When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Get a look at the "Wrag Joint". It's in you're steering shaft coming thru the firewall, towards the steering gear box. It look's like it's made out of metal, and an old tire sidewall.
it could be anything from tie rods to the rag joint,these trucks have gobs of miles on them and folks didnt grease them neer enuff. jack it up and watch to see if the tires flop when the truck is lifted off them.this will tell ya how much ware is in the king pins
you should be able to get a good buddy or plead with your wife to rock your wheel back and forth some in the cab while you are under the truck. this can show you where movement is sloppy by not tranferring the motion completely through a joint.
the other thing i used to do for inspections was jack up the front and grab the wheel side to side and wiggle a little. you can feel for loose stuff there for the steering system. then grab the wheel top to bottom and feel for loosness. if it has play that way it is most likely your ball joints.
if it has movement all around it could be loose wheel bearings.