Adjusting play out of steering box

[dwt3040]

1993 Truck has a 5.7L engine, 5 speed manual transmission. The steering has a fair amount of play before the wheels react. The helms manual says to adjust the worm screw nut 1/2 of an inch. How far can I adjust the nut before I need to replace the steering box? If I do need to replace it and suggestions on brands or models?

[JimWilson]

I can't say for certain how far you can adjust it, but I can tell you that it doesn't take much of an adjustment to make a difference. Have you tried it yet?

[dwt3040]

I'm going to work on it this weekend. The truck has 235000 miles on it and it is just now requiring some attention. I rebuilt the lower half of the engine last week. Oil pressure is great now. I noticed the play in the steering for a while and finally decided to take care of it too.

[dwt3040]

I had to replace the steering box and the pitman arm to get the playout. It drives great now.