[Laneco]

When I'm examining suspension on any vehicles, I do it with someone in the vehicle moving the steering while I look (parking brake on yada yada). You don't need the full steering range, start with the steering centered and go about 90 degrees each way for a total of 180 degrees of travel (9 o'clock to 3 o'clock). That should easily let you see the workings of all suspension points on this truck.

Look for movement other than rotational, especially a movement of one part that does not correspond with the attaching part. Movement in the vertical direction is also bad but on certain types of suspension, you can tighten the castle nut and remove the play. Some play, acceptable even normal, too much is bad.

If you cannot get steering movement with 90 degrees of movement in the wheel, do the adjustment first, then recheck the suspension.

You may be very surprised at how much play you take out of the front end by adjusting the steering box. Carefully examine the rotational movement of the steering box even after adjustment. If you witness the steering box output shaft moving in and out - get rid of the box. Its shot.

angela