Why does it feel like my front axle is locked or welded?
 

After some steering issues, I thought that it may be the steering column cause i know the bearing was bad. Got a new unit from a yard but didn't fix the issue.
Turns out the front axle (DANA 60) has issues..........Now what??:-arrgh
If I put it in four wheel, lock the hubs and jack up one wheel, i cannot turn the lifted wheel. I'm guessing it needs a new differential?? I'm not one to let others wrench on my trucks but this may be beyond my capabilities.....ouch..

It is possible the differential is a locker, installed by the previous owner. However, if it only recently started doing this, and previously was fine, and you've owned the truck for awhile, it might be toast.

You should redo your test, except leave the t-case in 2wd so the front driveshaft can spin. With the t-case in 4wd, it SHOULDN'T turn with both hubs locked in, otherwise something would be wrong with your t-case. If it turns with the t-case in 2wd, the differential isn't the problem, keep looking. If it doesn't turn, either you have a locker or your diff is shot. After that, taking off the diff cover will tell you which. Good luck.

That's exactly what's supposed to happen. Is this the only reason you think there's something wrong with it, or is there something else going on?

The steering is doing funky stuff the last week or so. yesterday I was going down a straightaway about 30 mph and it drifted a little, which is normal but when I went to correct I had to fight it to turn the wheel left from center. I can use the 4x4 and it does work but I suspect the differential part is bad.
Even today sitting still it took a some force to get it from center so disconnected the steering bar from pitman arm and from steering wheel to box is free so i dove in a little further, and found that the free wheel (off the ground) wouldn't turn

Brake caliper stuck?

Nope.. something further in...i've had many 67-72 f250 with dana 44 with no issues, this is my first truck (1995) F350 dana 60... not so impressed. Ive had it for a couple years and never had any problems with axle. I guess I'll pull the axle shafts tomorrow and see how it steers without them

Does it steer OK with the hubs unlocked?

No, it has issues with hubs locked or unlocked... I almost have to assume it needs replaced. If thats the case, is it cheaper to put in a spool, locker or OEM diff?

With the hubs unlocked, the differential is taken out of the equation. I would say you have a seized u-joint. They will give extreme resistance when steering and will even stop rotation of the axle when the hubs are locked.

with both front wheels touching the ground, the tcase in 2wd hubs unlocked, I should be able to reach in and touch the ujoint and axle and spin it freely, currently I cannot get to spin. This tells me that something in the differential part is wrong

Both sides or just one?

Then pull the cover and look at what is going on

The Dana 60 is a highly sought after and VERY strong axle. Unless you are severely abusing the truck on a regular basis, or have monster tires on it, it's pretty well impossible to break it. U-joints, however, can seize up on any axle and it really sounds like this is what's happening. Pull the cover by all means, but my guess is that you're going to find nothing wrong.

Sounds like dry ball joints to me but could also be a seized outer U-joint on the drive axle.

I think you guys may be right... when I stick my finger into the u joint (either side)and try to turn it was tight but then spun around almost a full revolution and then tight again. Trying to find a socket now for spindle nut, I have one with a sticker on it that says it will fit 1 ton but too small...Autozone don't have a clue how i can get one.
So as soo as I can get the right socket in my hand, I'll replace the ujoints and let u know. Thanks guys!!