I have a '98 Z71. I picked it up about 3 months ago. I had everything checked out on the vehicle before I bought it, and it checked out okay except for a few little things (1 tail light was burnt out, and the spring on the passenger door was broken). Anyways, the steering is a little sloppy and the the wheel is slightly off center when going straight down the road. I have about 1/2 an inch to 1 inch of play in the wheel, so I would like to get this fixed, but not sure exactly what it would be from. Could anyone tell me or has anyone else had this issue? If I replace all the ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. Would this fix the issue, or is it in the steering box??

 

I would go the ie rod end route. You can look and see if they have alot of play by getting someone to move steering wheel while you look. I will be obvious, there should be no play. I would think if it was in the steering box you might actually feel a clunk in the steering if teeth were missing. I don't think there is really anywhere to get slop in the steering box.

 

Ok, I will look into replacing the tie rod ends and the pitman arm.

 

So I have been doing a little more research, and have read some articles on replacing a steering sensor that assists the power steering. Apparently they are quite common to go (at least in the '98's). Has anyone else heard of this?

 

My 98 had steering issues. Tie rods and pitmans at 50,000. Watch out for alignment. In spec is not good enough. After bad tire wear on new tires, I found a guy who really knew how to align this truck.
Regarding steering sensor - not related to play in the wheel. When going around an easy curve at say 40mph,the steeringwould suddenly jerk like you hit a patch of ice. Was driving me crazy! Local shopsaid steering box or something for $370.
Did a quick search and found the EVO (electronic variable orifice ?)sensor problem. Some said replace - about $30 I think. Another said pull itout, clean and WD40, re-install. Did it, 20 minutes, hard part was laying on the floor looking up and getting the wiring connector off. 5000 miles later, noproblems. This sensor is under the dash on the steering column. Hope this helps.

 

is that for only the 98s?

 

The idler arms on these trucks were notorious for being worn out to. I had a 97 that needed a new one at 50k.