Problem with steering Options

[The Iron Goat]

I'm having this really wierd problem when I'm steering through longer turns (on-ramps, etc.). It's like the steering hits a "dead spot", and the wheel turns an inch or so with no effect on steering. The feeling is similar to a knee buckling when you put weight on it. I know that's a weird anology, but it's the best I've got.

The car has been aligned, the outer tie rod ends are new, and has a 1" lowering kit on it. I can't be sure if it's a PS problem, or a suspension component, but any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

[JMoushon]

Not to be contrary, but Spy's input has everything to do with steering effort, and nothing to do with a perceived dead spot in the steering. If, in tight turns at high RPMs, you have a momentary lapse in power assist causing a short period of increased steering effort, you are simply running into Mitsu's idea of variable rate steering. A simple valve system interrupts hydraulic pressure in the p/s set-up as the RPMs rise. The fix involves cheating the valve to stay open at all times, causing maximum assist at all speeds.
A dead spot, wherein you turn the wheel and nothing happens for what would be considered an excess # of degrees, will be in the mechanical linkage of the gear, or the gear itself.