early A-body Power steering

When I bought my '65 Barracuda, the steering had considerable free play. The steering linkage was fine so I figured the slop was in the steering geer. I adjusted the play so it only had about a inch or so free play. However, with the engine running the free play increased over a quarter turn. Since the original geer had substantial leaks, I replaced it. The new steering geer acts the same as the original only without leaks. This feels a little unsafe. Is this normal early A-Body steering?