sloppy steering 79 W200

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Stepper

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I just picked up a 79 W200 and the steering is rather sloppy. Other than that the truck is great. I'm new to the older dodge trucks. Can anyone help me trouble shoot before I go tearing things apart and throwing money at it?

For instance, could it simply be the steering box is bad? Or could it be the dreaded "bad knuckle" scenario I've read about.

I also posted this in the truck forum but figured I'd put it here too. Thanks guys. I love the truck so far. As soon as I clean the dirt off of it from the road trip, I'll post pics.

Mike
 
Have a friend turn the wheel back and forth and see whats moving.
Also jack the front up and see if the wheel moves from top to bottom.
These trucks have pressed front wheel bearings and after 30 plus years are most likely shot.
Could also be ball joints.

My dad's 78 he bought new has over 250K and the tie rods have never been replaced, but the wheel bearings have been replaced twice.
 
Check the steering coupler shaft joint.Wear item on the trucks.
 
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