I have replaced most of them, the centerlink, tie rods and such. Just before I came down to Mississauga actually. I know there is a dead zone, but it has become larger than it was when I got the truck. The idler arm, I did what you said, had someone turn the wheel and watched it. It didn't twist or move in the wrong way.
GG is it difficult to adjust the steering box? The pitman arm is the one connected to it right? I found that when i reached in and turned the wheel just in the play, the pitman arm didn't even move. That is what leads me to believe the CL and tie rods are good, that and they are new lol.