I recently noticed that my '87 240 has a bit of slop in the steering. You don't really notice it when driving, but when youre stopped, a small back and forth movement of the steering wheel reveals a bit of free play that ends with a slight slap when you turn it one way or the other.

The slop isn't in the u-joint in the steering column, or in the outboard

tie rod ends or ball joints.

Is this problem characteristic of worn inner tie rod ends, or a loose rack? If the latter, is there an adjustment that can be tightened?

If you are stopped, how do you know if your tires are moving with the steering wheel or not? I assume you are going by feel. Have a friend watch as you slowly turn the wheel. This might help determine how much slop there really is.

If your inner tie rod ends are worn, you should be able to see it. If you wiggle the tire while watching the steering components for free play, you may be able to find it. My experience has been that you will feel worn tie rod ends while driving.