When I bought the van with about 210K on it, the steering was sloppy, but the PO had installed all the new steering parts. I knew that going in, and the paid price reflected the obvious and likely issues. ( windshield, not heat, steering box, poor cold running and tires). I paid well under $1K.
I had a RedHead geabox box installed because I didn't want to spend the effort doing it myself. I am vary capable, but getting a bit lazy in my old age, and some of my joints don't like climbing in and out from under the van many times a day...and no lift here.
The local Les Schwab tire store gave me a fair quote ( about $600 with the labor and alignment) and I had them do it. hey did not ralize the van was AWD until the first box arrived and was not the correct version. They told me that would have added an extra hour to the labor charge if they had realized it, but they did the job for the price quoted initially.
The first install was way too tight. It would not self center, and they agreed with me, but asked me to "put some miles on it" but the suspected it would loosen up.
A year later was still less than two tanks of fuel used, and then I made a trip across the state (300 miles each way).
That did it. I was tired of fighting the steering stiffness.
The installer (and RedHead) replaced the box, and did another alignment for no charge, with no hassle at all. It was a big improvement! I expected to pay for the alignment at least, but they said no. Who am I to complain about that service? They definitely lost any profit on this job, but I have been a tire and alignment customer for over 20 years. They treated me right and i am happy to say they have a good reputation for that kind of treatment .
I think now, I am used to it. It drives well, although I do have a bit of 'pull' to the right when braking...always something to fiddle with.
I would spend the money for a RedHead, if I needed a replacement in some other vehicle.
My read-headed wife also agrees it is easier to ride with me. because I am not fighting the steering wheel so much.