Front end question

[Sunliner]

I had my '97 Blazer (2wd) up rotating the tires and noticed on the left side, there's a shiny spot on the stabilizer bar from making contact with the tire when making hard right turns. Just to confirm and make sure it wasn't from an old problem, I put some white tape around the bar and made a few hard turns and it 's definitely still doing it only on extremely tight turns. The inside part of the tire looks good.

Also, while the vehicle was on stands, I tried moving the left front wheel. With hands at 12 & 6 o'clock, there is almost no wiggle (the usual ball joint test, I believe), but if I put my hands at 9 & 3 and move it, there is a noticeable amount of movement (guessing maybe ~ 1/4 inch). Both front wheels show this movement with the left being slightly worse, but no evidence of rubbing the stabilizer bar on the right.
Is this a problem? and if so, related to the tire rubbing on the stabilizer?

[blazes9395]

Having movement from left to right at the 9 and 3 postion could be a few things, but usually its a result of worn/loose idler arm and/or pitman arm. Its a commen wear item on the front end of these trucks. Is the steering wheel tight, or does it wander when your driving it?

[old_master]

The correct size tires should not rub on the stabilizer bar. Have an alignment shop check the front ride height, you'll probably find that it's low. Springs start to sag the moment the vehicle is assembled. After 10 years, they've sagged enough to cause front ride height to be out of specification. Incorrect ride height causes suspension, and some steering linkage parts, to wear rapidly. For 2WD (S body) vehicles, the correct way to repair ride height is by replacing the front springs. 4WD (T) body vehicles use torsion bars which are adjustable. A front wheel alignment is necessary after the springs are replaced.

[Sunliner]

Thanks for the replies!

The steering still feels pretty tight. I wondering if the tie rods were suspect, hadn't thought about the other assemblies.
It's been about two years since the front end was last aligned; I'll get the height checked soon.

I've driven the truck almost every day for the past 10 1/2 years and I don't notice the things that have kind of "crept up" as far as ride quality; my brother who rarely rides in it politely informed me that it's time for new shocks after his last trip in it.

Thanks again gents!
-Mike