1996- gs eclipse problems
 

Hello,
I recently purchased a 96 gs and I've run into a few issues I was wondering if anyone had any advice. First is an awful creaking noise made anytime I turn the steering wheel. I'm figuring either my struts and/or my ball joints are about to fail or my steering column is going out....

Second is an idle issue...when its cold the car will come close to stalling. When I drive it has a jumping issue is what I'll call it. I'm wondering if I have a vacuum leak? Or a blown head gasket?

Any help would be much appreciated...btw its lowered 2" on what appear to be cheap ass struts. Wondering if that's the creaking I hear?