i own a few of those cars, and almost everone i bought had massive freeplay in the steering. i almost always found the upper
control arms blown out causing to car to wander.
as far as the sloppy steering....
did you turn the steering wheel to the left or right stop position while adjusting the hex adjuster nut? i heard from an oldtimer thats the properway.
if the tech "inspected" the whole front end suspension and say that the rubber joints in the steering shaft are in good condition.
me personally, i would replace the p/s gearbox with a exchange unit.
www.meridianautoparts.com
check this place out
good luck