Theres some extra play in my steering wheel, not alot but its kinda loose. after further inspection it turns out that the extra play is NOT inside the new steering box, but rather caused by these two round disc type things right at the end of the steering shaft right before it connects to the gearbox that are made of some type of rubber or fabric, can these be replaced? are they supposed to give some play in the steering and what are they called????

That's what we refer to as a 'rag joint'. It is replaceable, but get the whole part and not one of those so-called 'repair kits'.

yeah thats it, i hate the loose play should i get one of those rag joint eliminators?

btw heres a pic of one of those eliminator kits, more i think about it the more i think im going to do it http://www.unbalancedengineering.com/CamaroImages/kit_installed_3rd.jpg anyone else ever have this issue?

I haven't had this issue yet. Although mine look like they will probably need to be replaced in the future. :-( I'm guessing its not that hard to replace or expensive though right?

nah doesnt seem like it, im just trying to figure out how to remove the old one, because there arent any bolts like the pic above, theyre pressed on or something i think

i belive they're pressed on don't quote me on that though

They're riveted together. One reason why I said to get the whole assembly and not a repair kit. You can remove the assembly by loosening the clamp bolts on each side of the shaft - you see the one in your picture (the bolt below the rag joint clamping it to the steering gear), plus there is a through bolt at the top of the shaft on the steering column ahead of the firewall.

They're riveted together. One reason why I said to get the whole assembly and not a repair kit. You can remove the assembly by loosening the clamp bolts on each side of the shaft - you see the one in your picture (the bolt below the rag joint clamping it to the steering gear), plus there is a through bolt at the top of the shaft on the steering column ahead of the firewall.
i know what your sayin, makes more sense. i wonder if i could still get a eliminator kit for the new one though