Hy evergreenw, technically there should be no freeplay in the steering wheel, as there should be a 2 - 2 1/2 lb. pull required to keep the steering wheel turning through the straight ahead or center of its travel with it disconnected from the drag link. Of course there are many points in the steering system that will wear, giving you the feeling of free play, the entire system should be checked for wear. The ram assist steering systems use a valve to direct oil flow to either end of the ram depending on which way you are trying to turn, this valve is built into the drag link, and obviously some clearance must exist to allow the valve to move in either direction to direct oil flow. When your pump is not running this clearance will show up in a delay of motion at the wheels, because the clearance in the valve must be taken up before the mechanical contact will move the wheels. You should avoid as much as possible turning the steering wheel while the pump is not running, on any power steering system, hope that helps
