Steering play, and how to fix

[E'sStrokr01]

01' 7.3L Crewcab with just under 200,000 miles and it may be just fine but it seems to have a little too much steering play. What's the most common contributor to excessive play on our trucks? I'd like to take the slop out if possible. FWIW, there seems to be slight to moderate oversteer also. Tires are Nitto Terra Grapplers 285/75-16

Thanks

[03Powerstroker6.0]

i bought my truck with 98 on it and the steering wheel at about 1/4 turn in play, last weekend the steering went wack, and it had 1/2 turn in play. yesterday i changed the steering, box and it fixed everything, now theres zero play, and its tight as ****.

Steering box
Ball joints