Of course everyone will tell you that you need to address all the tie rod ends and center arm for being tight and not sloppy. That's given. Do that first. Most likely the center arm needs rebuilt/adjusted and some tie rod ends or the drag link ends need replaced.
See Robert at Liquid Offroad for a complete rebuild kit with tie rod ends and center arm kit.
After you get done with that, and you still want to keep your manual steering, look at the gear box. There again, most likely all you need is a "sector roller kit" and some shims from Toyota to get the steering box back in shape. This is exactly what I did and my steering is well within Toyota OEM spec and tight.
The sector roller kit is about $60 for a smart shopper
and the shims are a buck or so apiece if I remember right. Call C-Dan.
You don't even need to remove the gearbox to replace the sector roller but it makes it easier. The sector roller attaches to the sector shaft so you have to pull the pitman arm off to get it out. It literally slides out the side of the box toward the engine. It's real easy. Be sure to "stake" or tack weld the nut when you go back with the new sector roller. The Toyota chassis and body manual covers this nicely. Get a new side cover gasket and sector shaft seal while you're at it too. The gearbox should be refilled with 90w oil.
If you have any other questions, PM me and I'll help as best I can. BTDT.
Jody.
