1996 Nissan 300 ZX steering has one to two inches of slop

1996 Nissan 300 ZX mileage: 110,500. Two questions actually, first, my steering has approximately one to two inches of slop at neutral, makes it tough on the highway. Second, when I apply moderate to heavy braking, there is a very loud click/snap noise (not repetitive, just one loud click) from the (LT) front suspension. It also does it when I hit a bump, but just on the left wheel. I recently replaced the front brake pads, and the shims are installed, also, for reasons that aren't important here, I have had three of the four shock struts replaced, guess which one is original? The Lt front.