Steering Column Repair: Steering column, dodge ram 1500, steering gearbox

Question
I have a 1998 dodge ram 1500 with no tilt steering. When driving down the road it feels like front end loose,feel in steering wheel, taken to many front end places and can't find trouble. I checked steering shaft and it is loose (moves 1\4 to 1/2 inch vertical movement) going into the steering column.Is the problem a bearing and if so do you have pictures and or step by step instructions?   
Thanks!!

Answer
Hi Dean:
It sounds like this is one of your problems, but I don't think this will give you the play and the wandering you are referring to.  There is a bearing in there, but I don't have any photos or repair details for you.  

Most of the time, the looseness is in the steering gearbox and can be adjusted out.  Keep trying other shops (by recommendation) and go with the tech for a road test if you can.

Good luck
Doug