I have an '02 SD sitting on 33's the issue I am having is some steering wander and steering wheel not returning to center. I think I have narrowed it down, but wanted to see what your guy's opinion on the issue is.
So to describe the issue more in detail the truck wants to drift left and right when driving on country roads (Highways not as noticeable). There is some body roll which could explain some of this issue. As the body of the truck rolls I am sure I shift side to side and move my hands along the steering wheel, but then there is the not returning to center after making a slight or sharp turn. If I let go of the wheel it will stay on the turn I can go to an empty parking lot and turn the wheel, let go and make a complete circle Avg. speed 5-10mph. At higher speeds 20-25 it will come back slightly but still make a complete circle just a wider circle. What I have done to correct this was. Replaced the bad u-joints in the front axles, replace the entire tie rod assembly (ends included), new fox 2.0 stabilizers, new fox 2.0 shocks, new upper and lower ball joints, new track bar, new brakes-rotors and calipers, New dust seals, new hub seals, new inner axle shaft seals, New power steering pump and pulley, flushed the power steering system, Had alignment completed by heavy truck shop (camber was out slightly). All of this has had little to know effect on how it handles. I will add that sitting in a parking lot if you turn the steering wheel you can go from the 12 O'clock position to the 9 O'clock position with no issue but if you watch the wheels there is little to no movement. Once you try to go past the 9 O'clock position it takes both hands and a full grunt to get the steering wheel to move. I had a buddy try to move the wheel the other day and he could only get it to about the 6 O'clock position before it ripped the wheel from his hands. My first thought is bad steering box, but I have also read on here where the hydro booster can cause similar issues. Any Ideas am I on the right track?

 

What is your caster set at ?

less than 3.5* will wander and have poor rtc

junk Ball joints do the same. Use spicer Bjs

 

Is that with the engine running? With the engine off, or power assist failing, the wheel will be very hard to turn. 7.3 is very heavy.

Can you apply the brakes and turn the wheel at the same time?

The not returning to center has me thinking alignment or incorrect steering gearbox adjustment causing binding.

Have you jacked up the front end and tried turning with the wheels off the ground?

 

Duplicate post. Sorry. Please Delete

 

So the Caster are set as follows: Left 3.85° & Right 4.32° the ball joints I am running now after the swap are Moog.
Some of the other specs after the alignment are: Left Camber .13°, Left Toe .01°, Right Camber -.14°, Right Toe .01°

 

That is with the engine running, I Have had the truck setting on stands, it still seemed stiff but not as bad. I could turn the wheel with one hand instead of needing two.