steering wheel play

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

I have a slight play in my steering wheel. Really noticeable when in 4 wheel low, I checked all links under the dash and directly out from fire wall near engine but all seemed tight and in good order.

Anyone else have this? thoughts?

 

[re_guderian]

Rack bushings or rack internals... start with the $25 ps bushing and see how much it improves. Jack up truck and see how much free play you have when you grab front wheels at 9 and 3 and rock.

 

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

Thanks Rob.

When the vehicle is off and I turn the wheel I here a slight maybe 1/8 slip to engage sound, kind of like when you turn the wheel all the way one way to where it bottoms out, same sound.

When vehicle is on and driving on paved road, no play noticeable or sound.

4 wheel low coming down bumpy dirt road, noise noticeable, sounds like something is loose.

I also checked under the dash and directly out from fire wall, nothing looks or is loose.

 

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

Rack bushings or rack internals... start with the $25 ps bushing and see how much it improves. Jack up truck and see how much free play you have when you grab front wheels at 9 and 3 and rock.

Wheel bearings are ok. Had that checked. 91K miles on vehicle also.

 

[Taco Jeff]

I am subbing to this. I have the same sound/slop in my 2000.
Jeff

 

[re_guderian]

Wheel bearings are ok. Had that checked. 91K miles on vehicle also.

It's not wheel bearings you're checking, it's to see if the entire rack moves laterally when you push/pull on the wheel at 9 and 3 before it starts to turn the steering wheel. Do this with the ignition on (steering wheel unlocked) and front end off the ground. You can also have the engine running with the front tires on the ground, and have someone turn the wheels while you look into wheel wells to see if rack/TRE move before the actual wheel does to verify if there is excessive (any) lateral play in your steering rack. You'll know it when you see it.

Not sure why low range in the t-case would make a bit of difference up front. Can you run the same dirt road at the same speed in both H and L ranges to remove 4L as a possible cause? Still after everything you've described, it sounds like replacing the big PS bushing would fix the bulk of it.