The steering on my '96 works just fine. There really isn't much to it with a 4X4. A couple of rod ends, and a track bar. I find a crooked steering wheel to be annoying, it doesn't hurt anything. Kroil is some good stuff. If you soak the ends every few days, they will eventually free up. Keep in mind they are deliberately difficult to move to keep the alignment.

Over the last few years, I've re[placed all of my steering components on my truck. It steers heavier than newer trucks but it's a TRUCK, I don't need easy steering. I want control over roads, when I'm lucky enough to be on one.

 

That's what the clamps are supposed to do. The rust makes it impossible to remove. Remove the clamps, Get one or two skinny chisels and put them in the split near the end by the threaded rod. This will spread it out then use a pipe wrench in the middle to turn it. I never seizeed the threads when I put mine back on but I bet they are rusted up anyway.

 

I get what you are saying. When I go to free them up I will do what you are suggesting. Until then I will continue to soak them down with Kroil.

 

Also try the hook spanners specifically for this. They sorta "pull" the sleeve open, while Channeloks or pipe wrenches tend to squeeze it tighter on the threads -- kind of a Chinese finger trap situation.

That said, I realize the spanners can/might just slip under high load, esp if lubricant is present.