Hi, thanks for the replies. I first went down the path of troubleshooting the parking brake solenoid...seems to be fine. I disconnected the little steel pipette that brings fluid back to the valve body and I was just getting a little spurt of ATF now and then with the solenoid energized with an alligator clip to 12v.

Reading, found what Joe posted about trans and steering being common.

I will try the hex-plug plus I'm wondering if I've dropped fluid level down far enough to entrain air....the problem has gotten worse over a couple troubleshooting sessions. The dipstick says to check engine running and fluid hot, which I have trouble achieving the temperature. Any idea how much overfill should be present when the engine is off and the truck has been sitting for ~1 week?

Last session I know I was getting air as I had my ear right up next to the orbital motor for steering and I'd hear little slugs of fluid go thru it at times, followed by slugs of air. I had assist for those instances when there was fluid.

Still have some pretty good fluid leaks on the floor and leaking from the power steering cylinder rod glands (have a rebuild kit) and the oil drips were "foamy". Will tear into it again this weekend and see where I get. Thanks for the replies thus far.