Steering Column Repair: 1998 chev truck 1500, steering gearbox, tie rods

Question
when driving down the road the steering wheel will yank. like i lost control. and about a three inch steering play. what do i need to do to fix it.

Answer
Hi Marlene:
It sounds like the steering gearbox has a bad spot in it.  It is not a steering column problem, there is nothing in there that would cause the vehicle to do that.  I would stop at a muffler/brake shop and ask them to test drive it with you.  Once they feel it, it should be obvious what needs to be repaired.  Just be wary of them selling you an alignment or tie rods...that is not the problem!
Good luck
Doug