Okay understood. I gave e a the hex nut and top screw a bit more of a turn. It did help a lot and cured my metal on metal contact. But it did
make the steering feel heavy and thats why I had it looser in the adjustment screw. Is there a fix ?

 

When did you first notice the metal to metal contact when turning, when you changed the shocks, or before that?
For your shocks, I think lower is tightened to 34 ft/lbs and upper is tightened until bushing is same size as washer. Check your instructions though.
You describe wandering steering, have you had an alignment? Have you checked tie rods and bushings for play with wheels off the ground?
The rubber on your ball joints and bushings looks like they are at the end of their lives. Replacing those are a good idea. This should help your heavy steering. Also consider replacing power steering fluid.

 

Hello JR thanks for the come back,

It all started with the wandering issue. Went too SpringWorks and recieved a quote of $1800 for moog ball joints.. 5 plus hours of labor rates.
in which cost me 75 bux for the iinspection.i needless to say I didn't book another appointment.

I noticed the metal to metal contact on drivers and passengers side just recently.. i replaced my shocks last summer. Myself.
No instructions in the box just stickers purchasing experience from 4Wheel parts not so great.. Paid with cash 3 weeks later I had my parts .

So I still have wandering issues, clapped out leaf springs. But here's what I do have a large front end rebuild kit, new rear leafsprings 5 pack,
and new shocks front and rear already installed , and I've flushed and replaced every single fluid that has to do with my truck. Inspired by ChrisFix challenge.
Except for my transmission justa change of whats in the pan not an entire flush. I have my filters and gasket ready to go. Per sample inspection first.

Bla black bla .

 

Yea, replacing 4 ball joints on a 4wd truck is expensive. It sounds like you are doing the right thing by replacing the front end components. I think the new parts will help with the wandering and heavy steering. Right now your front tires are going where they want to go.
Be sure to get the lock washers installed correctly for the inner tie rods. Take your time on these and make sure you have good access. Don't use the heavy duty loctite (red) on the threads.

 

Yeah man I feel confident. Its just putting parts and tooling and equipment ogether seems too be the hardest part. In my area nobody wants too rent jacks and stands liability reasons . Unreliable parts.
nobody keeps anything In stock.. Gottta special order be here next week. No worries though.. In the long run i come out ahead.

I have some medium blue threadlocker and write down thread count jam nuts snap rings grease fittings a

 

Yeah man I feel confident. Its just putting parts and tooling and equipment ogether seems too be the hardest part. In my area nobody wants too rent jacks and stands liability reasons . Unreliable parts.
nobody keeps anything In stock.. Gottta special order be here next week. No worries though.. In the long run i come out ahead.

I have some medium blue threadlocker and write down thread count jam nuts snap rings grease fittings all came in my kit.

My biggest fear is the lower ball joints fitment. Everything appears to look right won't fully know until i get in there..
I've matched up components. Everything seems too be accurate.

Between forums here, photos, Google, parts counter conversations and you tube . What could go wrong ?