Excessive play in the steering.

[Threeofnine]

When I was 16 my dad handed down his 97 Chevy z71 5.7L to me. I loved that truck but was an idiot and sold it a few years later. Luckily I was just able to track it down and rebought it. I’m going to try to fix it up. 
 

It’s actually in pretty good shape. Right now the biggest issue is the steering has a lot of play in it. About how big of a job is it to rectify steering play on these trucks?

[CamGTP]

That all depends on what is wrong.

 

Could be anything from worn tie rods to having play in the idler and pitman arms. Also could be slop in the intermediate shaft from inside the cab down to the steering box or even the steering box itself.

 

You'll need to inspect all the parts to see what you may need to replace.

[Brian Lindsey]

last yr i replace everything from steering box down including suspension it was a big job , cost around 1000.00 in parts (all moog) and took a full weekend , but i live out west and dont have to deal with rust issues

[KINGENGINEMAINTENANCE]

Idler arm perhaps! Peace!

[Brian Lindsey]

its a 97 , could be idler arm , could be amost eveything is system , it 23 yrs old , time to replace it all