Front End Play

DesertRace21 · October 17, 2004

Hey everybody. I have a 2000 Z-71 with an RCD lift. I just replaced the pitman arm and idler arm due to excessive play. My front end was wobbling alll over and wearing tires horribly! Now that i replaced them, it got better but seems to still be a little play. I have a feeling it might be in the tie rod ends, but is there a possibility of the center link bein bad? or maybe a steering box? Does anybody else know what has been done on their trucks to get rid of all this?

Mule · October 18, 2004

I have found that with a lifted truck, it is always looser than original. Over 100K miles I have replaced the pitman and idler arms, ball joints, tie rods, half shafts, steering box, all bushings, shocks, and the tires.

Nothing really brings it back to the tightness of original, maybe because there are more parts, or more leverage, or the center of gravity is changed. I don't know, but it may never be the same as original.

citydriver · October 18, 2004

You can try adding a steering stabilizer, this will help offset the change in the steering geometry due to the lift and the larger tires...it also helps isolate the steering gear from serious jolts..

You can check the steering gear backlash by watching the pitman arm while a helper turns the steering wheel...should move as soon as the wheel is moved (engine should be idleing so the power steering works) If there is too much play the sector shaft can be adjusted by the screw on top of the gearbox (consult a repair manual)

Also check the condition of the steering column couplings at the steering box input shaft.....

Of course you should check these along with ALL other front end parts for excessive play....Just a thought

DesertRace21 · October 23, 2004

Made a huge adjustment on steering box when i realized the nut was loose and it had probably been backing out! It helped with the play a bunch!!! However there is still a hint of play, i think I am going to buy a pair of tie rod ends and a new center link (so i have new inner and outters). Also, my new pitman arm is a lot thinner than the one i replaced. Is it an updated part? I talked to the guys who install the same RCD lift that I have on my truck and the say play is normal. But I do not see these other chevy's wearing tires like some sort of POS F-150? Anyways, thanks for your help guys.