The alignment shop called it for inner tie rod ends. Replaced them tonight (wrong parts 3 times) and taking it back for the alignment.
They quoted $578 for the work vs. $105 for the Moog parts I bought. I could barely detect any play even with the parts off the vehicle.
We'll see...
Let us know how that works for you.
I have a 2005 with 150K on it and when I go on vacation the thing is loaded up...4 people + dog, a Yakima skybox up top packed full of gear, with surf boards tied on top of the box, and a tray hanging off the trailer hitch full with heavy bags and kid's bike on top of them (we pack too much, but I also have a lot of toys). Point being...I feel that my truck rides the same with just one person in it as it does all loaded up. Sure, some minor differences, but not enough that my wife notices (and I don't think twice about her driving when loaded).
Definitely sounds like it was suspension related and I hope you nailed it. I run with the factory recommended tire pressure.