Don't forget to inspect your vehicle's intermediate shaft. That's the shaft between the lower steering column and the steering rack. It's often overlooked and blame usually gets put on other more visible steering parts. The U-joints on it are quite small and can wear. Plus, I think there might be a rag-joint and slip joint as well, all of which can wear just a little. Just a micro-amount of wear there can translate into 1/2" or more of free-play at the steering wheel making it feel sloppy even if the rest of the steering parts are tight. One thing that wears them out quick are owners who crank on the steering while the vehicle is not running (no power steering). That puts a great amt of stress on those pieces. In general you can save a lot of steering wear by not doing that.
A good way to check it is to tightly clamp a Vice Grip pliers around the lower section of the intermediate shaft where it joins the steering rack. Get a block in there ...and basically strap it (ratchet strap or tightly rope it) to the frame or something solid. Then go check your steering wheel. If you feel any movement, then you know it's between the wheel and the rack. Most likely the intermediate shaft and probably any flexible couplers ...but could also be at slip joints or U-joints (or all). It's not an uncommon issue. You can buy replecements. Also check for looseness at the bottom of the steering column (the bushing there). Again, a little play in these areas translates into steering slop.
