I have a great 97 Laramie but since last winter it has developed hard steering
like a old 75 Ford it sometimes takes 2 men & a small boy to turn the steering wheel. I've had the gear replaced, the pump & the pump again today by a good wrench man who hasn't failed me before. The gear has been replaced twice as well. WHAT have you done to successfully alleviate such a problem?
Thank you wrenches of the world.

 

My truck used to have spotty steering when pulling into a parking space in the cold. A good power steering flush with fresh fluid was the cure. Yours sounds more involved.

If you jack up the front tires, is it still difficult to steer or any notches/rough spots? how about with the engine off and steering column unlocked?

 

Sounds like something is binding. I would be tempted to pull apart the steering linkage, and test individual pieces.....

 

my guest is a ball joint has seized up. Thats exactly how mine was when only 1 was seized. jack the front up, pop the tie rods off, and try turning the whole hub by hand as if it were steering.

 

I should have added it is intermittent, really getting tired of in & out of the shop.