So i was checking my ball joints this morning and i moticed when i moved the tire, there was a little play in the pitman arm where it connected to the center steering bar(can't remember the proper name). should there be a little or no play?

There is no play to be detected when new at the pitman arm ,checking as you described.I say replace it now.

Yes, and if you have a stock height truck (no suspension lift) I would advise you to purchase a Pitman & Idler Arm Support Kit to help with future problems :)

I'd take it to a front end shop/tire shop and get their take on it.

Thanks, they are cheap enough i think i'll just replace them.

Moog makes a heavier than stock idler arm. They call it "problem solver". I got one at rockauto. The 4-wd's eat the idler arms.

I'd take it to a front end shop/tire shop and get their take on it.

Yep, very good advice!

And the pitman arm and idler arm connect to the relay rod, which connects the tie rods to the steering knuckle.

So i replaced my pitman arm. steering seems to be alot smoother. only thing is, the truck is driving straight but the steering wheel is off center. i took off the steering wheel and centered it. anyone else have to do this?

The shop who did the wheel alignment should have made sure the steering wheel was straight. I would have brought it back to get them to fix it.

So i replaced my pitman arm. steering seems to be alot smoother. only thing is, the truck is driving straight but the steering wheel is off center. i took off the steering wheel and centered it. anyone else have to do this?

Might happen if something moved while you had something disconnected. You may want to get an alignment as well to save tires :), but should be fine.

did not disconnect anything. only took out the pitman arm and replaced it. put it back on the way it came off (kinda had to because it is splined to be idiot proof)