Rick's

I just got new tires and a front end alignment on my jeep. I still notice that there is some play in the steering wheel. I have new front shocks coming tomorrow so that will not be an issue. Please comment back on your own experiences.

Thanks,
~Rick's

dave1123

You've got to remember, this is NOT rack&pinion steering so there will be a little play in the steering box. The worm&sector do get worn over time, but there isn't much that can be done about it. These are recirculating ball gearboxes and once the ball channels get worn, any tightening up will usually result in further rapid wear.

I'll want to look at your track bar bushings. That's the one that controls side-to-side motion of the front axle. I believe on yours, it mounts to the frame on a ball joint and rubber bushings on the axle.

Rick's

I hope these pictures help..I also hope I did this right since I am new to this format. Please have Patience.

dave1123

Okay, that bar with the big bend in it in front of the diff, that's the track bar. Look at the axle end rubber bushings. Also see if there's any looseness in the ball joint end or loose bracket. Check your steering box mounting bolts as well. Check all the front end parts like ball joints, wheel hubs, control arm bushings, etc.

The entire dinosaur-designed front suspension was originally for bias-ply tires which don't have the sidewall flex that radials have. That's one of the reasons jeeps tend to wander a bit even when everything is good.