Rich1954-3100,
From what you describe (everthing is tight, except for steering), the FIRST thing to check-out is the steering gear adjustment. The procedure in the Shop Manual is easy to follow (and the Tech Tip is pretty much a restatement of the Shop Manual, which has pictures). A cheap fish-scale (from WalMart) is required. The hardest part of this procedure is cleaning off the steering gear box. Most likely this procedure has not been done on your truck in many years (if ever).
A change to radial tires will most likely make a difference and there are LT radials that will fit standard rims and have an appearance quite similar to original bias-ply tires. There is no practical need to look for wider wheels or tires, unless you plan to modify the front end.
If you do not have a Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual for your year (of truck, engine, transmission, and rear-end), ask for one/them for Christmas.
Toe-in (easy to check), caster (shims are needed), and camber (for pros only) settings are in the Shop Manual. Toe-in is 1/16"-3/16" for a 1/2 ton truck.
The Shop Manual lists 16 things to check before setting the alignment as a solution to steering complaints.
#1 is "Loose or improperly adjusted steering gear."
I wonder how many of us that own and service an old truck have adjusted our steering gear. I had not done so until a few years ago - it was like driving a new truck (radials resulted-in a modest, but noticeable, improvement).
Tim
