My steering  has never been tight  on my 87 sammy with  31" tires , even though it has A drop pitman arm with new tie rod ends and drag link for high steering .The steering wheel has play, if I held my hand at 12 o'clock I could turn it to close to 2 o'clock and back to almost 10 o'clock without moving the  wheel . What can be done to tighten it up and get a more direct feel?

If it is like the sidekick,there is a nut on top of the steering box .With a stud with a screw slot .Hold with a screwdriver and break nut loose.Turn in clockwise.Then re-tighten holding  with the screw driver.Turn about 1/4 at a time and recheck.Do not over do it.

As Airdale stated, that is the way to adjust the free play in the steering box. Years ago I read that you need to have a friend turn the steering wheel as you remove the freeplay at the box, otherwise you can possibly damage the box. I believe that it can bind, if you don't crank the wheel while it is adjusted.

Also, check the steering coupler. Unbolt it and inspect it for tears. I recently had one that was literally ripped throughout, but it was not visible with it installed.

A panhard bar will also help a lot.

Thanks Airdale for the right advice , I put just a tad more than a 1/4 turn and all is well with my steering no more white knuckles. Also it would probably be a good time to check and  top off your steering box oil.

Very timely thread. I was just thinking about doing this on my 'Kick.

- Andy

As Airdale stated, that is the way to adjust the free play in the steering box. Years ago I read that you need to have a friend turn the steering wheel as you remove the freeplay at the box, otherwise you can possibly damage the box. I believe that it can bind, if you don't crank the wheel while it is adjusted.

Also, check the steering coupler. Unbolt it and inspect it for tears. I recently had one that was literally ripped throughout, but it was not visible with it installed.

A panhard bar will also help a lot.

I've been wanting to replace the ragjoint in my steering for a long time but the hardware seems to be frozen, couple that with the turbo sitting right there and I just keep ignoring it. I know it needs attention, just need to get on it. Thanks for the good tips on steering adjustments.

Glad I could help.