Sloppy steering...

[Byron]

There seems to be excessive play in my steering.  Should I just turn in the set screw slightly to improve this or do I need a tightsteer instead?  thanks!

[Rus Curtis]

This was one of my early mistakes. 

I had play in the middle, so I tightened the adjustment screw - without testing what that did to the full turn (stop-to-stop).  My steering binded in a turn and I needed to force the wheel back to center and immediately pulled off the road to "re-adjust" so that it didn't bind at the ends.

It's normal to find more play in the center (it will never approach rack/pinion).  The best way to increase wear (and excessive play) is to use grease in the steering box.

You may find wear/adjustment issues in other steering parts that will also contribute to your excessive play. 

To address the tightsteer, it's a clever add-on that can help with center play.  Some like them, others don't.

[BillT]

If you do decide to adjust you should jack the front wheels off the ground, make an adjustment, then then turn the steering wheel lock to lock while feeling for any binding. When it does bind back off the adjustment until it goes away.
I installed the tightsteer. Helped some but not as much as I had hoped for. I would say that the effect of the device depends on the condition of the steering box and the overall condition of your steering components.

[48willys]

I may be covering something you’ve already done, but it likely a combination of worn parts. A good method to check steering components is have an assistant move the steering wheel back and forth throughout the play while you check each component.
Keep in mind the drag link has spring loaded caps that will give a little under load. Make sure you check the Bellcrank pin, mount , and the frame tube to frame welds. Check the tie rod ends for any that are loose, and then check the box for movement in the sector shaft bushings.
If it passes all those checks, it’s possible an adjustment in the box may help. But like Rus points out, you need to follow the service manual procedure for adjustment or it will cause a binding issue.