Playing Loose in the Steering...

[mckernodle]

Hi guys,
I am kind of baffled by a steering issue that I have had for a couple of years. I was driving and encountered an extremely rough patch of road that was being repaired, which we had to drive to get to back and forth to where we were staying. With that said, I noticed that the steering seemed loose; and by that I mean a little looser than normal.
I took it to a shop for an inspection and they couldn't find any thing wrong with it. I was pretty miffed that they couldn't, so I took it somewhere else where they said the idler arms needed replacing. I had those replaced and it improved some, but not where I was completely satisfied.
Long story short: I have since replaced ball joints, tie rods, center link, shocks, wheel bearings and just about everything I could think of in the front end.
My question is: what is the likelihood that the steering gear needs to be replaced? The steering wheel has some play when I'm driving, more noticeable at highway speeds.
Has anyone else experienced this issue? Any help would be appreciated!

[WimpTech]

2 likely scenarios...
1) Steering box out of adjustment
2) Connector shaft worn (less likely)

Loosen/ peel up the shaft boot and have someone wiggle the wheel and see if the input to the gear box is moving along with it. If so, adjust. If not, coupler shaft.

There is an adjustment on the front of the steering box that might do the trick. You need to be careful not to over tighten it, so go slow and make sure the wheel comes back to center on its own when driving. Its easier to deal with when you remove the fan shrouds.
Here is a video on it (thanks to TurnnBurn)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5Ck4eANgII

Outside that, the steering connector shaft could develop play, there's a TSB out for it. You can stuff the u joints with grease or replace.

[sfeaver]

Do you have the TSB number? I'd like to have a look at it. Thanks

[WimpTech]

TurnNburn found it, I think for Silverado, same basic setup

[MI_Ghost]

It is not uncommon for the factory sway bar to break off at the ends. The sway bar adds a lot to the stability of front end. Make sure the bushings and end links are in good shape.