So I finally had someone wiggle the port drive while I looked in the engine compartment. I was afraid the 1/8 - 1/4 play was in the upper swivel, but it's actually all where the inner tie rod connects to the starboard drive.

What i can see is a (rusted) bolt that connects the tie rod to another piece, and maybe that piece is connected to the main steering piece for starboard. I have a brand new IMCO external tie bar; should I just install the IMCO and disconnect the inner?

EDIT: I actually have a picture...

If you are installing a new external bar. The inner bar needs a slotted end installed or remove the bar. Did the bar include any recommendations for inner bar?

No instructions, I picked it up really cheap from a local dealer that was reducing his stock. I remember what you posted earlier about disconnecting inner when going with outer. And I understand the geometry behind that when the drives are trimmed at very different angles. But since I've already got play in the inner, and if I keep the drives trimmed the same, I ought to be able to just bolt on the external and go, right?