Excessive play in steering wheel ?

Dubob said
I'd check to make sure the mount bolts on the steering gear where it mounts to the k frame are not loose, if the car is new to you. Then on to the rebuild which honestly is probably the issue. But the steering gear bolts only cost some time to check.

Yeah, start with the easy stuff. Start with Dubob's suggestions.

Some people don't want to throw a kit at it unless a lot of it has passed its useful service life. Put front of car on jack stands. Put both hands on top of tire and jerk top of tire towards you several times. Listen for clicking sound and where it is coming from. From the top of the wheel, upper ball joint; bottom of the wheel, lower ball joint; center of wheel much closer to you, outer wheel bearing. Put hands on sides of tire and try to turn wheel left and right. Same deal, listen for clicking noise. While the car is up on the stands, check the three bushing on each side. It will probably be necessary to take the wheels off to see the upper control arm bushings. Look for any bushings that are "hogged out" in the center, or have significant chunks missing out of them.

I agree with younggun2.0, that you would be best off with a front end kit. Remember that, in all probability, this stuff has been in there for almost 50 years. It should be worn out.

I've had a pair of '66 Darts; one PS, the other not. Rebuilding the front ends made each of them better drivers