What to check for for loose steering

[MY88]

I have a 1988 Towncar and the steering is kind of loose. When driving down the road at say 30-40 i can turn the steering wheel almost 1 inch in each direction and it doesnt go anywhere. On the highway its a real pain because it wanders all over. What should i check to tighten the steering and remove the loose "play" in it?? Any advice would be useful. Thanks!

[lincolnss]

it sounds like you have bad tie rods which are common on fords especially the RWD models T/C grand Marq and Crown Vic
i know when my 1990 TC had this problem it was around 900 dollars for the repair....

[Towncar]

One inch at the steering wheel isn't very much, otherwise I'd say the steering box was fried.

I'm going with lincolnss, worn tie rod ends will do what you describe.