97 Dodge Ram 1500 Pulling to the right

[CAMFLIGHTRN]

I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1550 with 195K and it just started pulling to the right.

I am the only one who drives it and have not jumped any curbs or potholes.
Lots of hwy miles ( I drive 150 miles to work round trip) .

It's a noticable pull which was not there yesterday but there today (not a gradual thing) and if I let go of the wheel I am on the shoulder almost instantly.
Tires are relatively new and check out good. No bulges, good tread etc.Tire pressure is at recommended PSI per door jamb label.

Applying the brakes does not affect the pull.

Approx. 3000 miles ago i replaced the brakes/rotors and wheels bearings on the front.

There is no noise asscoiated with the pulling.

I have removed both front wheels and everything appears to move and roate freely .

The rubber around the upper ball joint on the left side has deteriorated to the point where I can see shiny metal at the ball. There may be some slight play if any at all when I push and pull on the wheel with the front end jacked up. Hard to tell.

Thoughts?

could a bad ball joint cause the truck to pull as described.?
If so should I replace both sides upper and lower?
Any other thoughts?

Regan

[Chris Stewart]

Been thinking about your issue, sorry for the delay.

With the truck on the ground, engine running & trans in park, have a helper turn the steering wheel while you observe the action at the spindles/inside.
See any unnatural movement in the steering?