Kevin,
Replacing/upgrading just the steering column and not the steering box or remainder of the steering components isn't going to help your freeplay issue.
You said you adjusted the steering gear freeplay out, but have you eliminated possible freeplay throughout the rest of the steering (drag link and tie rods)???
Also interested to know what instructions/methods you used to do the steering box adjustment process?
If you didn't accomplish anything with the adjustment, it's very possible your steering box needs a rebuild.
Dan
