Hi Chris,
     yes, it has considerable freeplay, more right than left. I was reading one of the ITT repair manuals and suggested it may be air in the system (maybe) at least it would be an easy cure if it is. The reservoir is full but I'm sure should be flushed.
 I like the 770.....just not this one. I'm convinced it is the tractor from  <!-- s:twisted: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_twisted.gif" alt=":twisted:" title="Twisted Evil" /><!-- s:twisted: --> he!! and is out to get me! When I bought it it had a 2 row mounted corn picker which I no longer have....coming off the truck it nearly rolled sideways off the trailer (with me) only the rear hitch saved it from going over.
    It is a diesel and does not smoke or least not out the stack. It smokes out the breather on the valve cover, the engine seems to run strong tho'.
                       Cal