Can't really help you with the first problem, esp. without a pic. Is the grinding when the steering is at full lock or constant. Which side grinds when you turn (ie. inside or outside)?

If it's only at full lock it's because there are plastic steering stop caps on the knuckle that wear out and cause a grinding noise to occur. Some thick grease or new caps will remedy this.

If the noise is constant when turning and on the outside, then your wheel bearings would be the first thing that I would check as they would be the most likely culprit in this case.

Toy_Runner- I looked at my engine today for the hose in the first pic, but wasn't really able to tell since there's a mass of hoses there. Try to trace the hose back as far as you can; perhaps that will help. Is there any vacuum on the hose when the engine is running? Another thought is the windshield washer tubes for both front and rear route in that area.

In the 2nd pic I believe it is supposed to be plugged off like that, but I'll repost if I'm wrong.

The 3rd pic isn't really decipherable. Where exactly is this located?

~R

the 3rd pix is the Oil Pan, it is at the end of the oil pan that the engine will be connecting to the transmission is those two screw are like that? it is diffrent from all the screw that was on the oil pan and I think the oil is leaking from there or it could be the seal that is locate behind the engine but not sure, and what tools are req to use on the tight spot on the 2 nuts? thanks for the help.

Your correct. It IS supposed to be plugged up like that.

[update]
solve the problem on picture #2 but #1 and #3 has not been solve, if it is the oil pan gasket that causing the leak how can I be able to open it? the other two screw that is behind the oil pan is so tight for the tools to reach it so what do I need to open the two screw? do I need a S wrench? any help is appeciated... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I can understand how it's kinda tight in there with the 5VZFE in it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />......come on man!!! we know what we're talkin about with these yotas <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> and that engine in the pic wasn't a 3.4 who are you tryin to impress?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />

so really? the 3.4 from those 1996 to 2001 will not fit? ok I'll go measure it again then I'll see about it, but it say the 3.4 will fit in the bot that hold the engine in place? I seen the 3.4 is not that crowded then the 3.0 so I guessing it will fit good with a electric fan... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

these truck run so slow that people tailgate me, so I guessing a engine swap is the right to go, my uncle has a shop and has done many engine and transmission swap so I go to him if any engine that will go in, or esle I'm selling the truck so anyone interesting buying a truck?... price is neg..

oh, you can now forget the picture I post, I have found the problem... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If you're swapping out your 3.0 with a 3.4, it takes some work, it's not a straight ahead drop-in. There's a couple folks here who have done them with success.