So, got out with this car and started to push it around a bit for a little fun.
Kinda quite nice but think an alignment is due as it's a little snappy on turn in.
But then when clobbering a corner with some enthusiasm that included a surprise pothole that dragged on the wheel a bit and jolted me in the seat, I got the worst shock when it felt like the steering column had collapsed !!
I stopped and found that the tilt function has this slop in it no matter what position it's parked in, moves an inch on a diagonal plain, clunk to clunk.
Any known fixes that don't require a million dollars ?

 

Slop in the in the tilt assembly is pretty common but it normally started real small and slowly gets worse over a year or two. This would indicate the pivot pin bore is wearing. There is a company that makes over size pins and will make it better. You are saying this happened all at once, I would guest something broke.

Is your VATs system still working? with the exception of dealing with the VATs system replacing the whole steering column is pretty straight forward with a junk yard unit. I would say it is much easier then disassembling the steering column and reassembling one. The cost of the column are reasonable. If you want to keep your VATs system they you might as well fix the column because if your tearing down the steering column to replace the ignition switch that 80% of the work of fixing the pivot pins.

 

Thank Gorn, a good understandable answer.
It wasn't a sudden snapping, I think it just took me by surprise.
The spring action is still strong so I think I just have to learn this litlte habit.
Took the car for a bit of a thrash around the country and started to understand driving auto fast. There is no weight transfer when you lift off throttle with auto. I had to reconsider entry to a corner and change braking method. Think it will come soon, the lift off brake release stomp cycle recalibration.
Was a bit delighted by the suspension not floundering around too much on the choppy surfaces. Will have to look at the shocks again as I don't think they're stock, I saw an orange colour strut when I had a front wheel off. Is that a Koni colour ?
Sorry to blather on, just a bit excited that I might like this car after all !!

 

I believe the orange are stock decarbon or aftermarket koni. The blistein are yellow. Upgraded sway bar in the front was the biggest for me. Also if its an original car you want to get rid of the rag joint and find some LS universal joints for the rack.

 

Koni shocks can be orange or yellow depending on what model,the Koni Sports on my car are yellow.