Steering box u-joint seems loose

[JeepGirl1013]

My steering is looser than I’d like. I thought maybe I’d need to replace the steering box. Crawled under today to see what it looks like. There is a lot of play in the u-joint that leads into the steering box. The one that is higher up doesn’t move like this one does. Does this need to be replaced?

Also, if I grab the shaft and pull it where it goes into the steering box, it pulls out about 1/4”. Is that normal?

There’s a joke to be had in there somewhere

 

[Chris]

It's been a while since I did this, but I seem to remember mine having a little play as well.

Maybe someone who has done this more recently will chime in with their opinion.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I just checked mine and there is no play in the joint and nothing moves or makes that clicking noise like your vid.

 

[jjvw]

If all that lateral movement is coming from steering gear, the concern should be focused there.

 

[ChadH]

If all that lateral movement is coming from steering gear, the concern should be focused there.

Agreed, but I have had those joints go bad in old trucks before so might warrant a replacement of steering gear and shaft.

 

[jjvw]

Agreed, but I have had those joints go bad in old trucks before so might warrant a replacement of steering gear and shaft.

That may be true in old trucks. Wearing out that u joint in a TJ is fairly rare. And the only reason that u joint in that video can move the way it is would be if something on the other end is flopping around.