2004 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4

Drving to work few nights ago, Was slowing for a 90deg right curve, about 20mph. Got some good griding, and almost felt like drive front wheel was dragging.

Stopped after turn to get out and inspect, Nothing looked broked( any joint) All joints have been replaced and maintained.
Turned steering wheel right and no issue. Turn steering wheel left and truck starts to stall, and wheel hard to go, like a bind.

Tried to back up to turn around, couldnt hardly cut left, so cut right and got it home. Next morn had towed to shop. before towed, looked over again, no issues turing steering wheel and drive a few blocks, seemed ok.

Shop reported all looks well under neath, and is pointing in direction of front diff?

Sound right or something else i need to consider.

 

Certainly could be a front diff problem. Wheel bearings/hub and frozen calipers are also potential problems.
There are tests you can do to isolate the problem, but since you don't have the truck you will need to trust your mechanic.
Front diffs do not have a high failure rate, you can easily source one from a junkyard. They run $1500 or so new.
How often do you use your 4wd? Ever engage 4wd on dry pavement? Are you confident that fluid level is good?

 

So , in past 2 yrs. Ive replaced all upper and lower joints , axel u joints, brakes(lines and everything under the truck).

Wheel bearing doesnt seem locked or any play. Now in regards to price, Rock auto has new for 3800, and called dealer myself for for new price, 4500. But mechanic checking around for used, and getting few things wrote up.
Only use 4wd during winter, Never engaged on dry(in my time owning). Im not 100 on fluid level cause

So let just go with , say level low enough to get hot, and then cause damage , only cause the mentioned dif. Would that cause the not being able to turn steering left and bind up, cause i was able to turn right.;

The shop its currently at doesnt rebuild, cause i figure something simpler, but i def wanna have it opened up..

 

Maybe your steering box is somehow screwed up. You checked your stub axle joints?

 

steering box was what i was initially thinking, on top of head. As far as I know, they checked what they did, and all seemed.. Still need to talk to them again , and when for sure we open up pumpkin, checking for any damage