Questions on hardbody front suspension refresh

[J.T.L.]

I'm new to the forum so hi to everyone - I've seen some really nice cars/trucks posted on here.

Here's what I'm working with
1990 Nissan D21 King Cab pickup, 2.4L, 5sp, 2wd, 222,000 miles, 3-spoke Infiniti QX4 wheels with 225 55 16 Kumho ASX's, recent aftermarket shocks f/r
Occasional use (not a daily driver), but when I use it I need to drive it from my parents' house 2 hours away.

The alignment was checked and is ok, but on the highway or any 45mph+ roads I need to steer it a lot just to keep going straight, which isn't the case with my newer car. I'm not turing the wheel 90 degrees or anything, but frequent adjustments or maintained pressure left or right is needed. My plan was to replace all the rubber bushings in the front suspension, steering linkages and sway bar with new factory bushings to get it back to where it was when new with hopefully no "wander" at speed. I was planning to stick with stock parts (not urethane) since I'm not offroading or using it hard, and although I like it I'm not expecting to keep it for another 222k.

Questions are does this sound like an expected condition for the mileage, and will replacing the rubber bushings fix the problem or should I look in a different direction or look at replacing something else in addition?


Also, while I'm asking suspension questions, Nismo lists front/rear sway bars for the D21. The front already has a (1"?) sway bar, so I'm wondering if anyone who has the Nismo bars front and/or rear can comment if they noticed a difference/improvement in handling over stock.

Thanks in advance,
J.T.
1990 Nissan D21
1972 Datsun 510 L16, Z 5-Speed

[Rev_D21]

Have you done a front end shake down. D21s can have some questionable steering if not everything is in good shape. How are the tie rods? Centerlink? Start there and report your findings, we will try to help out.

[Desert Rat]

all the things you mentioned will be good for a 20YO truck with 200k+ on it. The steering box itself has some adjustment as well. On top there should be a large nut with a screw in the middle. Loosen the nut and tighten the screw 1/8 turn at a time and see if that takes up some of the play.

[J.T.L.]

I had time to get the front end up on jack stands last night. I can't find anything in the suspension or steering linkages that is loose or has any play in it.

The alignment was done by my cousin who is a professional mechanic. He didn't find anything that needed to be replaced.

Is the steering box adjustment put there specifically for this condition, or is it there for some other reason and just coincidentally might help as the box wears out? Basically I'm wondering if I should just buy a new steering box?

Thanks!

[RT22]

If you do replace bushings get the energy suspension urethane bushings most likely cheaper than nissan stuff and will tighten it up a ton no slop no play will stiffen the ride a bit but it will be much tighter and last longer. I replaced my bushings on leaf with them, I love it.