Can this be done on the ground or do I absolutely have to get the front end up? My jack just crapped out on me and I really want to try and get rid of some of my slop while the weather is still warm.

Yes the front suspension must be off the ground.

I keep getting conflicting info on this.. Some say it's ok as long as you back the adjustment plug out more than 90* and test drive to check for binding, and some say it'll wreck the box... I'll take you word for it, nobody on this site has ever steered me wrong.

The over center adjustment will not take slop out of the box. Not really sure where the idea came from that it will. It will adjust how much the steering returns to center and overall "stiffness" of the steering, but it WONT do anything about the slop in your wheel. That has to be adjusted by resetting the input shaft preload, which is next to impossible to do on the car and requires a good torque wrench and a special tool to hold the plug.
Drive it as is until you have a chance to rebuild the box.

Ouch... Was hoping to avoid that. I guess when everyone says it reduces slop it's more of a placebo effect of the tighter wheel then?

So how do you increase the "stiffness" of the steering box. I ended up replacing mine with a new one and it is a lot easier to steer, and I would rather have it pretty stiff with a lot more road feedback.

the adjustment I was originally inquiring about, according to his post, is what will do that. I did it earlier, I swear I feel slightly less off center play, and it's definitely tighter to turn and respond

Where is the adjustment on the box? which way do you turn it to increase the stiffness?

It's directly on top, there is a lock nut with an adjustment plug in the middle. Hold the allen wrench on the plug to keep it there, loosen the lock nut a few turns, then tighten the adjustment plug until snug, and then back it out about a quarter to half turn and hold it while you tighten up the lock. Check for binding lock to lock and adjust again if necessary.

Cool, that's an easy adjustment...I've been needing to stiffen it up ever since I replaced the gearbox. Thanks, I'll try it out