Play in the steering??

[kylev]

Is there supposed to be horizontal play in the steering shaft?

The exact part is the up and down action where the shaft comes out from the main gear in the stearing box.
I tightened the big nut on the bottom until the threads were flush with the nut and then put the cotter pin in.

There is about 1/8" of up and down play.

[George Willer]

Is there supposed to be horizontal play in the steering shaft?

The exact part is the up and down action where the shaft comes out from the main gear in the stearing box.
I tightened the big nut on the bottom until the threads were flush with the nut and then put the cotter pin in.

There is about 1/8" of up and down play.

Kylev,

Ideally, there should be no play at all. The clamp screw must be loosened before adjusting the castelated nut and then TIGHTENED again when the play is reduced to as little as possibly without binding. It's important to have the lever clamped tightly to the shaft so it doesn't move and wear the shaft and key.