Before you start replacing anything find exactly where the slop is. Jack up the rig by the control arms (to keep the steering at its opperating angle where most wear occurs and to unload the ball joints) then grab the wheel and shake it left to right and feel for the "bump." you will be able to see the slop, or have a buddy take a look. Find what moves in relation to what doesn't if it helps touch both parts (inner tie rod against the center link for exa)to find the movement. There are a number of places to find slop: bearings, tie rod ends (inner or outer), idler arm, steering gear, or ball joints. Sounds to me like it is most likely your idler arm. And I highly advise the use of new components. Be sure to have it alighned aftwer wards lest you chew off your tires.
If the alighnment and all steering links are good but but you have a loose steering gear I think your tires will show no poor wear paturns. You can also have a buddy rock the steering wheel and watch the links. Good luck.
And most shops will shake down your rig and prepare an estimate for free but don't let them know you intend to do your own install. NMc
Lotta good advice, thanks. When I crawled underneath, I started grabbing and wiggling stuuff, the idler arm was TIGHT, did not move at all. When I grabbed the TRE's they where LOOSE, like there was ZERO grease in the boots, they are SHOT. So I'll start there. I can feel the slop when I turn, nothing, nothing, nothing then BANG, there it is. Like it blows through the slop in the TRE's, and when it maxes out the movement of the TRE it starts turning.
And I think I have water in my PS fluid! Does turn easy until truck is warmed up.
This girl does NOT NOT NOT like being cold!