Bad loose steering

[mmguy]

Anyone need advice

I have a 1996 2wd and the steering is real loose.Just changed the tie-rods in and out, the sway bar bushings, the shocks and had it lined up. Ball joints check out ok and it has no control arms.The steering is real loose,so before I start looking at the gear box. Is there something else I should be looking at? There is a hollow sound grinding sound when turn the steering wheel to the left.Put some lube on u-joint and rag joint seem to quiet it down some.Changed power steering fuild.Wasn't able to find the adjust screw for the box.Any thoughts would be apprearated.

If I had to change gear box how hard is this to change?If I get a replacment at the boneyard what should I check for to hopefully get a good one? (it would be a u-pull it yard)

 

[Boghog1]

Do rangers run Saginaw boxes? if so they are adjustable

 

[trail B2]

Have someone rock the wheel back and forth follow the steering shaft down to the tires sounds kinda like a steering box.

 

[chuck7]

My Explore Sport was just diagnosed with a bad rack and pinion..one of the reasons I got rid of it..The mechanic said it was a commmon problem with the 2000 Sport.

It's symptons...the stearring shook real bad when making any turns.They tightened up something that helped about a year..Earlier symptons made it feel that you had a bad rotor ..a small shimmy when stopping.When that started up again..I traded it in for a Ford Ranger that I have now.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, bu he doesn't have a rack and pinion. He has a recirculating ball type steering box.