DISCLAIMER: My steering coupler is worn out/sloppy and I have no steering stabilizer, not sure as to the condition of the rest.

That said, when I brake normally, the truck takes a dive to the left and I have to correct it with the wheel. What is the cause of this? is it the steering or is the left brake locking-up faster? or both? Pads are good all the way around. Possibly the alignment? Any ideas?

 

That can be a few different things, but the most serious woudl be a sticky caliper or one that is not engaging fully. Also if the pads have gotten grease or oil on them. The side you need to check is the side AWAY from teh grab, or in your case the right side.
It isnt unussual for the brake on teh "good side" to NOT be closing as quickly or fully. air in the line, poor pads, bad caliper.. could be any of those.
Also could be wheel alignment,tire wear, loose broken tie rod ends or wheel bearings.....

 

Check BOTH front brakes!

What Chris said is true but it could also be a completely worn out LH caliper/pads/rotor grabbing real fast and uncontroalbly. Been there, done that. It happened fast too I wasn't neglecting them.

You should also make sure that your brake fluid is in good shape and the lines are properly blead which can be a PITA sometimes.

If all that is OK it could also be a dragging or oil soaked rear break pulling the front around.

 

You need to check the strut bushings from the lower control arms to below the radiator, as they wear out it allows the lower control arm to move significantly to the rear during braking

 

As mentioned above, there are many possible causes. Firstly, I would give the front wheels a shake and be sure there isn't something obvious like a very loose tie rod end. Next possible problem is to clean all the rust off the caliper slides. Grind all contact areas down to bare shiny metal so the caliper can move properly in its mounts. Also, it's quite common for a pad to cause this especially if they've ever gotten too hot, regardless of whether they still look new and perfect. Try swapping the pads from side to side, and see if the condition changes on a test drive.

 

I should also mention to have a good look at the front springs, and especially the front spring hangers. I've seen many 1st gen trucks with cracked hangers, loose/missing rivets, missing spring bushings, etc, causing many steering and brake complaints.

 

DC, you have a Dana/spicer Model 60 front axle that is built using "kingpins". Not the traditionally known kingpins, such as on almost all 50's to 70' 2wd beam type axles, buit a short screw in stub on the upper end forging of the axle, located below the greasable cap(Pass side) and under the 4-bolt steering arm attatched to the knuckle on the driver's side. There is a plastic barrel bushing pushed down bt a coil spring inside that cap/stg. arm. It looks like a really big valve spring. Over time, this plastic bushing becomes more tapered and sometimes cracks, leading to a uncertain feel in the steering wheel, pulling left or right during braking and ultimately a condition known in the off-road world as "Deathwobble" You would KNOW, if you have expereinced it.
Torquefan and Chrisreyn are also correct about all of the other moving parts, caliper slide mounts, bushings in the shackles, rivets, etc. Also check the wheel bearing pre-load. To do this correctlly, you must remove the caliper, so the pre-load is not masked by having to compress the caliper somewhat. Also check the caliper to axle brake hoses, they have been known to collapse internally.

 

What they all said plus check the rubber hoses. They can deteriorate and swell INSIDE thus trapping fluid or preventing it from moving as fast as the other side. Been there done that.

 

KRB you beat me to it. If you haven't changed the hoses in 3 or 4 years, it can't hurt.

 

Check the rear brakes also if one of the drums is grabbing and the other is not it will make it dive to one side.

 

my truck was doing the same thing, turns out the driver's side tie rod had stripped out and was popping in and out......new tie rod needed for me....still looking for it.

 

I'm going to go out on limb on this one but odds are none of the above is wrong. These trucks along with many others have the infamous push pull steering. I noticed you have a minor lift on your truck odds are the drag link is at its limits of travel. When you hit the brakes it causes the suspension to compress and forces steering wheel movement or a lane change.

Worn out suspension components amplify a hidden problem. I have cross over steering on mine because of that very reason. I have pics.

 

I don't recall seeing a steering stabalizer on my truck either. This may make me look stupid and I may see it if I go looking for it, but did the 4wd trucks come with one? Can I put one on it? How much do they cost? and what is a good one? Lots of questions, but I am a little slow at times.

 

I had a similar problem and it turned out to be a crack in the power steering pump bracket.It was split right down the middle.Hope that helps.

 

These trucks did not come with a steering stabilizer, newer ones yes 94 and newer. I've heard it many times and will agree with the statement steering stabilizers mask or hid a problem; it is a cheap solution to an expensive fix. You should only use a stabilizer if you have a simple vibration and your tires can not be balanced.
Skyjacker makes one you can add.