[Lee H]

"visually the componets to the steering look good. so if i have good components and change the box theoretically i should be good right? should their be any minimal play"

Visually won't cut it. You need to find out where the play is, not just replace parts and hope. Have someone slowly move the steering wheel back and forth just enough so that the tires don't move and look at each component of the system. See what's moving, what's not. Rarely is a sloppy steering system just one component, it's usually several things worn, each worn part causing lot's of movement. I'd be willing to bet you have lose tie rod ends, Idler arm, maybe pitman arm, and steering box.