Excessive play in steering wheel
Actually the play can be caused by anything from the steering shaft coupler to the tie rod ends.
A good play inspection is in order.
Absolutely and you need two people
Get your great lookin girlfriend to wiggle the wheel back and forth while you watch "things".
Pay close attention. Start right at the shaft coming down from the column in the engine bay, into and out of the shaft coupler. Watch for any play between the two. They should follow exactly.
Same for the bottom of the coupler and the box shaft.
Now get down and look at the linkage. Look for movement of the box, loose on the K
Look for any lost movement in the pitman arm ball to the center link, up/ down or other lost movement at the idler, and at each tire rod ball.
If this is play "in the box" you will see movement of the column shaft with a "dead spot" of the pitman not moving.
You can download service manuals free at MyMopar. Several of them, there, came from the guys here at FABO
http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=31
