I was following along behind my truck tonight and noticed it isn't tracking straight. the front is to the left of the rear about half a tire width. The body dosn't appear that far off though. While driving the truck, it wants to pull to the right.
the truck hasn't been in any major accidents. I rear ended an explorer once, cracking the frame on the left side above the steering box. I am currently experiancing some difficulties with the rear right spring being "softer" than the other.
what areas should I be looking at to try and solve this problem?

 

Actually your truck isnt tracking....it just looks like it is. The front axle on these older trucks are like an inch or two wider than the rear end (i dont remember exactly) As far as the pulling, check the alignment, and make sure that the road you are driving down doesnt have a huge crown, that will cause a pull away from the high side.
(P.S. if you dont believe me follow the truck again and check it out from both sides, its really weird at first....i thought the same thing too the first time i followed my truck!)
Brian

 

I did follow from the passenger side... That is nicely in line. I think it's the spring pack on the rear right. there is an 1/8 or more gap between some of the leafs, in addition, the bottom leaf that sits on the blocks on the axel is crooked. I think the bolt that runs through the center of the spring pack has broken. I think I just answered my own question... but if anyone has any other suggestions...

 

Ok, the rear axle appears to be cocked to the right, causing the left front wheel look "outside" the left rear when following the truck from behind. The right front would appear "inside" the rear, but since you can't see it with the rear wheel blocking it, it looks in line. And you've found a broken locater pin in the right rear spring pack. Correct so far? If so, it's possible the axle has shifted back on the spring on the right side. You would need to pull the axle forward a little, and replace the locator pin. After that's done you want to be sure to have a "thrust-angle" alignment done - essentially a front end alignment. It's important that they measure the position of the rear wheels and line the front up parallel to the rear in order for the vehicle to drive properly. However, you might still have a "thrust angle" (be able to notice a tracking problem) on the truck when all's said & done. There is so much tolerance in the location of the rear axle when trucks are built, it's not at all uncommon for a vehicle to come from the factory with a "thrust angle" condition.