First isolate where the free play is coming from.
Go to
https://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/ and read in the steering section.
I disconnect the drag link and check for play in the steering gearbox.
If it's tight I proceed by checking for play in the drag link then the rod ends.
You can also find a shop that does work on big commercial trucks.
In my area this is about the only shops remaining that will work on straight axles trucks.
