steering problems please help!

[scott32386]

hey everyone! im new to the site, and i own a 97 explorer xlt 4 dr with a ohv 4.0
only thing i have done to it is the bwm and 31inch tires. for the past few months i have been experiencing tough "spots" while steering and now it is getting to the point where i really have to put some muscle into it to turn, and then once in a while it will be fine to steer. Pump is not whining at all and the fluid levels are fine. I have my suspicions on what the problem is, just thought i would post here first and ask people who actually have this truck. any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

[my pos mounty]

Look at all the steering components to ensure they are not contacting something that shouldn't be there (doubtful, but worth a check). Then look at inner/outer tie rods(again, doubtful but worth a look), then steering rack or pump.

 

[justanother1]

also, check the rubber boot near the bottom of the steering shaft. As the boot tears, it can fall inside and cause the hard steering. This happened to my wife's. I pulled the boot off and sprayed pb blaster into the joint. Made a big difference in the amount of muscle needed to turn the wheel.