It looks as if fluid is leaking from the powersteering system. I think it needs a new reservoir. I have attached some pics...

http://www4.ncsu.edu/~pwlane/IMG_0015.jpg

http://www4.ncsu.edu/~pwlane/IMG_0016.jpg

You can see the fluid on the hoses.

http://www4.ncsu.edu/~pwlane/IMG_0017.jpg

http://www4.ncsu.edu/~pwlane/IMG_0018.jpg

bottom view showing extent of leak.

 

I would wrap your ECU in a plastic bag and go power scrub that dirty mess so you can see what is going on. It is too hard to tell with all that old build up. Have you check to make sure your hose clamps are tight?
It is not uncommon to have the hoses leak thus needing replacement. How many miles on your truck?

 

This is what I did. Degreased the engine bay and found that the leak was coming from the steering box. Then I bought a quart of Valvoline Dexron 3 ATF with stop leak. When the fluid level was low that is what I added. And I kept adding until the leak stopped.
It took less than a pint of fluid to stop the leak.
That is what worked for me, check local listings your results may vary.

 

you put ATF in there? I have some valvoline power steering w/ stop leak that I've been adding...

 

Let's go back to what year and how many miles??

 

'96 with 115000

 

Yeah, I have a D1 and it says in the owners manual to use Dexron for power steering fluid. So does my Toyota, and my Mitsubishi that I had and my Infiniti before that.
Almost all imports use ATF as power steering fluid.
What year is your truck?

 

Also...I can't find a dex/merc with stop leak...the only ATF with stop leak isn't a dex.??

 

Did you look at Auto Zone?
I bought mine at Meijer when we were getting groceries. I realize that you probally dont have Meijers (MI and IN)
I would look at Wal Mart too. I bought Valvoline because that is what was on the shelf with stop leak in it. Check out NAPA also.
Or maybe the Valvoline quick lube will sell you a quart?

 

Its not even listed on valvoline website...or is this what you are talking about.

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/produ...asp?product=73