Steering driving me crazy. I have very loose steering probably about 2"-3" of freeplay before you are actually turning. I have replaced the idler arm and the center/drag link. New bearings in front. Still loose steering. The pitman arm is factory and the ball joints and tie rods are all factory. You can grab the tie rods and easily twist them back and forth with ease. The ball joints you can hear crack and clang on the slightest bump in the road. I do grease them with every tire rotation.
Could the ball joints, tie tods (inner and outer) and the pitman arm cause slack in the steering? Is there a way to diagnose the issue before I start replacing?

 

That much slop, I'd suspect wear in the steering gear as well.

 

I'm guessing you're talking about the steering box itself?

 

I just replaced my steering box for the same reasons. I got a low mileage used one, and it cured it! I had about 2-3" of play myself

 

Yes, steering gear=steering box.

 

Check the steering column, as well. The u-joints in those will wear out over time. I don't think it would account for ALL of the slop you're experiencing, but possibly some. Otherwise, gotta concur with what was already said.