So I have a little bit of slop in my steering wheel. Looking into the upper and lower shafts.. I’ve searched a bit with no real answer to a question I have.

I can turn the shaft with my hand and the steering wheel moves as much as I twist.. however where the lower shaft connects to the R&P, would there be play in that area by a worn part?

The R&P is new.. so I’m not sure if it’s a R&P issue or the connector where the lower shaft bolts onto the R&P.

 

Did you replace the steering gear bushings? The lower intermediate shaft does have a u-joints.

 

Where are the steering gear bushings located?

Looking at the joints they look solid. Twisting the shaft is solid from the lower to the steering wheel. But my eyes aren't a measuring tool.. Compared to a drive shaft they seem good tho

 

The bushings are part of the rack n pinion.

 

That Intermeadiate Steering Shaft is more then likely bad. I had the exact same issue, felt good trying to twist it sort of, but made like a slight clicking noise and had play in the wheel. Do your research on ebay if your gonna buy one, as there are plenty out there to rip you off at 160 bucks or so, but I found mine from a Dodge dealer on EBay for less then 60 bucks shipped. Look up asphaltwarrior1 on youtube and I have a video up about replacement. I think I even showed the old one in the video.