rough steering

[tworanger]

I have a 91 2wd ranger with 175,000 miles, the suspension is stock but i have put 15" wheels from a new ranger in place of the stock 14". For the past couple thousand miles when i turn the wheel at slow speeds, such as in a parking lot or turning into a driveway there seems to be a rough grinding feel, it does it while turning both right and left but if it happens and i try it again immediately after it seems to work fine with no problems. Effort is normal and the pump has been replaced several times over the past year for other issues. the roughnes has been the same throughout all the ps pumps. Not sure if it is related but sometimes(15% of the time) there is a clunk, like a worn bal joint. Everything seems to be tight with no wheels movement when up on jacks. Any ideas?

 

[mrcarcrazy]

steering gear box?

 

[tworanger]

Is there a way to check the steering box?
i forgot to mention that there is a bit of a groan(not the normal ford powersteering whine) when this roughness is felt

 

[Nailzs]

+1 for checking the gear box