Steering issue
 

Just recently, maybe because it's gotten colder, my steering has been acting funky. If I don't have my foot on the gas, RPMs are resting around 700 (at a stop) to 1200 (while moving). Turning the steering wheel will cause the RPMs dip to 5-600, and jump back up. Also, it feels kind of catchy, and makes a noise like it's kind of skipping due to lack of lubrication. It sounds like the power steering pump has gotten slightly louder as well.

I'm wondering if this is at all related to the clunk/creaking I've been hearing in the front end lately. The sound constantly changes. I haven't heard it 'clunk' in a while... more of a creak now. Half tempted to just take all that crap apart and put it back together just to find the problem. Won't do that until I figure out what's leaking onto my dogbone (trans fluid I'm told), fix, then replace the dog bone.

Have your front end checked out. You may have a bad tierod end or even a bad strut mount. I have actually seen cars where the cradle mounts rot out and the cradle hangs down. It cause a clunking sound and also binds the steering. You may also want to try some Lucas Powersteering Stop Leak. It helps condition old racks and quiet noisy pumps. It did a wonder on my pump.