Fj62 steering play (1 Viewer)

[Spencerfj6289]

After replacing all the tie rod ends, I still seem to have tons of play in my steering. The linkage from the steering wheel to the steering box seems good, but there's still way too much play to drive it safely. It gets driven very hard, and I'm wondering if maybe the tie rod itself somehow got bent? I have no idea where to look from here. I'd appreciate any advice.

 

[gt7058a]

This thread has a good list of things to check.

steering - repair, improvements, what I learned

 

[SteveH]

The drag link is the likely culprit. Have someone gently swing the wheel back and forth 45 degrees each side of center (repeatedly for a minute or two) and you go watch all the linkage bits while this is happening. Grip the drag link area with a gloved hand, and you'll likely feel the slop in the system. The drag link bits are adjustable, and if loose, you'll notice a huge improvement. You could also have some play in the steering box itself, which can be carefully adjusted - to a point.