my '83 has a little steering issue i'm trying to resolve but i am fairly new to the 4x4 game. i do not know how much lift i have the front axle angle has been changed with small shims, while driving down the road it will just grab and juke one way or the other i can deal with it sometimes but when my 4 year old is with me it worries me,i don't really notice it on the trails just on highway. Any help would be appreciated. Also i'm gonna put new shocks on soon how do you know how much stroke you need? do you measure stud to stud? or is there more travel there to account for? not sure how to place photo of front end but there is one in my photo album

 

I think, in your case, you should take it in to a shop for a free estimate. Most tire shops will check out your front end before aligning your truck. You can ask for an alignment and when they get it on the rack, they should be able to see the problem and give you a quote. You can then have them fix it now, later or take that quote and get the parts they explained to you (hopefully) and fix it yourself depending on your capabilities.
Taking advantage of those free inspections can save you time and gas.

 

bad wheel bearing I know mine are getting bad and it does that.

 

ive noticed it only does it when i'm on roads that are worn and have truck indentions, does that have anything to do with stabalizer shock? how can you tell if it is ok, i plan on replacing all shocks plus stabilizer but just not yet

 

You may have something more going on, but the tendency of these trucks (especially with the SFA) to "wander" is well known. Can be caused by a lot of front suspension/steering issues. Mine does it a little, and I know that my worn, rotting front leaf spring bushings are partly to blame.

 

well you can take the stabilizer off and try to push it in and if it goes in with out any resistance then its bad.

 

My truck does the same thing, but not as bad. The drag link looks like it has a bushing that wears out, allowing that play. The arm from the steering box attaches to it, then it attaches to the driver side wheel. I have tried to grease mine, but the zerk is seized, but there is definately play in that bushing in there. I think it is meant to have some play but not as much as it does. It also looks like it is meant to be changeable. Could be worth looking into.

Below is Copied from Northwest offroad site.

"NWOR's heavy duty adjustable draglink is a must for lifted trucks. As the trucks are lifted, the distance between the pitman arm on the steering box and the steering arm on the axle is increased. This increased angle can cause the truck to wander and drift on poor driving surfaces. The adjustable draglink will correct steering deficiencies and restore your truck's left and right turning radius. The draglink is constructed of heavy 1-1/8" D.O.M. tubing."

Maybe that is your problem and mine too.