I just replaced all ball joints, pitman arm, and idler arm. mechanic says the steering box should be could but its the only thing that's left that's not new new. so whats cause the steering to still have a little slop in it. could its be where one tire on the front is more worn then the other (from a bad ball joint), could a steering stabilizer help?

 

Look on the steering shaft the round disk just before the point the shaft meets the steering box. In this disk is a piece of rubber it has holes that are round originally but over time they become elongated. More oval. It could be this rubber needs to be replaced.

 

There is also the relay rod....I think thats what its called it
May be called center link. That can wear....the steering box is an
Option....there is a "allen" on top of the steering box that has
A lock nut ...I have loostened the lock nut and have tightened
The allen just a pinch...if you do decide to try it...only a little bit
Too much will bind up the steering box...

 

also its a 4wd

 

"rag joint"

 

sad part, I don't see play in it :/

 

I looked at the two wheels from under the rear of my Jimmy while someone turned the steering wheel slowly. I could see one wheel turning before the other. The one thing that I noticed when this was the problem was when a semi tractor and trailer passed the Jimmy, it would cause Jimmy to vear wildly. It was kind of scary.

 

That wouldn't be from a worn rag joint

 

Check the outer tie rod ends for wear. Pretty easy to replace compared to the ball joints.

 

Also look at your Upper Control Arm bushings. Mine had 160,000 miles on them and made my front end wabble.