so, i've jumped on this and here's what i've come up with:

1) the play doesn't seem to be in the tie rods. I jacked up both sides of the vehichle and the wheels were rock solid
2) the rod going from the steering wheel into the steering box is fine, all couplings are OK there.
3) when i move the steering wheel within the dead spot, the Pitman arms don't move.
4) taking the advice from this thread, i tried to tighten the hex screw on the top of the steering box. BUT, the damn nut at the base of the screw is screwed on wayyyyyy too tight. i can't loosen it up at all. Subsequently, i can't turn the inner screw CCW to tighten up the slack.

I think i might be hosed at this point....??