2" at the steering wheel isn't gross, but I'd check the steering system out, especially if this is a new symptom.
If you have a helper, you are better off. Start with the steering box, have your friend work the steering wheel back and forth while you're underneath.
Check the steering box for loose at it's mounting, or the frame is rusty at the box mounting holes. If that checks out, check the pitman arm for looseness on it's spline shaft.
Then the steering rod tie rod end at the pitman arm, the one at the tie rod, then both tie rod ends. Typically you'll find a torn tie rod end boot, it's gotten water inside, deteriorated, and needs to be replaced. If one is bad, I replace all of them (I assume they are all the same age, when one goes, the others aren't far behind). The last thing I do is try to take out play by tightening the steering box adjustment screw.
