There is a procedure in the shop manual that walks you through adjusting the steering box. It is possible it is not completely worn out and can be tightened up. It does not appear to be difficult.
Excellent advice.
And, there is no sense/joy in checking/rating your steering/tracking, unless/until you have checked, lubricated, and adjusted all steering components (and, have "played with" the air pressure in your tires).
steering gear adjustmentsBuy a cheap lightweight-fish scale from Walmart.
00 grade steering box grease is readily available from NAPA, and Tractor Supply Store or most farm equipment stores.
Play with the air pressure in your tires.
- too low and the steering is hard
- too high and you will wander
Check and adjust (or, replace) all steering components.- king pins
- tie-rod ends / connecting arm
- steering arm
Check the stabilizer bar, if you have one.
Clean/check/grease/adjust front wheel bearings.
Properly adjust brakes.
Check/adjust the front-end alignment.The primary steering adjustment is toe-in. You can play a little with this adjustment.
Check to make sure someone has not removed the caster shims.
Do all of the above on a "new" truck.
Do all of the above at appropriate intervals on a running truck that you have already brought into adjustments/specs.
