New to Me 04 DC SB

So I just bought an 04 DC SB, 3.4. Still have a 95 X Cab, 3.4 M/T. Couple things I have questions about. While driving on the highway, the transmission & 4wd shifters move slightly with the motion of the truck over the road. No shifting issues with transmission or transfer case. Is this normal? There is about2 degrees play in the steering wheel. That is to say the wheel will move about 2 degrees from center each way before the steering responds. Has new lower ball joints, fresh alignment, no vibration or noise. Any ideas as to the cause? Tie rod ends? Steering rack bushings?

 

Check the transmission and engine mounts for excessive movement.
The rubber flange on steering shaft may have become frayed/excessively cracked and or heavily rusted fasteners.

 

There's a joint in your steering shaft just under the dash. Grab a hold of the lower shaft and wiggle the steering wheel. If the play is there, the joint is wore out.

Couple fixes for it. Roll pin fix and tac weld fix.
Common issue on the 1st gens.

 

The bushings on the auto shift lever deteriorate. That can cause play in the auto shifter.

@Brice sells replacement bushings... they WORK. I've replaced them on my truck and on my son's T4R. Made a huge improvement.

 

Thanks for the plug!

I sure do make bushings, link in sig to the for sale page if you are interested

 

Excellent write-up for steering rattle here: Highly recommend looking into this before dropping big bucks on a new rack or whatever else.

 

@Brice bushings look sweet too, I know I could use them at 214k

 

Let me clarify: there is no rattle in the steering or the shifters. The shifters move gently, together, with the motion of the truck over the road. There is no play in either of the shiftters. If it ever stops snowing I will get under there & check the engine & transmission mounts.

 

Did you read the link I sent you?
Or did you read the title and assume it wouldn’t help you.
(Hint). READ THE LINK. It addresses more than “rattle”

 

://youtu.be/6O01xIDnuk8


Should help with steering response. And check all the steering rack, trans mounts, and motor mounts

 

Sounds like motor mounts to me. As far as steering have someone turn steering back and forth while you watch under the truck. I would guess rack or rack bushings. Are the rack boots torn or is the rack leaking?