I remember one of my fathers friends tightening my steering up and I can't remember what he did and it is getting kind of loose again.

 

There is an adjuster on the psteering box. But if tightened too much the box will lock up.

Just to be safe you should check all your tie rod ends and trac bar for any play.

 

Yes, definately check the tie rod ends. My steering was very loose too and after a little bit of troubleshooting, I found play in the tie rod ends. Each one individually was not all that bad but, the 4 added together made keeping my XJ between the lines, more of a challenge than I wanted to deal with.
I replaced all 4 + the damper because it was worn out as well, realigned the front end and the difference is like night and day.

 

Good answers above.

All extremities - tie rod, track bar, bushings and nuts. If this does not help, look at the lower and upper joints as well.

Any alignment shop should be able to take care of that.

 

Okay thanks a bunch!

 

Yes it will. I've seen them crack the top cover when overdone.
That adjustment (sector shaft preload) should only be considered after everything else is ruled out, and if you have slop in the box itself.

 

Okay interesting thanks.