Taking the play out of steering FJ40

[love2fly]

Last few months I have been working on ways to remove as much play out of my steering as much as possible. I may of reach the end of the line in what I can do but maybe someone can post a list of things that maybe I have of tried so far.
Picture is of my last check at around 1.5" originally it started out at 2.0", so 1/2" of play has been taken care of. I know Toyota says around 2" max is the norm for free play, but would be nice to remove another 1/2" if possible.
Tires are BF Goodrich A/T KO 235/17 16R

So far:
Rebuilt the steering knuckles with all new bearings and seals.
New wheel bearings.
New tie rods.
alignment.
Adjusted the PS box and backed off by 1/4" turn on adjuster screw.
new shocks on the front rear are old but working.
Installed a new center steering kit and snugged to no side play.
Spring were re-arched and even.

Open to suggestions - Cheers

 

[Jetlander]

If your steering colum has a slip joint, you may find all the extra play is located there, as that’s where it was on mine. Have someone wiggle the steering wheel while you look over the entire steering assembly to find out what’s moving and what’s not.

 

[Tancruiser]

Sounds like you’ve covered it all how about the pitman arm rod that goes from the steering box forward. Nice work

 

[JohnnyC]

If that drag link has too much play you can penny trick it

I have a few pennies in mine

 

[JohnnyC]

Link: 2 penny trick

Thanks Mark ... originator of the 2 penny trick @65swb45

 

[Tancruiser]

Wow that’s good stuff right there.

 

[65swb45]

Wow that’s good stuff right there.

You’re welcome.

 

[love2fly]

entered in error

 

[love2fly]

??

 

[love2fly]

Fat fingered

 

[unklwedy]

You may need to take steering box apart and remove a shim or two that are preventing gears from making good contact

 

[unklwedy]

You may need to take steering box apart and remove a shim or two that are preventing gears from making good contact

 

[Living in the Past]

That is what it took on my 68. Didn't remove any shims just switched side with them. That was on a manual steering box. Think I would have a power steering box professionally rebuilt. I would confirm the free play is between the steering box input and output before doing that. Pretty easy to do with one person moving the steering wheel and another watching the steering box. Can also see see play delay in the draglink and play in the connection between the steering column and steering box. Being a Australian market you won't have a two piece steering column to worry about play between the two pieces.

 

[love2fly]

The removal and tearing down the PS box would be my last resort and yes they are tricky to work on if you do not no what your doing.
Done the front end checks with wheels on the floor and wheels up on jacks while watching all movement. Still need to check the drag ling and rag joint on the st

 

[love2fly]

The removal and tearing down the PS box would be my last resort and yes they are tricky to work on if you do not no what your doing.
Done the front end checks with wheels on the floor and wheels up on jacks while watching all movement. Still need to check the drag ling and rag joint on the st