Not exactly sure what you mean by a dead zone? Is this loose steering play between 12 and 1 o'clock? If you can turn your steering wheel between this range and feel no effect on the actual steering of the car (direction change) then I would assume your steering box needs to be adjusted. It could also be worn u-joints in the steering column and assembly or worn tie-rods, although less pronounced.

Check the archieves regarding adjustment of the steerng box, and be carefull not to over adjust too tight, this can ruin you box and your day $$$.

As to position, of the wheel, once your steering is tight then you can adjust the steering wheel centering from below the car, either at the steering box, rack or steering shaft ends, one of those will allow you to recenter the wheel assuming your alignment is correct.

Hope that helps,

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Stable Mates:
1987 300TD 310K mi (Hans)
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee OM642 165k mi (Benzrokee)