Wandering issue with new wheels

I've searched through several of the previous wandering threads, but nothing totally similar to my issue appears.

2011 2nd gen dblcab with 200k kms. Last year I did a 2.5" suspension lift with new SPC UCAs. I run 33" (285/70/17) wrangler duractracs. Alignment was done at this time, truck rode great. I was on stock rims and had some rubbing, so I just switched to a -20 offset. These new rims resolved all the rubbing issues.

Did my first highway trip with the new rims. As I left the city felt some vibrations which became more pronounced at speed, mostly felt in the steering wheel. When we got on the winding highway, truck felt very wandery and floaty. Steering felt really unresponsive. We hit one curve at a normal speed and the VSC kicked on and scared the shit out of us. Happened a few more times so had to take it very slow on the corners. The truck also pulled like crazy whenever I would do hard braking. It really felt quite unsafe.

Seems like the wandering is a common issue on these trucks. I'm just trying to think what the best order of operations to track it down is. The logical thing is the major change in offset with the new rims (going from +10 to -20), that I should probably get a new alignment done. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'd hate to get another alignment so soon and still have to chase down some other issues. Any help is appreciated!

 

Bump

 

What are your alignment specs?

 

Not sure on alignment specs. However, on the advice of a friend I crawled underneath there to look at the one stock ball joint I have left (other 3 control arms were replaced during lift). My mechanical skills and eye are as beginner as it gets, but this lower ball joint looks pretty shot to me. Anyone have a second opinion to offer?

 

Jack it up and check for play.

I would advise getting an alignment and see where the truck is.