The centralizing bolt is not really necessary. If your rod ends are tight, have you adjusted the slack screw in the top of the box?

 

no, this was the adjustment I was going to make. Can I just make that adjustment without the centralizing bolt then?

 

Yes, if you have not done the adjustment screw yet, that is likely your entire problem.

 

Removing the steering damper/shock absorber can discard that as a cause.

 

I see. I think it’s safe to assume it’s not that since they are both a couple months old and after replacing nothing changed.

I did think about it today and I replaced the steering box about a year ago and the steering still felt the same. It’s worth noting it was a pick and pull box but still seems odd nothing changed which makes me think it’s got to do with the steering column, u joints or something. There has always been a pretty absurd amount of play in the wheel.

 

Update: Adjusted the steering box screw and its definitely better now. I think it was fully backed out so I tightened it about 3 rotations.