Check the tie rod ends and steering link. 1/16" is the max play allowed.
Jack up each front wheel. Give them a solid shake from the top and bottom and from the front and back. There should be no appreciable chuckling. While the driver side is up (engine off, column unlocked), have a helper gently turn the steering wheel slightly in each direction and look for any perceptible lag in the lower shaft moving. A hand on each shaft (input and output) helps.
While the wheels are on the ground (engine off, column unlocked) have the helper turn the wheel while looking or feeling for play in the "rag joint" of the steering column. It's the rubber impregnated fabric, low tech U joint thingy just above the steering gear box.
Unbolt one end of the steering damper and make sure it is damping evenly in both directions with no free play when changing directions.
Eyeball the rubber bushings in both ends of each spring leaf. They should be holding the inner steel sleeve and mounting bolts in the center of the spring eye.
Eyeball the area around the steering gear to frame bolts for any frame cracks or loose bolts.
If all this is negative, you'll need to follow the TM for checking the king pin bushings. I think it's in the -34. I'll check tomorrow.
Checking all this should take about 30 minutes and a few hand tools. It's a good idea to go through all this every year or so and catch issues before Murphey gets involved.
Good luck.
Lance
