95 Steering Play

I have a 95 Rodeo that seems to be plaqued by some of the known problems ( loud valve ticks, squeal at stratup ). But for the most part I can live with that, what I am starting to experience is a lot of play in the steering wheel. I probally brought this on myself by running bigger tires. My question, which usually goes first the tie rods or the steering gear?

not sure about the steering prob, but i had the squeal problem and it turned out to be the alternator belt. get it tightened.

i just bought a 95, and my steering wheel has a bit of a give.