As far as I can tell, if you are to turn the steering wheel (and all the couplings are tight and not causing slop themselves), and the input shaft to the box turns, without any response, or at least some proportional response to the input, then the play is in the box.
I used to be able to turn about 22 mm from side to side, with only minor response in the wheels. Now that I tightened it, I get about 12mm of play, where there is no response. I think this is actually more annoying.
Since I got a good deal on the box, and I have a bit of time, Ill replace it. But Id love some hints/tips/advice from veterans first
JMH