Play in Steering Wheel HELP

[Nez]

Hello friends!

I need your guidance My son's 1989 Ranger (2.9, 4x4 Ext. Cab) has a lot of play in the steering wheel. While driving, I am able to move the steering wheel from 10 O'clock to 2 O'clock without the wheels responding.

Not sure exactly what is causing this. Thank you!

 

[adsm08]

Ok, so jack up the front end and look for loose joints.

 

[RonD]

Have some one move the steering wheel while you watch the steering box from underneath.
Engine running is best, so BLOCK the WHEELS

movement of steering wheel shaft should match up with movement of steering arm on the box
You are checking if steering box is loose inside or it is has come loose from the frame

There is an adjustment on the steering box but if you need to adjust it then it usually indicates an internal problem so plan on replacing it.
A properly adjusted steering box will have 1" to 2" free play/movement of steering wheel

If box is passing on the movements OK then look for what IS moving but not passing on the movement immediately

 

[4x4junkie]

Mine has maybe half-inch of free play on-center. More play than that is common if the wheels are turned one way or the other (where it's not so noticeable while driving), but much over that amount when pointed straight ahead indicates a problem of worn or deteriorated parts somewhere.

But yes, having someone rock the steering back & forth while you look for play in the shaft or linkage will usually reveal quite quickly where the issue is. Common places to check are the rag joint(s), and looking for play in the rotation of the steering gear itself. Worn tie rods ends and linkage parts can contribute to the play as well. Also, check that the steering isn't pushing the axle itself around, which would indicate the beam pivot bushings are shot.

 

[Nez]

Thank you ALL!!!

Thank you all for your kind guidance.

When I have time we'll do as suggested and let you know what I discovered. Hopefully soon