You guys are why I like truckforums .com , you use common sense, experience and descent language. Yes, in2Trux, lets combine sticky ball joints, sounds like they have been a problem.
Plan B- concrete and cardboard, yes, raise front wheels off floor and on jack stands, block rear wheels, start engine, turn steering wheel back and forth, if still resistance, detach pittman arm, manually turn wheels, if resistance, separate drag link and turn each wheel separate. I will start doing that in the morning, wind-z-day, where is spell check when you need it? I'll let you all know the resultz.

David S

 

Gear box spline shaft is machined different than old shaft, pittman arm has a 5/8 gap between it and gear box body, now end of pitman arm holds drag link lower and seems to have caused a toe in effect, I have an appointment for alignment and lube job coming up.

The old gear box and pittman arm space between it was so close I had to pound gear puller ears between them, a loaner from Auto Advantage, was a good tough heavy tool set, pounding on it did no damage.

Thanks guys, keep turning those wrenches. David S

 

Good to hear your still moving forward towards a solution.
Let us know how your alignment appointment turns out