Weird steering issue.
 

played in a little mud the other day, and Now I have an issue with my steering.

When I make a turn in a neighborhood the steering wheel jerks back and forth. I can physically feel the steering wheel pushing back the opposite way. It feels like it is coming from the driver side front tire no matter which way I turn. If I am going straight I can let go of the wheel and everything stays. Long turns are not a problem, and most of the time it does not happen when I am going above about 15mph. This also only happens at about a quarter turn on the wheel, and it is not as bad in reverse.

I lifted the front Up, nothing is loose or looks bent. There are zero noises when this happens. The hub assembly seems fine. I thought maybe I slipped a belt in the tire, but I didn't spin the wheels hardly at all (actually didn't realize I wasn't in 4wd until I got stuck, put it in 4H and climbed right out without even trying hard). Plus it only happens in very specific circumstances. I figured putting a load on the tire any time, I would notice it.

It almost feels like 4wd is still enaged on dry ground, but only on the drivers side. I can spin the wheel by hand when its jacked up and everything seems to be spinning freely, the driveshaft spins. Also, I don't get the feeling of 4wd EXCEPT under these specific conditions.

A buddy proposed that the power steering pump may be sending pressure the wrong way, or that their are air in the lines.

Is it possible the alignment is just off? I didn't hit anything, and it wasn't very thick mud, but I supposed its possible.

Only mods are 3.5" lift, and 31" tires. It is not rubbing.

Any thing else that would help diagnose it?

Make sure the adjustment sleeve on your drag link is good and tight.

It is tight

I'm assuming you checked the fluid condition and level in the power steering reservoir?

Fluid is good. I think it may be the caliper. The wheel gets stuck depending on how much I turn it, and the caliper seems loose, even though the bolts are tightened.

Front u-joint is probably binding.

I took the wheel off and spun it by hand with the wheel turned to different spots. It would hang up on the pads in some places. I took the caliper and rotor off and everything spun free.

I tried cleaning up the contact points for the brake pads and it helped a little but the problem is still there. I am going to toss a new caliper on tomorrow. I will be very happy if my problem is a $20 caliper.