[sreve]

the steering linkage needs a good check first. pushing on the rod ends won't get it. have an assistant move the steering wheel back and forth enough to move the frt tires an inch (tires on the ground) check linkage for side to side and up and down movement. jack it up and check ball joints and wheel bearings. next look at the i-beam bushings. the bracket for the left side i-beam (right side eng cross member) is worth a look, seen more than one of those ripped almost in two. radius arm bushings worth a look,but an unlikely problem causer.
if all checks good adjusting the hi-point on the box is an option if you can get it broke loose. it's true you can lock it up.it's also true it can be adjusted.
NOTE: Preload (thrust bearing adjustment) and worm-to-rack preload cannot be changed in service. The only adjustment that can be performed is the total overcenter position load to eliminate excessive lash between sector and rack teeth. 1. Disconnect pitman arm from sector shaft. 2. Disconnect fluid return line at reservoir and cap reservoir return line pipe. 3. Place end of return line in a clean container and cycle steering wheel in both directions as required to discharge fluid from gear. 4. Carefully remove airbag assembly from steering wheel hub, then turn steering wheel 45 degrees from right stop. 5. Using an inch pound torque wrench on steering wheel nut, determine torque required to rotate shaft slowly through approximately 1/8 turn from 45 degrees position. 6. Turn steering gear back to center, then determine torque required to rotate shaft back and forth across center position. 7. Adjust if meshload required to rotate shaft back and forth across center position is less than 7 in lb greater than the force required to rotate shaft from 45 degrees to stop. Loosen adjusting nut and turn adjusting screw until reading is 10-14 in lb greater than torque measured 45 degrees from stop. Hold screw in place, then tighten locknut. 8. Check readings, then install pitman arm and steering wheel cover. 9. Connect fluid return line and replenish reservoir.