Steering Issue

As I was driving down a dirt road today my steering wheel suddenly started to pulse to the right, I pulled over and inspected everything and saw nothing obvious. I got back in and the wheel easily turned all the way to the right, but turning back to the left was easy until the wheels were straight at which point it got very stiff. I did this a few times and it broke loose and steering is back to normal. Pump, belt, power steering lines and fluid all seem fine.

Steering box?

I did notice the lower U-joint on the steering rod is rusty.

Any tips or advise is greatly appreciated!!

JF Green River, WY

 

I would suggest hosing the u-joint down with WD-40 or something like that, and work it left to right. When it seems freed up, hose it down with some Fluid Film or some other rust preventative.
I'd definitely keep an eye on it and consider replacing it if it's bad enough.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-lower-steering-shaft-rebuild-diy.543377/

 

Very helpful, THANK YOU!