The mechanic at midas yesterday told me that it could be (and is most likely) my steering box, which sounds like a big job. Is there anything else that I should have him look at when I go back, maybe something that could fix this without having to spend an arm and a leg??

Edit--
Sorry, I submitted this too quickly..

The symptom is that I would be going straight, and I can turn the steering wheel lets say between 11 and 2 o'clock, with it still going straight. I can still steer the thing reliably, but it takes some thinking and fast reacting when I need to make a turn, just to aim the car in the correct direction...

 

The steering box has a "worm" gear that can be adjusted. A haynes manual gives a pretty good description on how to do it. I would definitely try the adjustment before rebuilding or R&R'ing the steering box.

GM vehicles are notorious for getting "play" in the steering as they age. (I say GM because that's mostly all I've ever driven)

 

intermediate steering shaft/rag joint worn

 

OK how to test that and how much do they normally run......I tried tightening up my gearbox and still have a little play...but not as much.

 

The rag joint is dirt cheap and isn't too bad to replace. To test, just grab ahold of the steering shaft and see how much movement there is down at the steering box. Depending on what you are driving, you may have to remove a plastic cover from the steering shaft to be able to see what you are doing.

 

You should also check the pitman arm to see if it's worn. I had similar play in the steering, and I found a really worn tierod and pitman arm joint. It still has a bit of play, but not nearly as much...

 

ditto on the rag joint.. I had that same issue in a 91 jimmy i had a few years back.. its cheap and easy to replace..