how do i tighten up my steering?

they is a lot of play in my steering. my steering wheel turns almost almost all the way around without steering the wheels, which isn't good when cgoing full speed through mud.

Check out this video from fearlessfront.
https://youtu.be/WFuvSIxZbRU

i have seen this. i just wanted to see if there were other tips besides those like welding parts togerther. i have a 90 something mtd. my parts tractor is a 87 montgomery wards and tht has pretty tight steering. would i be able to take the parts off the 87 and fit it on my mtd.

You can fit just about anything on anything with some modifications. For the most part, the stock steering does the same thing from tractor to tractor, turns the motion of turning the steering wheel into push/pull to move the drag link (tie rod that goes to the front axle/wheels). The exceptions are with steering systems like rack and pinion or direct steer.

My tractor has a mostly stock craftsman steering box. I say mostly stock, because it has been modified with shims and lock collars to take the play out of it.

You say MTD, does it have that retarded little disc thing? Have a pic? I have had 3 MTDs and you cant tighten them unless you widen the hole and weld in a washer to reposition the hole so the disc is closer. MTD has a really shitty steering setup.

I suggest finding a Craftsman at a junkyard, if you mod the steering box right itll be just as tight as direct steering.