my power steering is sometimes very stiff (usually with the steering dead central, no turn on).

fluid looks ok and i replaced pump not long ago. Looking underneath I noticed that the track rod (i think) is VERY close (if not rubbing) on the top of the small guard that extends down off the front diff.

would this cause the steering to be stiff? if so what might have caused it to come closer to the guard?

There are two u/j's on the steering shaft from the steering wheel to the steering box inside the engine bay.
Lubricate well with WD40 then with oil.
These should them free off.

A common occurance.

mike

take the diff guard off, onlt 2 bolts, removed mine ages ago, lube the column joints too.

thanks both.

western - does the guard have any purpose?? also - do you happen to know spanner size? (truck is elsewhere and dont want to take my whole kit)

IIRC the bolt heads are 9/16 inch across flats, it does have a purpose but doesn't protect very well.