Hi guys. My name is Chris Brown I own C & M Hydraulics, all we do is remanufacture MBZ power steering gearboxes, p/s pumps and air (smog) pumps with electro-magnetic clutches. We have been is business since 1994. I my opinon, 4x4 Welder and t walgamuth, your both right to degree. The pitman shaft adjustment is one of four things that will affect play, three can be adjusted. If the worm gear is worn the box is trash. The pitman shaft adjustment is mainly there for intial setup, it is the slight differences in the machining of the cases that cause the lenth of the stud (past the jam nut) to be different from box to box. If adjusted correctly nothing wrong with doing it, many times it won't affect the play. In my twelve years of general repair of MBZ's on 123's we did it for free, did not think it helped much, customer's were never happy. If adjusted incorrectly (too tight) the steering will bind and not return to center. Many things cause play, mis-installed gearbox is very common. If the box is not installed right and the car is aligned to get the steering wheel straght so the turn signals cancel properly, the box is not centered when going straght. There is only the least amount of play at center, off center play. If anyone has any questions feel free to call. 702.734.8090

Chris