XJ Steering Shaft Upgrade (88-94 Trucks) 95+instructions on page 31

[codyw20]

Hello all, I am brand new to these trucks and of course then this forum. I looked at several forums and decided this was the best one and I am sure glad I picked this one. I just got a 1994 K1500 extended cab and the first thing I noticed was how loose the steering was and wondering how to tighten it up. Mine turns almost a quarter turn before it changes direction lol (probably not that far but seems like it anyway). And this thread was just perfect. I am going to see if I can find one of these XJ steering shafts. Any other steering parts I might want to inspect and replace to get it as tight as can be?

Thanks for all the input, what a great thread.

 

[chipskittles]

Pitman arm, idler arm, tie rods. Check play in steering gear while you have everything disconnected. If there is some you might be able to adjust it if you are careful, might need an output bearing. Check the ball joints too, especially the upper ones. All just my personal experiences with my 94.

 

[V_Kint]

Hello all, I am brand new to these trucks and of course then this forum. I looked at several forums and decided this was the best one and I am sure glad I picked this one. I just got a 1994 K1500 extended cab and the first thing I noticed was how loose the steering was and wondering how to tighten it up. Mine turns almost a quarter turn before it changes direction lol (probably not that far but seems like it anyway). And this thread was just perfect. I am going to see if I can find one of these XJ steering shafts. Any other steering parts I might want to inspect and replace to get it as tight as can be?

Thanks for all the input, what a great thread.

I just picked up a decent 1994 myself. From past experience I expected the steering to be sloppy before I even took it for a test drive. After I bought it, and also from past experience, I ordered new inner and outer tie rod ends, idler arm and bracket, pitman arm, center link, and Redhead steering box. I already have a few jeep steering shafts. You'll find that looseness in all of those parts are adding up to the slop that you're feeling. Best to bite the bullet and replace it all while you have it apart.

 

[codyw20]

Thanks y'all. To check the steering gear play can you just reach down and try and turn it by hand where the steering shaft connects and feel for any play? And if there is play then maybe I need one of the Redheads as V-Kint mentioned? Am I following you correctly or off base?

 

[77Impala]

Yes that is how you check. You will be able to tell if the play is in the rag joint and or the gear box itself.

 

[ccreddell]

I did the Jeep shaft a while back now. Love it. Has anyone else had a problem with it hitting their header and binding slightly?

 

[skylark]

I did the Jeep shaft a while back now. Love it. Has anyone else had a problem with it hitting their header and binding slightly?

After having driven your truck vs others without the jeep shaft I have to say that this is a required upgrade to 88-94 trucks.

 

[codyw20]

Hello again yall. Does this look like the shaft needed for this upgrade?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Steering-Sh...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[77Impala]

Yes it is. But I suggest checking a salvage yard first. You could pay less for it.

Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

 

[codyw20]

Okay, I got the shaft. I just got a new one from that link. It costs me 20 bucks just to go even one junk yard (that didn't have it) as I live way out. So the cost and time was worth it.

My question is where exactly do you heat it up? It is indeed very stuck together and wont move either way at all. Do you heat it up right where they come together? Well really just on the bigger part where they come together or is it further up the bigger part somewhere?

Thanks again. I will let everyone know how it goes.