OutbackOz

I drive my 96 limited it drives well and steers great , a little play just like it should as comfortable as a Lounge chair. I drive the 99 Sport and it's chalk n cheese?
It drives like a go cart like a front wheel drive car?No real play in the wheel and very direct steeringNow I thought the steering box might be over tightened I had a look today while I was charging the battery Looks like the elec fan comes out to get to it (RHD) But I did noticethere was play in the steering shaft about a 1/8th each wayso that seems, ok? Could it be the tires? It has these Fedral Couragia light truck looking tires on it
The ride is harsher in the 99 but that's the tires but it couldn't affect the steering so much?
Both have the same steering dampener about the same age rims and tire size are the same different brands though would it be the pressure of the power steering pump?
I dont understand what would make the steering so different Oh and both are stock

cruiser54

I have seen where the rubber coupling in the shaft between the steering box and steering column deteriorates and allows slop like you describe.

robsjeep

Get a friend to turn the steerring wheel while you watch all the moving bits. coupler, worn gear box, worn tie rods, loose mounts worn drag link mounting hole, loose bolts, etc.. It maybe one part or many that are the problem.

when I checked mine I had lots of loose stuff, worse offended was an ovaled out drag link mount hole. converted it to a large dia. bolt and drilled new round hole. you got to tighten the heck out of it and check it periodically, if it loosens the hole will get ovaled.

check everything for movement, even the gear box can come loose, ( or the frame breaks around it!)

OutbackOz

Thanks Guys but wouldn't the steering wheel be sloppy when you drive it? the opposite there is no play and the steering is very direct Thats what I cant understand