What to check for for loose steering

I have a 1988 Towncar and the steering is kind of loose. When driving down the road at say 30-40 i can turn the steering wheel almost 1 inch in each direction and it doesnt go anywhere. On the highway its a real pain because it wanders all over. What should i check to tighten the steering and remove the loose "play" in it?? Any advice would be useful. Thanks!

it sounds like you have bad tie rods which are common on fords especially the RWD models T/C grand Marq and Crown Vic
i know when my 1990 TC had this problem it was around 900 dollars for the repair....

One inch at the steering wheel isn't very much, otherwise I'd say the steering box was fried.

I'm going with lincolnss, worn tie rod ends will do what you describe.