We added a steering stabilizer to our 97 Dodge Ram after the mechanic told us there was not a lot we could do to fix the pay in the steering wheel. Although it didn't completely fix the problem it made it a lot better. The sooner you add the stabilizer the better. Once you have a lot of play it's not going to make as much difference. When we bought our newer Dodge we added the stabilizer right away BEFORE there was much play. It has stayed solid for several years now.
The stabilizer we got was only $125 well worth it!!!