Try putting some penetrating oil on the u-joint, it may by you some time.

 

what would the actual fix be? we talking over $100, less than $50?

 

Replace the lower intermediate shaft. Probably around $100 depending upon where you get the new shaft and if it's a 4x4 or not.

 

what happens if it goes unfixed? do you eventually lose all steering or will it pretty much just keep doing what its doing now?

 

It gets harder and harder to turn. It may not return to center after coming around a corner, try driving it like that just once and you'll never do it again.

 

when it feels "loose" while turning, the vehicle still turns, its almost like it has some power steering but its intermittent.. but i was driving it for about a week without any at all and never put anymore fluid in so i seriously doubt some of the power steering came back

but.. it doesnt veer off or change direction while going straight, returns to zero just fine, it seems to just be a more recent play in the steering wheel and a bit of a faint click and a slight vibration at the same time just under the floorboards

 

hmm, i hit a speed bump yesterday, since then its slightly pulling to the right

 

another issue that should be fairly easy to figure out.. my right front turn signal seems to be completely out.. its my understanding there are two bulbs inside the turn signal housing, but neither of them seem to be flashing, what is the likeliness that both bulbs are actually out and that its not a wire or something?.. it is blinking twice as fast as the left signal

however, the bulbs seem to work, when i switch the lights over to indicators (the middle position on the headlight switch) both right side lights light up and the rear right turn signal blinks so its just that front right

bad relay?