I can grap steering shaft above box with my hand and turn 1/4" both ways with hand. Is that acceptable or is box bad? I found new one for $188. Called Oreilly's about refrub but was told they do not have them for 06 2500.

 

you can turn shaft from steering wheel 1/4 turn and the pitman shaft arm doesn't turn at all?? That seems loose to me, you could try the adjustment screw on the box to tighten it but box sounds like its on the way out. i just looked at mine again yesterday and its not doing much better. Check this place out, reasonable $$ and good quality reman

Red-Head Steering Gears

 

I can turn shaft between wheel and gearbox about 1\4" with my hand with no movement to the pitman arm.