Chosen Solution

steering wheel slop/play? i would say it is excessive being about 3 inches in both directions

Have you had a popping/clunking noise when turning? If so the problem is typically the intermediate shaft. I’ve also heard it called a steering coupler. Here is an article: http://www.autorepairinstructions.com/ar… Here is a video of a guy replacing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eK9JRTd… Here is a link to a replacement: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/dodg