace than a steering gear box that failed because it was adjusted when it did'nt need to be (or by someone who does'nt really know how to do it). Check for unusual movement at your tie-rod ends, where the steering gear mounts to your frame, where your pitman arm mounts to your gearbox and to your drag link as well as your control arms and track bar. Worn bushings are pretty evident, especially under strain. As long as your looking, jack it up, have above mentioned buddy grab each of your front tires at 12:00 & 6:00 and rock them while you watch for play in the ball joints. If excessive movement is felt but no movement is seen in the ball joints, you might have excessive bearing play. One last thing, are all your dust boots in good condition, or even there? I did'nt set out to be so longwinded, but where I work Ive seen too many steering gears diagnosed as bad or in need of adjustment when in fact it was poor suspension and steering joint checks.