How much play should I have in the wheel? I have replaced the helm and cable and also I have checked the gimbal ring and bolt they were all fine. I have gone as far as replacing the rack but it is a new style with quick connect fittings and I have been unable to locate fittings/adapters for my old hoses. If there is supposed to be some play then I am going to put the old rack back on.

If when you say "rack' you are talking about the hydraulic assist or (actuator) then just unscrew the quick connect fitting and your hoses should screw right in. ** Unless you have the saginaw valve, then I don't know if there is a difference.

There is a difference the fittings off of the old rack will not fit I removed the quick disconnects and my hoses would not fit the pressure side was completely different, the return side was the right size but would not screw in far enough I hate to but new hoses

Bummer... I just replaced mine (same slop issues) with a new take off that had the quick disconnect fittings and once the fitting was removed, it screws right in.

Sorry , I got no other ideas...

Im trying to save for dual rams myself, and be done with the whole issue.

I found part numbers today for new hoses that will connect to the quick fittings my old rack was a 93 the new one is from a 04. The psi hose is 102.00 and the return is 35.00

are you checking with the boat running ? if not there is no pressure to the actuator to preload the ball and stud, I changed mine to the new style and just replaced the hoses, worked fine...Rob