03 f350 new steering box play

[Pudder]

Hi everyone after changing a ball joint and drag link tie rod end and a non functioning steering stab I noticed alot of play in my steering box. I adjusted the mesh load but off center load was barely 1 "/lb. Could not get all the play out with out overloading. I put a new steering box in and still there is a noticeable 1" plus of steering wheel movement before the pitman arm moves. I am a steering nut, I hate any play going down the highway, is this as good as it gets? I know that with pitman disconnected it takes a fare amount of push/pull to turn the wheels, ball joints seem very tight. Where ever I point the wheels that's where it travels until I give another steering wheel input. Wheel alignment?

[Pudder]

I think I may have cheaped out on the ball joints, it takes an incredible amount of push/pull to turn the drivers side steering knuckle. Passenger side turns freely, any one have this before?