Steering wheel has lots of play in it??? I can turn my steering wheel about 4 inches before i get any response in steering i know this happens in lots of older rangers but what causes it i was wondering? and can it be fixed?

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1994 Ford Ranger 4.0L 5 speed 4wd
2009 Ford f150 4x4 v8
traded 2009 Mercury Mariner 2.5L I4 FWD
Sold:1996 Ford F150 4x4 300 6cyl 5 speed
Traded: 2003 Ford Ranger XLT Auto 3.0L V6 Flex fuel Extended Cab 2WD