Just got into the 50's the last 2 mornings and for about the first 25 to 30 miles the steering is a lot stiffer than it has been. like lacking assist. After that its fine for the rest of the day. Gear box replaced Febuary 2010, Power steering pump was replaced in December of 2009. I've checked the fluid levels and they are good. I am also running synthetic fluids. Any ideas?
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Put a small diameter tube on the bottom of a turkey baster or suction pump and get it down as far as you can into the reservoir after your truck has set overnight. Draw some fluid out, put it in a shot glass then look at fluid from the top of the reservoir. Fluid might have some water in it or just be dirty. Were you running synthetic prior to the pump replacement? Drive through any deep water or have any heavy rains? did you clean your engine recently?

FWIW, I suction out about a pint every few months.

 

Thats a good indication of cold weather affecting the PS fluid but you mentioned that you already run synthetic. What brand PS fluid?

 

Been running Redline fluid. The fluid has been changed in the past 2 months also. I am starting to think it may be the Rock solid bushing kit I installed when I did all this. Other option is hydroboost. Thats the only thing on that system thats still factory. It was leaking a little about a year ago at the firewall but only saw fluid there once.

 

Found out this evening it is the Rock Solid bushing. When I shifted into reverse i did not have my hands on the wheel like I usually do and the steering wheel turned to the right same time I shifted and stopped when i got to the gear. This has been in for a while and just started doing this. Any suggestions??