I've got a friend going bonkers with a steering problem on a '96 2500, diesel, 4x4. The truck wanders at highway speeds - especially on two lane roads. If he hits a rut or a defect - the truck follows it even tho the steering wheel position has not changed. Think steering behavior like bad ball joints.
When he first got the truck, it had been in storage. It would make a "clunk" sound when starting from rest and make another "cluck" sound when braking to stop. I think something in the front end is loose or worn out. So far, the owner has spent several thousand dollars replacing parts trying to eliminate the problem. Several mechanics can't find any problem.
I've driven the problem 2500 and another '97 2500 - there is no comparison. The '97 2500 tracked a straight line with no problems. It's apparent something is wrong with the '96 - but what? Should the front end be jacked up to test the components because of the weight of the diesel?
Any ideas on how to diagnose this problem?