Steering question

1967 Barracuda.
Many years ago I swapped my power steering box for a manual box. I kept the power steering shaft and rebuilt the coupler. I drove it like that for many years on the original suspension.
Recently, I rebuilt the front end and got the car aligned.
The new suspension is AMAZING, with one exception: there is a very small "soft spot" in the steering wheel before the car reacts.
While investigating, I found that I can rotate the steering shaft with my hand just a degree or two, before the motion continues to the manual box. The rebuilt coupler seems to be absorbing a degree or two of rotation.
I would like a more direct connection between the steering shaft and box.

Have any of you solved this problem?

Borgeson U-joint
Borgeson Universal Company :: Universal Joints

Thank you.

Your coupler looks to be the '64 and older style. Did you do some sort of modification to your stock column?

I remember having to change the length. (though I can't remember if I made it longer or shorter at the collapsible section)...and I'm pretty sure that coupler is the original. (I am the second owner).

I like the idea of a u-joint.