Hi all, I've got a weird steering problem I hope someone can help me out with.

Here's the deal... I've had to drive my 4Runner to work the last few days, and when I am going slow (2-5mph), I cannot turn the steering wheel to the left. It will turn slightly, but not to it's usual. It feels like something binding in the steering, that is preventing the wheel from turning farther. When I'm going a bit faster, it doesn't seem to cause a problem, as the steering feels normal. The only thing that is not stock in the axle/steering setup is that I've installed the Birfield Eliminator Kit from Randy's R&P, which uses D44 axle stubs.

What I've checked so far:
1. PS fluid is full, and looks clean.
2. Steering linkage under the hood seems normal.
3. No apparent breakage or pieces out of place on the undercarraige.
4. No excessive noise from the PS pump during turning. There is a small amount of PS fluid on the top, and on one hose.
5. No apparent movement from the steering box (suggesting a cracked frame or loose bolts)

I'm stumped! I did go wheeling 2 weeks ago, and it got somewhat muddy, but I can't see where that is causing the problem. Also it's been fairly cold the last few morinings (down in the 20's). Could be the PS fluid is too thick, or something in the steering box is frozen?

Could my PS pump be dying? Is it the steering box? Is there something I'm overlooking?

If anyone has thoughts, I'd appreciate it, 'cause I don't want something to break and then not be able to steer at all.

Thanks in advance...

Erik <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />