When I replaced the engine and transmission a few years ago, one of the other things I attended to was the loosey-goosey steering. Adjusting the steering gear to remove "center play" only resulted in binding when turning hard in either direction, so I replaced the gear with a rebuilt from Napa.
The Napa gear (A-1 Cardonne) began leaking the day I added the power steering fluid to the pump. It also had about the same amount of play as the one I had removed, so I wasn't a real happy camper. Like other parts stores, Napa would only cover the part, not the labor to replace it. If you've ever undertaken this project you will know that Labor is what it's all about. So I pretty much decided to just ignore the sometimes really scary wander and live (or maybe die) with it.
Two weeks ago I noticed the steering had gotten really bad and decided it was time to replace the gear - again. When I got in and under and had a good look at it, I discovered that all the mounting bolts were loose, which was a real shocker, considering that they had been torqued the specified 100 ft lbs. Not good!
I'm now in the middle of removing the gear and have ordered the best replacement I could find, a "Redhead" from Washington State. Big Bucks! This time I intend to use Loctite on the bolts and back em up with locknuts on the bottom. Will report on how it goes!
Since I was already resigned to being greasy, I also removed my secondary oil filter with all it's hoses since the mounting position created problems accessing the steering pump and the washer reservoir. I adjusted the steering dampener to better clear the tie rod bolts and adjusted the front sway bar as well. Now it's like driving a regular van. Love the difference!