2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Strange change in steering behavior

[rootmanslim]

Although it's an 01' it only has 91,000 no winter miles on it. 2500 4X4 with all upgrades shown in profile.
Over the past 5,000 miles it has started doing two things.
1. To go straight the steering wheel needs to be aimed about 20 degrees to the left. Right lane, left lane, crown or not, dirt or paved.... all the same.
2. If the wheel is released, it slowly wanders to the right until corrected.
3. It takes more effort to turn right than left as is passing another car.

The tire wear looks even. My mechanic swears the ball joints are fine. The Luke's link is not a bit loose. I have the factory workshop books but it appears they explain what caster, camber, toe in/out are pretty well, but don't really address how to fix something, just how to change caster and toe in/out.

 

[fest3er]

A hydraulic valve inside steering gear could be stuck, causing power to be applied to 'turn right' all the time. Raise the front tires off the ground, run engine; if the wheels turn right by themselves, this is likely the problem. A related possibility (but slight) could be that the pittman arm (thus the steering gear) is not centered, thus causing odd things to happen.

Right front brake might be hung up. Check the brake/caliper temps after driving 5-10 miles at highway speeds. But you should--or may--notice erratic steering when you apply and release the brakes.

One or more front suspension bushings (there are eight of them on 4x4) could be shot, causing weird things to happen with steering. My truck wandered all over the road even with a new steering gear and an SSI stabilizer. The instant I replaced those bushings, the wander vanished.

Sector shaft bearing of the steering gear could be way loose, but this ought to affect left and right and manifest as wandering.

 

[seafish]

Could certainly be any of the above, but I would start with checking for a sticking right brake caliper or pad as that would explain the consistent pull right under all conditions described.

 

[GAmes]

Don't forget the flexible brake lines. They deteriorate internally and will act as one way check valves.

 

[AEdelheit]

I have seen the Drag link bend a few times if you had to make a really hard turn, that explains the steering wheel being off and unless you actually measured the toe it could be off enough to effect steering.