My 97 4wd feels a bit like I'm driving on ice, especially at higher speeds. Local mechanic put in a new stabilizer because it was a quick and cheap attempt. That made the steering feel a bit tighter (a good thing) but the truck still seems to drift around. It's not an alignment issue. It's a bit hard to describe, but it seems to feel like the wheels are not solidly connected to the steering wheel, so the steering wheel is loose in my hands, and the wheels are not holding straight. . . sort of like pushing a furniture dolly that has four pivoting wheels.
I have heard from several people that this is typical of this truck, and there is no easy remedy. Any suggestions (that I can discuss with my mechanic)?

 

It might be your steering box going out. Open your door look at your tires and feel how much movement is in the steering wheel before your tires move. If there is a lot of play before your tires move then that might be it.

 

Mine just got diagnosed with a total front end rebuild, ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends etc. at 63K miles. A little frustrating at $1500. I love the truck but the steering sucks. At least the steering box is still tight. My alignment guy says any of these parts wearing out can cause drift and sloppy feel in the wheel.

 

From experience, yes they do. You can replace most of the front end stuff your self and upgrade at the same time for the same or less cost. DSS, Luke's Links on tie rod ends, and Thuren trackbar ( or 3rd Gen trackbar and bracket). Ball joints can be difficult to do yourself though.