Have you checked the tie-rod ends, the king pins and the steering idler-arm end (check the play/looseness)?
Replaced all new last year. The only thing I didn't do was a front end alignment and balancing (Tires were just mounted and balanced when I bought the truck). I was waiting until I got the truck drivable.
“Disappears when I put the clutch in”, driveline issue. Bad throw out bearing? Just throwing stuff out there. Good luck.
Just had it out and no signs of wear.
U-joint? The one I removed from my truck was badly worn.
Just put it in and saw no issues.
