Dead Spot in Steering Wheel

[heep2jeep]

Ok, I have a 1989 Grand Wagoneer (with 6inch suspension lift, running 35" tires) that has a dead spot in the steering wheel so to say play in the wheel whenever you start to turn it.
I have replaced the steering box, tie rods, ball joints, and wheel bearings so far. Although the rig seemed a little better each time I replaced something the dead spot is still there.

Any ideas what could be causing this? Any help would be greatly appreciated... thank you.

[cttandy]

What did you replace the steering box with, Factory or s-10? Are you running a drop pitman arm, or the standard pitman arm?

[heep2jeep]

the Steering box is an AGR SB2, and I am running a drop pitman arm...

[shimniok]

A lot of little things can really add up. I've fought the same battle for years. Have all new linkages, adjusted the steering box (not recommended), new ball joints, new wheel bearings, etc. I recently discovered the poly spring bushings up front were hashed (non-existent) after 10 years. I replaced one of them and lost a fair bit of slop.

You might have a peek at the rag joint too.

After that, there isn't a heck of a lot left to change.

That said, there is a certain amount of slop in the saginaw type boxes. About 1" of steering wheel travel back and forth or so. It'll never be as precise as rack and pinion of course but shouldn't feel super sloppy either.

Michael