i took my truck into the shop to diagnose the problem i was having with the steering almost locking and pulling to the left and then to the right. this forum said it could be the steering box (spool valve specifically) so i ordered a rebuilt one from red head steering gears expecting to have it installed. well, the dealer says they will check everything over in the front and fix it as necessary instead of just throwing parts at it.

as it turns out, it was the axle joints (u-joints) behind the front hubs. my right one was completely seized. they replaced these and a test drive and a week later - no problems. so it was not the steering box. just to help everyone out, maybe your problem is with the steering gears but check these as well.