Steering Binding

[cloud9]

Recently brought up a 96 XLT AWD from the Southern USA. 105,000 miles. Very nice shape. Amazing rust free truck. Thank-you Florida! Problem with a slight binding in the steering. Noted on left rotation. Told by my mechanic it is likley the steering rack. Certainly needs new lower ball joints. Also, the factory leather wrap on the steering wheel is getting loose.
Opinons please.

 

[OZexplore]

when you have the ball joints done, on a warm -hot day take it for a drive in stop-start traffic and the extra heat will make the rack rattle if it is worn thats how i found that my rack was shot it wouldn't rattle when cold or in normal temp range it would only do it when engine bay got very hot. strange but true