Lower steering slip shaft play

[bronco italiano]

My buddy always complained of his steering wheel having a lot of play (right to left).
-I tightened the steering gear (F100 conversion box from WH).
-Just had the steering gear rebuilt and properly adjusted (Steering setup only has 15 k miles on it but is 18 years old)
-The flaming river lower slip shafts has noticeable play. The joints are fine.
-Does anyone make a stronger/better built slip shaft setup?
-Would the 76/77 rag joint setup work with the F100 power box?

 

[DirtDonk]

How sloppy is it?
Since it’s out of the vehicle, pull the two halves apart and see if the little spring plate/tensioner is still in there.
At least I think there is one in those shafts. I don’t think all brands have them, but maybe that one does.

 

[DirtDonk]

And how far did you tighten the gearbox up?
That is not what that screw is for by the way. It’s just for setting initial pre-load and nothing else.
Yes, it can be used to tighten things up a little bit when the box is truly on the way to being worn out. But it’s not there to let you try making it tighter and tighter.
You quickly reach the point where it binds in the middle.

Since you said, the box is relatively new, mileage wise, it should not need more than perhaps an eighth of a turn on the screw.
But don’t go by what I say. Read the book on it, and then do it by the book.

 

[bronco italiano]

I did not see any spring tensioner in the shaft but will get a light in there to check.
The box was rebuilt by a buddy that worked at a steering gear rebuild shop decades ago and he does a super nice job.
I should bring the shaft in to Johnny and see what he thinks. Don't think I can post short video on CB can I?

 

[DirtDonk]

Yes, you can, but I don’t know how it’s done. I’ve only posted still pictures for all these years.

 

[bronco italiano]

I can't figure it out. I'll just bring it in to Johnny.