I asked about aftermarket solid bushings for the steering gear as I hated the lack of road feel and the wander. After no answers I decided to make my own. It took only about 4 hours and cost less than $25! The results were better than expected. Now 1/8" on the steering wheel makes something happen! The sloppy rubber bushings slipped out with little effort with rack in the car. Get some 1 1/2" delron rod stock from Macmaster-Carr. Use the old bushing for a guide and machine duplicates on a drill press using just a file. The OD needs to be a light hammer-in fit, about 1.4". Get four 1" washers to put between the rack and the frame for spacing. Leave out the rubber washers and tighten down hard with lock washers and back-up flats under the nuts. If you can't figure it out with those directions and some careful eyeballing you probably shouldn't tackle it. Do at your own risk!! It was well worth it.

Did you know that the worm gear in the steering box is also adjustable, and can help you reduce the steering play? Some play is a good thing to prevent excessive steering wheel feedback on washboard roads, etc., but it sounds like you have a working solution for your issue.