if I can get the play out of the steering box to where I don't have to herd it so much I'll feel fairly comfortable
There is a "sector gear preload" adjustment bolt on the opposite side of the steering gear from the Pitman arm. It is adjusted by loosening the locknut and turning the center bolt to take the slack out of the worm and sector gears at the "high point" right in the middle of the worm gear's travel. There's a pretty definite procedure to get it adjusted properly, so don't just start cranking the adjustment screw down.
Ideally, the adjustment should be made with the Pitman arm or the drag link disconnected, but if the front wheels are off the ground with the axle on jack stands the procedure is almost as accurate. Count the number of turns of the steering wheel lock-to-lock, and turn it back halfway. At that point, any movement of the steering wheel rim, even an inch or less, should result in movement of the Pitman arm. If not, start tightening the adjusting screw until you can feel a slight "high spot" just as the wheel crosses the center point. An inch-lb. torque wrench on the center nut of the steering wheel should show a rise in turning effort of 10 in./lbs. as the gear rocks over center. If you don't have a torque wrench handy, you can "feel" the difference in turning effort with a fingertip on the wheel as you turn across center. If the wheel gets tight/loose/tight as you cross over center, the worm gear is worn out and the steering gear needs to be replaced. Good luck!
Jerry
