Ok ok... Adam! I think you hit this one right on the nail. I took the truck over to an independant mechanic shop. He put the truck on an (i think it's called 4 point lift) alignment like lift. He had another mechanic turn move the wheel so that the actual front wheels would move. He looked underneath and tada! the actual entire rack was moving back and forth with the steering wheel. He said that the rack bushings may be worn out. There was also a slight clicking sound that was coming from the left tierod. You can't tell by just looking. If you put your hand on the rubber boot you can feel the clicking. He said i may need a new left tierod as well.
I feel like such an idiot! How could i not have found this before? To think i was laying under the truck too!

Is it possible that i can change my own steering rack bushings? Do i need a lift or any special tools? I just need a big wrench to do it right?
What about for the left tierod? Any source for parts?

Will polyurethane bushings provide a rough ride? I think i oughta be ok, i changed the swaybar bushings to polyurethane lately and i kind of like the ride. It feels more solid when i turn and the ride quality isn't bad.

Can anyone recommend a particular brand of bushings? I used energy suspensions with the swaybar bushings. As long as the poly bushings on the steering rack either dont squeek, or are greaseable. I should be ok.

I can't seem to find that kartek kit online anywhere.

To think... the dang stealer said that this was all normal?