popping noise when backing to the right

03 GT is popping bad when backing to the right. i have checked everything underneath and found nothing. took it to two different mechanics and they also said everything looked ok. One found K member bolt kinda loose, but not bad (tightened and it still pops). today i decided to start replacing bushing. new sway bar bushings and sway bar links were installed this morning. i put the tires back on and did the 9 & 3 test and there was a lot of play, at least 1/2" or so side to side. it also moved the other front tire the same amount. doesnt matter which side tire i did the test too, the other tire moved in unison. the steering wheel is locked but also has a little play (about an inch side to side while trying to turn it). when i turn the locked steering wheel inside the car the wheels move the same as if i was doing the 9 & 3 test. the rack and pinion bolts and bushings are tight and not moving. the whole steering system just moves together while performing the test.
question is: what does this indicate? is the rack and pinion assembly bad? Why would it have so much play?
the 12 & 6 test was rock solid. also, if a inner tie rod was bad would it not just move on one side and not the other too?

rack bushings are ok as well as the inner tie rods. i had an alignment about 2 weeks ago and the car has not been lowered. i took the inner tie rod boot off and it looks like the piece coming out of the rack is loose or has some play up and down.

ok, so i had someone turn the wheels back and forth while i ck'd things out underneath. it doesn't appear that the rack is loose. i did notice that the noise is more promenate when i apply the brakes when backing. if i back up to the right with no brake there is only a small creak/squeak. if i brake it makes the poppingclunking noise. perhaps it's time to really look at the brakes. i did decide to replace the pads but that didn't solve the popping/clunking noise.