DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD THUD HEARD AND THE STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD, HITTING A TREE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BETWEEN THE DOOR AND BED OF THE TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN SEEN BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE WHEEL BEARING FRACTURED, CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.