I have replaced both upper and lower balljoints the idler and pitman arm and both tie end rods and my steering is still loose the only thing I can figure it is the steering box any other ideas? I have a 95 k1500 once I installed all that the steering was great for about a week then it got loose again.

 

Cheap pitman and idler arms will show wear almost immediately ...

But to answer your question, yes it's most likely the steering gear. I'd wager that most of the steering gears out there are adjusted to be a little sloppy to avoid an over sensitive steering wheel, or one that wants to jump out of your hands when going over bumps.