Hello... new to the club :)
I have an 86 with the 2.5 FI. A couple of months ago the steering wheel and column started loosening up around its center... it got worse with time. Basically the wheel can be moved laterally and vertically in a "cone" type pattern.
What works:
-tilt mechanism
-turn signals / wipers
-steering function (no rotational slop)
What's bad:
-high beam function only works by slightly tilting the wheel upwards
-ignition block feels sloppy and sometimes jams (still I can get the truck started every time)
-laterally pushing the wheel (due to its slop) to the left will cause a break in electrical contact to the ignition (probably the worst aspect of this problem)
Need to understand exactly what component needs replacing (column?) or if this one can be repaired.
I have access to a shop and can tinker... but not sure what to start taking apart here.
Thanks!
Alex