[Zeke]

Well, the transaxle is under the rear window and the steering doesn't go there. When you say "play" in the steering, is this up and down, or you can turn the wheel while parked some w/o moving the front tires?

When you lowered the car, was there any work done to the steering rack, as in spacers? Answer a few more questions and make a few more observations and the problem will come to light.