Why do I have such sloppy steering?
All good advice, but I feel obligated to include a safety heads-up.....
When adjusting your steering box make sure the steering wheel returns to center after making a turn! I've seen guys over-adjust the steering box and go for a road test and after making a turn, the steering wheel would NOT return to straight! One friend almost railed a parked car. Your adjusting the free-play when the steering gear is on-center, or in the straight-ahead position. This is where it will wear, and adjusting the gear so it's nice and tight on-center almost guarantees a binding gear at a full turn if the box is worn. Beware!
As for a wandering Mopar, these things tracked like shopping carts when new, especially with power steering. Mopar was known for having THE most over-assisted power steering on the planet, aside from an earth mover. You are constantly sawing at the wheel. But if something IS worn, start with your wheel bearing adjustment and work your way in. If you have the front wheels off the ground (and the car is safely supported....) grab the sides of the tires and wiggle back and forth as if you were trying to steer it. If it feels loose, inspect the tie rod ends and arms. Then grab the tire from the top & bottom and push in & out. If you feel looseness, possibly a ball joint. If all this feels tigh (I still recommend a pro inspect it if your not sure....) I'd suspect the lower control arm bushings, which are a pain in the *** to replace and are rarely serviced. Start with those wheel bearings. That's a simple inspection and if bad or loose will produce the problems you mentioned. If your not sure, or inexperienced in front end work, seek some help/advice from someone whom has done this work before. Suspension-steering, and brakes, are the most important repairs that you can perform. If your not sure of what your doing, get help.
Oh...one more thing. You do have a set of matched tires on the front end the same size and in good condition, right? A bad tire will cause a pull too...
