I recently replaced my pitman arm as there was play there. My idler arm is fine. I have limited the play to between my steering wheel and steering box. Is there any way to cure this. There are about 15 degrees of play. Thanks Seth

 

I don't know about 1st gen but on the 2nd gen there is an adjustment on the steering box for free play. There's a slotted bolt on top of the box with a lock nut. Undo the lock nut and screw in the bolt to reduce play, then tighten lock nut. Manual says 1 inch of movement at the rim of the steering wheel is correct.

 

Cool I'll check this out. So there is supposed to be an inch of play???? That's wierd I wonder if it would hurt anything if I tightened it to have no play.

 

Well, I just tightened up that bolt and it sure tightened everything up like you said. I have much less play now. Awesome. After that I just had to realign the steering wheel onto the right splines. That sure sucked without a steering wheel puller. But I got it done. Thanks for the wise words. My Chilton's guide didn't even mention such and adjustment. If I ever come across this chilton's character......I tell you. They took my 25.00 for the guide and 3/4 of the time they don't have an answer.

 

Hey Eric! Troy here. I just tightened up my steering box today on my 87 4runner (yes, I've still got it!). Anyway, I hope I did it correctly. As I was loosening up the lock nut, the slotted screw moved with it. I wound up snugging up the adjustment screw and then backing off about 1/8 of a turn. It sure felt tighter, but I've also heard that if it's too tight it can cause problems in the steering box.

Troy

 

No need for a steering wheel puller, just loosen the nut almost all the way off...the tap the steering wheel a few times, then pull it loose. Then take the nut off...if you take the nut off before it is loose...you'll eat the steering wheel.