steering gone bad

I have about 5 inches of slop in the steering wheel when driving. If hand was on top of wheel it would be like 10 to 2 oclock. Have replaced most all joints and bushings except on steering shaft. Could I have a bad steering gear or a bad steering shaft. It is hard to get anyone to say what they feel it is. this is on a 97 4x4 with 122000 miles

1 " of slop is to much for me..how did you let it get to 5"..lol

Try the pitman arm. Mine had the same symptom. I replaced it, and now no problem.

if the slack is in the steering box there is an adjustment on it .loosen the nut and take an allen wrench to tighten the stud when you get the stud tight back off 1/2 turn the tighten the nut .you can get to it from underneath good.