Is all of this black stuff a service violation? Also, what is this hanging cord???

Driver, I think you need to go see a real mechanic. You have no clue what you’re looking at. The “cord” as you call it, is the cap for the battery lug right above it. The darker color on the steering gear is power steering oil mixed with dust.

 

Oh boy .. I suggest you seek a different career

 

At the very least it sure looks like you could use an engine wash

 

Nothing to worry about. Wash it off and go to work. Wouldn't even call it a sweat. Probably just seperating grease from the sector shaft or the u-joint.

 

Not a violation, but I would put a hose clamp on that top hose. Or have the shop do it.

 

It's ok. Don't worry. Put the cap on the "naked" post.

 

Yeah I'd just get a high pressure cleaner make it look clean for the inspection, check on the day before you go in to see if there are any visible leaks and clean them up with a rag.

 

The exposed lug is a battery boost post. You can hook a positive jumper cable to it instead of going to the batteries. The part hanging down is just a plastic cover for it.
The power steering box looks like it's just lightly weeping. I'd just clean it up with a rag or hit it with a pressure washer next time you're getting the truck washed.