Hi Everyone just purchased a great running, but rough around the edges '82.

The steering tracks OK, but there is a distinctive wobble in the steering wheel just off center in either direction -kind feels all loosey-goosey/light along with the wobble - once you get farther in the turn the wobble disappears and the steering tightens up.

Any ideas where to start?

 

My instinct would say inspect the pitman arm, steering box and steering coupler for play. Guessing maybe worn pitman arm joint.

 

I replaced my tie rod ends and put new tires on and got an alignment and not mine is rock solid straight as an arrow.

 

i'd try taking a peek at you trunnion bearings, my buddy just had to replace his and it caused some serious wobble.

 

It sounds like a weak steering stabilizer combined with a lot of play in the steerbox. Put the front axle on jackstands and start wiggling things around; you'll find what's loose pretty quick.

 

Sometimes it's good to have somebody sit in the truck and move the steering wheel side to side, while you watch the different moving components to see where there is any visible play.