I shared your opinion for quite a while until about the third time I had to replace one of the column sensors in my '97s. I will agree that the EVO works great when it's operational, but my experience has been that it doesn't stay that way for long. On top of that, these trucks drive great with it bypassed.
If you want to gamble on fixing the issue, replace the steering sensor on the column that was mentioned earlier. The OEM GM part is discontinued (part number 26064468), so the only available options are aftermarket replacements from Dorman (905510), Standard Motor Products (SWS11), or WVE (5S6342).
If you'd rather bypass the EVO (which is what I would recommend) you can install the GM EVO bypass kit (19168825) or equivalent. OR... Install a power steering pump and pressure line for a '96 truck. I've bypassed the EVO on both of my '97s using each of these methods and I can't tell a difference between them in function/performance. Using the EVO bypass kit introduces an extra connection point that could potentially leak, the '96 pump and pressure line method does not.
