Take it to the dealer and let them figure it out. I just went thru a similar issue, but my steering box was worn out, and the dealer said "Not Under Warranty" bc of my lift and tires,... I didn't really feel like he was wrong, but I decided to upgrade tot the PSC Hydro-Assist for just a few more bucks (maybe more than a few, but it's WAY better than replacing the POS OEM box with the same POS OEM box)

 

I once heard someone describe these same symptoms. After a few visits the dealer finally replaced the steering box.

Just a thought.

 

Ok, after reading your further descriptions after my initial response, I would have to say take a good look and investigation of the steering gear box and the steering shaft. Sounds like one of these or both is going to be the issue. Good luck and post your findings.

 

your going to have to check the universal joint in the steering shaft. as for the esp light you prob have a fault related to wheel speed sensors or steering angle sensor. which in built into the steering wheel housing aka clock spring.......

 

hard to tell without looking at it.. id post up multiple pics of the steering linkage from various angles see if someone with more experience can point it out.

 

Will the steering gear box continue to get worse and tear itself up or will it stay the same?

 

It can get worse possibly to point where you lose ability to steer if the box is the problem. If its the shaft it can break or give way losing ability to steer.
I lost steering cause a bad steering gear box on s four wheel drive 3/4 ton Dodge diesel and it was quiete the experience going down the highway at 70 mph.
I wouldn't blow off a steering issue for long would be my advice.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

 

If i were to get the PSC hydro assist
could i run the PSC Cylinder Economy Assist or would i need the full setup for the steering box? How much does a OEM steering box cost?

 

I bought a PSC setup about 5 or 6 years ago for my Blazer. I was told I had to get the whole setup and that is what I did. After owning it and my experience with it I'd like to talk you out of getting it. One if the engine dies while you are driving you will not be able to steer your vehicle cause the pump won't be running to operate that ram, makes this a huge safety issue if you are on a highway or road somewhere especially in a curve. Two, I didn't really notice any difference than when it was stock and if you are just going to run 35" or 37" tires in my opinion you don't need it of course depending on where you plan on taking your Jeep to wheel and how often you do that sort of thing such as extreme rock climbing.

 

My Blazer had died with the PSC ram assist setup and I nearly went through a big Walgreens sign here in Tulsa cause I couldn't steer it.