Hello. I need some steering an suspension help.

The problems(s):

1) When turning my 88 245 (210k mi.), there is about 2.0 inches of play in the steering wheel before the wagon will respond. This is most noticable in large arcing turns, such as a cloverleaf. I just noticed this recently, but it could have been doing it for years for all my unaware self knows.

2) When making a sharp turn (left or right), 90-degrees or so, I can hear a pop/thud/clunking (pothunking??) noise sounding from the front of the car. Has been doing this for about 2k miles.

Otherwise, the wagon drives great--there is no straying or tracking, no need for corrections in the steering, and no vibrations. It's very solid. Also, there are no p.s. fluid leaks.

Nothing jumps out as being terrlibly wrong with a visual inspection of the suspension and steering parts.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to solve these problems or how to do a diagnosis? Are they related, perhaps? How many steering linkage joints are on the wagon and how can i tell if they are worn and causing these problems? I read on the brickboard archives about a steering gear box that can be somehow tightened on an 1800 to correct this sloppy steering problem. Does my car also have this box?


Here's what i've done, suspension wise:

ball joint ends, 9k mi. ago
front and rear control arm bushings, 9k mi. ago
outer tie rod ends, 9k mi. ago

I chiseled out the front c-arm busings and was careful not to damage the arms themselves.

Here's what a "mechanic" did:

alignment, 9k mi. ago
struts and alignment, 7.5k mi. ago
meats (Toyo Spectrum), 400 mi. ago

Thanks alot to everyone who can give help and comments.

Regards,

Ally