I've got a '97 XLT V6 w/ 87k. I noticed a problem this fall; after
letting the truck sit for a couple of months the power steering got
intermittent - it gets easy and hard as you turn the wheel. After
driving it a mile or so, the steering felt better, but still acted up a
couple times breifly. I then discovered that when Jiffy Lube says
"Chassis - Lubricated X" they just mean the oil that drips from the
filter - the ball joints were bone dry. They're lubed now. I don't know
if they're original. I did brakes not long ago and found the joints to
be tight ("If it ain't broke..."). Pump doesnt sound abnormal. Does it
seem like its a ball joint problem, a steering fluid change problem, or
a real steering pump/rack problem? The steering acted up again today
after sitting about 3-weeks (and I'm in NY where its REAL cold). Thanks
in advance - Keith