Hey! First Off, I'm a newb to posting, been lurking when I need info for the last few years but haven't done much to my rig yet, except what needed to be replaced, just haven't have the time. I'm not new to working on cars, but this is my first pickup (87 yota tercel was my first car, 1994 corolla second, then a 95 ford van, holy ˟˟˟˟ fords suck to work on) My name is Cassandra, I've got a 86 Pickup 4x4 in a lovely aftermarket painted green. Driving this thing across country soon and hoping to take her out on some lovely desert 4x4 adventures. Thanks for all the info so far.

Now to the problem : Loose steering.

I already changed out the entire front end, bearings, ball joints, new tires, and even cv axles. I watched everything while someone else was turning the wheel and the problem doesn't seem to be coming from the gearbox, It seems to be in the steering column itself. The steering wheel squeaks sometimes when turning, and the horn doesn't make contact, i guess thats the plunger. I have the tilt steering column, and if i give it a wiggle it can push slightly in and out and up and down. Theres about 2-2 1/2" play before the wheels engage when turning the wheel. The steering column has bearings, yes? Could this be it?

I'm going to pull it soon, but I want to know realistically how long it'll take to fix, and what exactly might need fixing, considering she's my daily driver.

I pulled a non tilt column from a 2wd 85, can I swap with that for the time being?

Oh and one more question, when does one graduate from posting in the newbie tech section? Hahah

 

A old friend of mine recently had an accident, something about her steering column going out. Needless to say I'm wary of driving it across the country with that wiggle.