I tried searching but couldn't find what I was looking for. How much play in the steering wheel is normal? I have very little experience with vehicles with a steering box, all my other cars had rack and pinion. When I start turning the wheel either way I get an inch or 2 of movement before there is any noticeable reaction from the front wheels. Is this normal, or do I need to look into fixing something? I saw a post somewhere that someone mentioned something like anything less than an 1/8 of a turn of the wheel is normal, but that seems like a lot to me.

 

Check the frame near the pwr steering box for cracks and also you can adjust the "worm gear" on the steering box but do not make it too tight or you can wear it out...Tj

 

You may also have worn tie rod ends.

 

I had the same amount of play in mine, 1-2in left or right before you could feel any real change in direction. there are posts here that explained you should lay under the vehicle and have a helper wiggle the steering wheel back and forth and you watch for wherever the steering is loose.
My XJ needed a new track bar, drag link, and tie rod ends. I got the trackbar from a junkyard ZJ, but the others were new from Autozone. about $100 total and its much better than before.
Good luck

 

Thanks, I'll give it a look. We're going to be starting an engine swap tomorrow, so maybe I can check it then.

 

There could be a number of things wrong from a steering box needing adjustment to bad bushings. Find a friend and raise the hood and have him/her move the steering wheel back and forth. If the steering shaft moves but not the pitman arm, then adjust the steering box. If the pitman arm moves but not the wheels, then look underneath and see what moves instead of the wheels.