ok I have done some reading on box adjustments. I had a second gen and to solve my problems I wound up going out and buying a PSC box which they no longer make. The boxes you get from the parts stores may be no better than the one you take off. The boxes at the dealers are $$$$$$$$$$$.
I have tried the center adjustment before and found that if it needs the adjustment the box is on its way out soon after. But if done with the worm gear adjustment then it may save you $300-500.

here is a DIY. It was actually a TSB

NOTE: this adjustment is to only be performed if all the rest of the steering has been checked and is ok. this will help steering wander (play in steering) if the sector shaft has some movement or the steering wheel turns without and reaction to the wheels. If the steering shaft turns more than 1/4 turn and the pitman arm doesnt turn then you may be out of the realm of adjustment. If the center adjustment is done too much it could cause damage to the box. 1/8" turns at a time.

enjoy

TSB 19-10-97

 

Did you (or has anyone) actually do (done) this TSB? I would like to hear some input, may have to give it a try.

 

my local dealer did a few with positive results. what ever that means in dealer language

 

Yeah, the 'good ole' dealer. Thanks GRI, did they do it on your truck when you had it?

Anyone actually done one of these adjustments on their own?

 

I have done the 1 adjustment but my boxes always failed shortly afterwards. And its because I (and many others) didnt do the second adjustment, Didnt even know you could do it.

I read on a few other forums where quite a few members did these and it helped tremendously