Hey NewGuy,
I agree with Dave, you should not be able to feel any up/down movement on the steering shaft as the lower worm gear race adjustment loads the two thrust bearings. It sounds like something is badly worn, broken or rusted inside the steering box. The upper steering bearing wont contribute to the issues you have reported. The box is not too difficult to inspect, just don't loose any of the recirculating balls or mess up the sheet metal guides that hold them all inside. If your steering box is toast I've got one that is just collecting dust, that is if you cant find more local donor.
Paul
