Steering slop issue

[photo-tom]

I've searched the forums, but I still am at a loss.

My steering has about 1/8th turn slop in either direction before the steering is engaged. It makes for a very interesting drive when turning at highway speed. The wheel also doesn't want to self-correct. Here's where everything is at:

New top/bottom control arm ball joints
New inner tie rods
New outer tie rods
New pitman arm
New steering box
Confirmed the rag joint is in good condition and not loose.
Confirmed the cross joint is in the right orientation (others have noticed they've installed it facing the wrong way)
4 separate alignments. Everything is in the green, including some aggressive positive caster.

Does anyone here have insight into what I might be missing that can give me this much slop?

Thanks a heap.
Tommy