I've developed some play when steering to the right there is probably a good 3" before i start to feel any resistance. I've been told it's probably either the intermediate shaft or the steering gear box. Does that sound right, and how would I go about checking to see which is causing the problem?

 

Probably the steering box, being that it's an '84. Very common issue on older GM's, and going up to the 90's.

Check everything else in the front end for slop though, by jacking the front up by the LOWER CONTROL ARM, then check for play in the wheel/tire - that'll tell you if the wheel bearings, ball joints, or any steering component is worn out. If that all checks out ok, it's more than likely just a worn out box.

Ours is at that stage now too. Debating replacing it with a 2nd gen one just because I've got one here ... haven't decided if it's worth the effort or not. It's used as a winter beater, so we only drive it 5-6 months of the year.

 

Thanks for the information, I haven't had a chance to check it out yet with work and everything else going on. But,is there any way of being able to test to see if it's the steering gear box or would it be more of a replace it and hope for the best? I noticed my steering all around has started to get a bit sloppy along with the play in the steering. Doesn't get out much as this is not my daily driver but just irritating and definitely doesn't seem safe.

 

If all the front end parts check out good, by process of elimination it's probably the steering box and/or the rag joint in the steering shaft just above the box - those commonly wear out too. Check that joint before condemning the box.

 

I had all of the steering and suspension parts replaced a little over a year ago now so I would not think that would be the cause but anything is possible. What would be some good indications of the steering box or the rag joint being bad?

 

rag joints on these things are notorious for going bad, just a terrible design.