the steering shaft is the issue. from the column to the box

 

Found what it is; it is the upper front passenger side control arm bushing.

 

The front ends on these things are really crappy...

 

How easy are they to change?
Is it a matter of removing the 2 bolts, sliding the control arm to the rear and pull it out? I think the exhaust is in the way of the rear bolt on the passenger side upper control arm.
Thanks!

 

I had a clunk when turning and I couldnt figure it out. Not soon later, my rear diff blew up. Scratched my head a little bit.

 

Its a ball joint on the top of that arm.

 

There is no balljoint on the control arm.