Ford ranger suspension woes

[mps617]

So my friend recently got 2001 Ford Ranger. We couldn't find anything wrong with it besides the shocks were a bit soft... But as we are driving it at higher speeds on the highway (especially in downtown boston) some bumps will make the truck feels uneasy and it's very unsafe in my opinion. So we are replacing his shocks of course. The other issue is there is a lot of play in the steering wheel. It's very easy to move back and forth about an eighth turn each direction. Could it be because of the shocks?

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

the steering issue won't be caused by shocks... and since a 2001 should have rack and pinion steering that amount of play is excessive.

jack up the truck and see if you can find play in the steering linkages which would be the inner and outer tie rod ends

also check the wheel bearings by grabbing the tire at the top and bottom and pushing in and out.. then do the same grabbing the sides of the tire.

if you find nothing there look for a worn steering coupler which would be at the base of the steering column under the dash or where it couples onto the steering rack... if you find no slack there replace the steering rack.