Just bought a tracker, and the steering is very loose on it. It tracks nice and straight, but there is a good 4" of play in the steering wheel. (like 2-3" side to side from a centerline.) I'm thinking the TRE's are shot. Suggestions? I was going to start with the outter TRE's, the ones that bolt to the knuckle.

do you have the sky-manfacturing Idler arm? 

Definately do the idler arm, you can also call Hawk and get used good condition everything from tie rod to tie rod for a good price and replace it all.

Check the frame behind the steering box and idlerarm for cracks and make sure all of the bolts are still in and tight.

Z

check the joint between the column and linkage to the steering box.

I have 1 parts rig I can tuirn about 30 degrees free movement and my older 2dr trail rig with about 15 degrees of movement at that "rag joint".

If all your idler arms and ball joints are tight there is an adjustment in the steering box.  On the top of the steering box there is a slotted screw with a lock nut. Hold the screw and loosen the locknut, tighten the screw a little at a time untill the slack in the steering is gone. Be careful not to get it too tight or it will bind and have hard spots in the steering. Lock the nut.
Rebel

Definately do the idler arm, you can also call Hawk and get used good condition everything from tie rod to tie rod for a good price and replace it all.

Check the frame behind the steering box and idlerarm for cracks and make sure all of the bolts are still in and tight.

Z

That sounds like a good idea. I think the frame is good. I checked the places that are bad in my 94, and they are solid in my 91.  Thanks guys!

Before you start replacing anything find exactly where the slop is. Jack up the rig by the control arms (to keep the steering at its opperating angle where most wear occurs and to unload the ball joints)  then grab the wheel and shake it left to right and feel for the "bump." you will be able to see the slop, or have a buddy take a look. Find what moves in relation to what doesn't if it helps touch both parts (inner tie rod against the center link for exa)to find the movement. There are a number of places to find slop: bearings, tie rod ends (inner or outer), idler arm, steering gear, or ball joints. Sounds to me like it is most likely your idler arm. And I highly advise the use of new components. Be sure to have it alighned aftwer wards lest you chew off your tires.

If the alighnment and all steering links are good but but you have a loose steering gear I think your tires will show no poor wear paturns. You can also have a buddy rock the steering wheel and watch the links.  Good luck.

And most shops will shake down your rig and prepare an estimate for free but don't let them know you intend to do your own install.         NMc

Before you start replacing anything find exactly where the slop is. Jack up the rig by the control arms (to keep the steering at its opperating angle where most wear occurs and to unload the ball joints)  then grab the wheel and shake it left to right and feel for the "bump." you will be able to see the slop, or have a buddy take a look. Find what moves in relation to what doesn't if it helps touch both parts (inner tie rod against the center link for exa)to find the movement. There are a number of places to find slop: bearings, tie rod ends (inner or outer), idler arm, steering gear, or ball joints. Sounds to me like it is most likely your idler arm. And I highly advise the use of new components. Be sure to have it alighned aftwer wards lest you chew off your tires.

If the alighnment and all steering links are good but but you have a loose steering gear I think your tires will show no poor wear paturns. You can also have a buddy rock the steering wheel and watch the links.  Good luck.

And most shops will shake down your rig and prepare an estimate for free but don't let them know you intend to do your own install.         NMc

Lotta good advice, thanks. When I crawled underneath, I started grabbing and wiggling stuuff, the idler arm was TIGHT, did not move at all. When I grabbed the TRE's they where LOOSE, like there was ZERO grease in the boots, they are SHOT. So I'll start there. I can feel the slop when I turn, nothing, nothing, nothing then BANG, there it is. Like it blows through the slop in the TRE's, and when it maxes out the movement of the TRE it starts turning.

And I think I have water in my PS fluid! Does turn easy until truck is warmed up.

This girl does NOT NOT NOT like being cold!