Making steering happy. What parts are needed?

[defiance]

Ok - just went and got my car & drove it home (about 20 miles), and realized... I gotta get the steering fixed BADLY.  That's all there is to it.  It's more like herding than steering right now...

So, here's what I'm looking at.

1) The coupling between the box and the colum shaft is pretty worn.  So, I plan to replace that with a U joing coupler
http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=214/category_id=116/home_id=82/mode=prod/prd214.htm

2) Even jamming a screwdriver into the coupler to eliminate its play, there's still a bunch of play in the steering box.  I can replace it for like $120 from Advance,
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=LRS&mfrpartnumber=1031&parttype=255&ptset=A 
or I can upgrade to a firm feel for around $300 http://www.firmfeel.com/powerst_abe.htm
I'm thinking the firm feel is worth it.  Anybody disagree?

3) It's a '72, but I plan on the above steering box being a '73 so I can get the more recent (less expensive) pitman arm http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=MCQ&mfrpartnumber=FA944&parttype=69&ptset=A  , which runs $45 at advance auto.


So beyond that is there anything else I can do to improve steering performance?  I've got a nearly brand new pump, and the lines are also new.  I have to clarify up front, though, I've never messed with steering, so it's quite possible I wouldn't know what is what under the front wheels.  What other parts are commonly replaced for steering upgrade/updates, though?

[TylerCharger69]

If you have the cash....go with the firm feel....During your endeavors....you may want to inspect thoroughly your front end components.....they will cause some play too if they aren't tight.

[Nacho-RT74]

2) Even jamming a screwdriver into the coupler to eliminate its play, there's still a bunch of play in the steering box.  I can replace it for like $120 from Advance,
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=LRS&mfrpartnumber=1031&parttype=255&ptset=A 
or I can upgrade to a firm feel for around $300 http://www.firmfeel.com/powerst_abe.htm
I'm thinking the firm feel is worth it.  Anybody disagree?

I have a NOS worm and piston to the steering box.

[RallyeMike]

How's the rest of the package? Bad tie rods, ball joints, LCA/ UCA bushings, and idler arm, and alignment can also cause steering to feel wierd.

[Wakko]

I got a rebuilt stock box from Advance for $66 from Lares.  Had to do some fancy price matching footwork, but I got it.