3 inches of play after 1/4 turn

[Will_w202]

Ok, I'm trying to figure out what is worn here, or if this is normal. The car (97 C230) was purchased at 61k in March, so I don't know what it was like new. The steering has only an inch or less of play on center, but after maybe 1/4 turn, if I leave the wheel in that position, I have no less than a 3" dead spot, and when it hits resistance again, it makes a clunking noise. Steering damper?