Is this a 1500? Did you look and see if that tie rod end is hitting the rim? There should be drag marks on either the tie rod or the rim. I know on a dakota I had there wasn't much clearance and if I turned the wheel it would hit.
I would also check the CV axle out. When you had the truck jacked up did you spin the tire and see if the bearing was "grinding"? Also when you do jack it up grab the tire at the 9 and 3 o'clock spots and try to move it back and fourth and watch the tie rod and see if it has any play in it. You can also check for ball joint play by grabbing the tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock spots and do the same back and fourth movements.