Hi, I'm new to the forum. I recently bought a 94 pickup 2wd with the 22RE 5-speed. It's a very reliable truck but i've got about 3" or so of play in the wheel before it actually turns the wheels. It doesnt have p/s. I've noticed the shaft into the box turns but there's no output out of the steering box. Is there a coupler inside or something that can be rebuilt? It seems to be a problem in all the junkyard trucks i've found, even the models with p/s.

 

I'm not familiar with the 2wd box, but on my IFS swapped box, there is an adjustment on the top of the box. There was a slotted screw/bolt that had a 17mm jam nut on the outside of it. I loosened the jam nut, snugged the slotted bolt, then re-tightened the jam nut. Tightened my steering up just great.

Maybe someone else will chime in about the 2wd box if it's different...

 

Yea my box is the same. Only thing that does is make it harder to turn. Doesnt remove play. Could need a box

 

I had out 3" of steering play, I replaced tue rods, installed a 4" lift, reduced the play to about 1/4", tightened the steering box adjustment, it made harder the steering but the play is still there, also I replaced 31" tires with brand new 33"s. Do I have to replace the steering box in my 95 4Runner?

 

That nut adjusts the sector shaft bearing preload. Too tight and you'll wear out the bearings, and worsen the "too much play" problem. It is worth a try to snug up, but dont expect miracles. If steering effort increases, you've cranked it too tight.

Generally, the Toyota steering gear boxes are very stout, at least the 4wd ones... it's worth taking a look at the rag joint (if you have one) on the steering column going into the cab, and the tie rod ends, and the pitman and idler arms BEFORE you shell out the $$$ for a remanufactured box.

Mine was about 2~2.5" of play... new idler arm brought it down to ~1.5", new tie rod ends brought it down to 1/2"... snugged up the adjusting bolt... and it moves about a 1/4" before the wheels move. Awesome. Take your time to inspect all the steering components before you replace that box!

 

Make sense, I will look at the iddler and pitman arms, rag joint is fine, Thanks.