Steering play (above the rack)

I noticed a while ago a very small amount of play in my steering. It's only noticable when im on kind bumpy stuff like dirt. I cant really feel it on the street.
I thought it was Rack bushings so I had my son move the steering wheel back and forth while I looked at the rack, it was moving so I replaced all the bushings. the rack doesnt move anymore, the new bushings worked great. BUT

If I grab the rod going into the rack and have someone trun the steering wheel back and forth I can feel a little play in the shaft that runs down to the rack. So I know the rack is fine.
You cant (see) the play but you can (feel it) if that makes sence. My first Gen Tacoma had the same thing, and the fix was pulling the steering column out and putting a few tack welds on the shaft.


Has anyone had this problem? Is it the same issue as my 1 Gen Tacoma had?
It's not a big deal and most people might not notice but I do. LOL

 

The 02’ manual states that there is one inch of play in steering. Not sure on your 05’. You could measure it and look up the spec in your manual.