Steering slop..
 

I have a 88 baja, and I just replaced the gimble, and hinge pin with the stainless one from jr marine. But I still have alot of side to side slop in the outdrive. I think its my steering acutor. I have also been having a issue with the power steering pump going dry. I changed all the hoses and I think I have that fixed. Do you think there is just air in the lines or should I replace my steering acuator.

anyone??

Get someone on the steering wheel and someone on the drive and have em wiggle the system while you feel around the actuator and the links for slop. If there's none try elsewhere. How is the helm, tight?

Did you torque the u-bolt ?

Yes the ubolt is torqued to more then the 20lbs? they tell ya too torque them too.

How much slop are you talking about, I have just went through and tightened everything in mine and I have an 1" side to side with the engine off and sitting on the trailer, want it all gone but not sure what is next, top pin seems tight, Maybe time for Hyd. as I would feel safer in the boat anyway.

I think 1" is about the norm...start the boat and see how tight it is then..I have way more then a 1" of play..

One of the big reasons for going to external hydraulic steering is to prevent the excess movement that leads to worn parts (and scary handling) that comes with stock steering. Once you drive a boat with it, you'll wonder how you ever ran without it. Of course in your case, you need to bring the rest of the seering components back up to spec before you should even consider the upgrade.

sounds normal to me too. i have a 89 baja with evrything new on the steering and its still like that. all of my past boats have had it also. i am installing imco full hydraulic in the next couple weeks, i have it all sitting in the garage but i cant seem to find the time :(

I had considered the hyd. Conversion last fall and did not pull the trigger but do remember someone offering some suggestions on how to get it done well but on a budget somehow ???