I agree with Longbox55. I would go over the kingpins. I had a 49 ford..I know I know...anyway it had all the things you are describing. To look at the kingpins and try and wiggle nothing looked wrong. After I removed and replaced the kingpins and bushings it was good to go.
Don't know who your previous owner was. But I would still be inclined to disassemble and check myself.
An axle has to take a pretty good hit to knock it that far out.


1937 Chevy 1/2-Ton
In the Gallery