is there a way to tighten the shaft so steering isnt so sloppy and pulls to one side when going down the road.

 

Is the play in the rag joint on the shaft? Or is there play in the rack?

 

If your car is pulling to one side while going down the road it is not your steering shaft. Sure you may feel some slop in the wheel if the rag joint is old in the steering shaft but if your car pulls, then you need to look elsewhere in your suspension/steering system, ie: tie rods, ball joints, or even just an alignment.

 

The source of the problem needs to be determined first.

 

This is a complicated question, or it could even be as easy as an underinflated tire. Troubleshoot more

 

Yes, there are too many varibles. ALl those things mentioned should be checked. Tire wear and alignment are the two most common reasons. Oh, and poor alignment can cause the bad tire wear, are they worn more on the insides or outsides on either tire?

 

alignment is right on, thats the first thing i thought of. it started after i had purchased new rims and tires. i went from stock 225/60/15 to 255/40/17 all the way around. the steering just feels really loose going down the road. when i go to the right its really quick and responsive, but to left which is the direction it pulls it seems slower to respond.

 

I can tell you its not the steering shaft. Hop under there and check your swaybar bushings and endlinks, check you steering rack bushings, and check your tie rod ends. A steering shaft will cause a little slop in the steering, not cause the car to turn more responsivly one way than another.