JFawcett brings up a good area to look into. On my '87, when the steering wheel exhibited similar symptoms, the 'play' was finally adjusted out using the hard to reach nut on the top of the steering box. Having said that, check all the front end rubber and 'pinch' the connector on the center/drag link with a pair of large pliers; if it collapses easily, replace the link(item #26 in the drawing at...
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=107048%5F14F&M=117%2E967&GA=722%2E313&L=765%2E707&CT=F&cat=14F&SID=46&SGR=120&SGN=04
Bob