ok i just took my car in for front end work, and i'm getting some play in the wheel, i got the inner and outer tie rods done, the centerlink, the idler arm, and the ball joints.

now when i dirve i have a few degrees of play in teh wheel before it actually "bites", could this be i need a new steering box, or is there something i'm over looking

It could be the steering box, rag joint or both. You can buy a nice quick ratio steering box (steering gear) from AcDelco for $130. AcDelco Part # 360516561, GM part #: 88991244