My 05 GT now has 80k on it and im noticing what i think is some play in the steering. If i wiggle the steering wheel back and forth i can get a few degrees of play before it feels like it starts actually moving the rack/wheels...

Ive already replaced the tie rod ends with steeda pieces and most of the other suspension bits are upgraded too. The suspension passes the "shimmying-the-tire-to-check-for-balljoint/tierod-wear", so im figuring its something in the steering rack/column itself. do S197s have rubber rag joints in steering shaft? i havent looked that hard at all the parts of the shaft yet...

any ideas would be appreciated!

 

I've never seen any rubber joints in the steering shaft, but doesn't mean there aren't any. Between the rack and the firewall I've seen there's a collar joint in the steering shaft that allows it to slide to length, and an all-metal U-joint. I don't know what is in between the firewall and the wheel

 

with the engine off, watch the shaft while someone rocks the wheel...if somethings loose you should see it.