steering question

[68_Gladiator]

okay so the steering wheel on my 68 has a lot of play i can turn it a full 6-7 inches in either direction before the tires actualy begin to move, is the steering box broken or would it be a lot of worn parts in the steering setup?

[Herk]

Ross or Saginaw? If you have that much slop it should be pretty easy to find out where it is. Have a helper turn the wheel through the "slop zone" and see what moves and what doesn't.

[68_Gladiator]

well i stood next to the truck while turning the wheel slop and the rod going into the steering box turns but none of the steering components underneath move nothin on the steering box moves either, so im guessin that means the parts inside the box are worn?

[Herk]

Unless the slop is in the column.

[68_Gladiator]

what would cause that in the column? how would i check which one it is?

[Herk]

Open the hood.
Have helper turn wheel.
Look at lower steering column, especially the pot coupling and rag joint.

Also check out the drag link, especially the pitman arm end.

[gsmikie]

if it is in the box you can adjust the play out of it