The used steering gear box has solved the left/right "swishing" sound when turning, and made the steering much easier. It's also taken out that little bit of play at the top of the center steering. However, there is still a faint, almost "sputtering" kind of sound when the fluid heats up and the steering wheel is at idle. I've been driving it for a couple days, and did the wheel lock several times to bleed out any air. It's still there. Any ideas? Noise high pressure line perhaps?

 

Oh, also, the battery died last night.... What a pile...

 

I'm guessing that what you're hearing is most likely normal. It may quiet down bit more after its been "run in". You also might want to consider changing the fluid again after it has a few thousand miles on it---just to get the "break in" fluid out.

Sorry to hear about the battery, hopefully, you've got all the ---need to's--- taken care of now.

 

Charged the battery to full. Truck started twice, but nothing but clicks on the third try...... I'm at wits end now with this vehicle.
Bad battery, or starter?

 

battery---most likely a shorted cell

It happens, even to brand new ones

Get it checked out at Autozone or one of the big box stores--most of them do it free

 

Battery And charging system checked out ok. After the shop put it on charge, the battery lasted less than 2 days. I've been driving it non stop

 

Charged the battery all day today, cranks once, but then nothing but clicks. I noticed as well that while the charger was on the battery, when I opened the doors with the remote, the dome light was enough to instantly drop the charge on the battery almost back to the red zone. I'm thinking there's a bad connection, or ground somewhere. Any other ideas?

 

makes sense to me

 

I Have the same problem, all told many pump and steering boxes, finally have the original parts installed, but need to find out where the hose between the box and the pump goes, there is a valve flow sensor that needs a connection and it appears my truck is missing this important element, where does it come from so we can locate it...