Jim, thanks for your post. I tried all of the tips that you and others gave me to determine if I could get by without rebuilt box, including your mention of the three bushings. Everything checked out. I tried adjusting the steering box and the adjustment nut has no additional room for adjustment. At this point, I need to either live with the steering play (ugh!) or go with the rebuild.

On another note, I have completed the work on sound deadening and just waiting for the salt to clear the road before I evaluate the results. Will let you know how this turns out.

__________________
Regards,

Tom S.
1971 280SL Tunis Beige Metallic
1971 280SL Tobacco Brown (13K miles)
1970 280SL Deep Red
1994 E320 Cabriolet
1999 E320 Wagon 4Matic
2002 LX 470
1992 Land Cruiser