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I got a chance to look closer today. The stub that the steering column shaft slides onto... Moves in and out by at least 1/8" as it rotates within the freeplay range. I tightened up the adjustment screw, but the slop remains.

If I understand you correctly it seems your worm bearings are out of adjustment,probably because the adjusting nut lock was loose or missing. That would also explain why it was originally tight. For the adjustment check the FSM or a service manual
Hope this helps,
Ron