just to let you all know where i'm at -
well i bought new rods, decided that as i wasn't bothering with the damper i'd treat myself to heavy duty rods!! i changed them over, no more play through them but still play through the wheel, they have made a big difference to the driving but still got 5-8" of play in the steering wheel, where ever it is its not showing plain as day, been looking at every joint and just cant seem to see anything untoward, i'll investigate further! thanks for the help!