Could it possibly be your steering gear box? You said nothing moves when it's down and you turn the steering wheel? Does the steering wheel has a range of free movement as if it's loose?

Jack up the vehicle, support it properly (not to fall), grab the wheel on top and bottom and check for play on both sides. Most likely bad ball joint but could be loose wheel bearing also. Do both sides on whatever part is defective as the otherside will not be far behind as having the same thing happen.