A beer to anyone who figures this one out...

[brillmtb]

I have done everything you did with the exception of the UJs. I greased them and no difference. I added a steering shaft recently as well but had the sound/feeling prior. Since it is present with fixed turning, not moving steering wheel, I am thinking that may eliminate the steering box. I just replaced all disc/pads all the way around. I have a sqeek backing up and understand that could be the UJ, any of the 4, but since I just greased the front outers I dont think it could be them and the ones on the drive lines shouldnt make noises/feelings through the steering wheel I would think?

So I think I am stuck replacing the Left then Right UJ up front and I will check the drive lines but doubt those would be related even if they are in need of replacement. The only other thing I havent touched is the wheel bearings up front. With 200K I wouldnt be suprised if new ones were in order there as well.

I guess since I do a lot of the work on my own truck I could pay to have the UJ and bearings done. Also, whats a new truck payment these days for a loaded Laramine? Probably would pay for these repairs within two payments

Thanks for all the help everyone. Need to get the truck ready for 5th wheeling and fly fishing with the kids

 

[retirednak]

I have to admit I did put a request in at Dave Smith Motors on a used truck, if the right comes across the lot.....

 

[MarkEkberg]

Only one person mentioned the wheel bearing. I second that.

 

[brillmtb]

OK, it appears the uj are fine up front. We now noticed that when someone moves the wheel back and forth there is a lag in the wheels moving. Both front wheels. Given that it seems that my steering box may be the issue after all. I have heard that the newer dodge OEM box is the way to go? Wonder if I should replace the pump while I am at it?

 

[brillmtb]

It was the steering gear in the end. Put in the dodge upgraded one. I little heavier feel but solid.

 

[mike65cobra]

Do you feel it in the brake pedal?

 

[brillmtb]

I felt in in the steering wheel and just when letting off the brakes from a stop, weird I know but the box fixed everything

 

[mike65cobra]

I had a similar problem. It was the shaft from stering box to the fire wall. Opened the boot and greased the shaft and it went away.

 

[brillmtb]

Well premature claim of success, I guess the ball joints must be bad. Cant think of anything else now eventhough they think they look good on the truck,

 

[Hammer]

Front Wheel Bearing assembly and possibly the inner axle joint.If your going to pull the assembly apart and do the hubs bearings then make sure you do the inner axle joint,otherwise it will need done and its alot easier to do since it already apart.The grinding feeling will be followed later as it gets worse with a ABS/Brake light on the dash as the hub gets worse it damages the ABS sensor in it.