It's most likely in the steering column and the gear box. Pretty typical.

also, check pitman arm for slop.

 

12-6 isn't going to be steering related. Probably bad hub/bearing.

 

I dont get what you mean by 12-6

 

Lift the wheel of the ground then put you hands on 12-6 o clock position and check for movement.

 

Guys this has been really helpful. My upper is going in crooked as well, I am concerned about cranking to hard on it but I see no way to straighten it out through the process.

Its getting a bit hard to crank, should I continue and it will just settle out?

 

You might try putting the right size socket on it, and try and hammer it straight. Then put the press back on.

Welcome to DF!

 

I installed mine with a ball joint press and a 3/4" impact wrench. It takes a bit to press them in for sure.

 

As shown in the OP's picture of the ball joint press, the lower surface of axle where the upper ball joint goes is not parallel with the upper surface. This causes the ball joint to **** as it is pressed in. If the ball joint starts to tilt, you need to stop and try pressing it off center a little bit ( I know its hard to do ). I think that some presses have an adapter that is slanted to solve this problem, or possible a custom on could be made.