Thanks for the info. I will see if my dealer has the kit in stock....

 

yeah, that dead stop is pretty common with these trucks, seems to be more so with the 2wd ones. the rack and pinion steering is a bit light I think. anyways, glad I could help you all out!! Anytime something is needed, ask!!

 

I haven't look yet but could a person drill and tap and put a grease fitting on the shaft?

 

Gm has come out with a fix, redesigned intermediate steering shaft twice to eliminate this problem. I purchased the second redesigned shaft that came out last year for $125 from GM parts discount. It only took a half an hour to replace and seems to be working fine right now. I had mine re-greased at the dealership under warranty once but the knock will always return as this is only a temporary fix.
Keeping my fingers crossed that the new redesigned shaft will work without any further problems.
If you want the new "upgrade I shaft" part # I will look it up for you.

 

You can take the bolt out under the hood and push the shaft in and out about 15 times and bolt it back up. The noise will be gone. It will probably come back eventually but it only takes about 10 min to do it again and it's free.

 

The number would be nice. Thanks.

 

I've been pretty lucky with mine actually...after having one shaft replaced under warranty when the truck was like a year old, the clunk of course came back. So Oct of 02 I did the lube procedure, but used 2 grease kits instead of one. Well, it's been quiet ever since. (hope I don't jinx myself lol). I still have the little plug around somewhere. I did the same thing to my buddy's 02 a few years ago, and he hasn't mentioned anything about the noise coming back yet. I guess if the clunk ever comes back I'll grease it again and see how long it lasts before I go and buy the shaft. I'm not even sue if the actual grease kit is even available any more.

 

Which end do you take loose top or bottom? Thanks.

 

Dead spot isn't shaft related. Steering gear box related IMO.

 

New design shaft number 19153614. has a plunger in it to keep distributing the grease. I have not seen any of the ones I have replaced come back. Including my own. 93.00 list at the dealer.