Stranger things have happened.

 

It may a little more work but why not disconnect the drag link from the pitman arm and then cycle the system by hand with the wheels off the ground. If all that is good and no binding then turn the steering wheel while the engine is running and see what the pitman arm is doing. If both those look good then disconnect the steering shaft and look for binding.

The steering pump may not whine if it is still moving fuid although not at the speed it should. Usually I hear the whine when it is low on fluid or it is not pushing any at all.

 

Good to know about the pump potentially being a "silent killer." Thank you both for the help.

I spoke with my mechanic and we are going to start pulling things apart to try and test the individual components to try and narrow it down.

I'll post the results whenever that's done.

 

CORRECT!

DING DING DING!

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You guys are geniuses as well as life/money-savers. Obviously I am inept at spotting binding U-Joints on the steering shaft because when I first had my wife turn the wheel back and forth it the other day it seemed smooth.

But per GK's suggestion, a PB Blaster blast, a wire brush and some grease and I'm rocking and rolling again.

The offending U-Joint was the one right at the box. Thanks again guys!

 

Glad you got it worked out, I am also glad you did not pull it all apart before you found the culprit too.

 

Glad it was somethin simple!