3 problems

k, i know some things bout cars, and trucks, but new to this truck...just picked it up about a month ago...any help you can give would be great...

problem 1. there's about 8-12 inches in play, in the steering wheel, where i can be driving, and i can just turn the wheel back and forth, with no response at all. kinda makes me look like i'm drinking and driving all the time...

problem 2. when i park my truck, the brakelights tend to stick on. i've replaced the brake lever sensor, and it still happens...

problem 3. when starting the truck, i hear a clanking, ticking, type of noise, where the engine is not getting oil, for about 12 seconds after start. the oil pressure gauge shows no pressure, for about 12 seconds, then the pressure gradually comes up, and it quits clankin. I'm assuming it's probably the pump, but i wanted to hear other suggestions. the oil level is just fine...and sometimes when i'm stopping, the oil light, flickers on and off...as if the pump is dying or something, but when this happens, the gauge doesn't move...so idk what that's all about

again, any suggestions, would be great. thanks

Problem 1 sounds like a worn steering knuckle but thats just a guess without taking a peek.

Problem 2. Well if you already replaced the brake switch then the next thing will be to chase wires and see where your getting a short. Without knowing what year your truck is its hard to say.

Problem 3. Oil gauge always takes a second to read when you start the car. Are you using the proper weight and grade? I am an Amsoil dealer so im gonna say Amsoil is the best oil you can put into an engine. If your oil light flickers on and off but the gauge doesn't move i would replace the Oil Pressure Sending unit first. Its cheaper and easier. Pullin that pump is gonna sunk, im not gonna lie. But again, i don't know what year your vehicle is so just a guess. Good luck to you.

Would you put a little more info about the truck please. motor,2 or 4 wheel drive etc......

With the truck in park and the motor running. Block the back wheels. Lay under the front with a flashlight. Have a friend move the wheel back and forth. As you look at each wear point. The amount of slop you have is dangerous.

yea, it's a 96 dodge ram. 5.9L, and it's only 2WD. not happy about it i know, but, that's what i got. the engine actually ended up going out on it, and was a total mess, but i picked a used one up from a junk yard, with 40k on it, for 900 bucks. so, i got that in, and it has ran great ever since. however, a week after i got the new engine in it. a Driver from the company DHL, decided he was gonna give me some new body work, and smashed in my passenger side. so. anybody that has a dodge truck and is scrapping it out, or has one with a good passenger side. i'm looking to get a new door, bed, and extended cab section. have many things to offer for trade, or cash. just let me know