How to Fix a Squirrelly Front End?

Johnny Dearborn wrote:

I'd like to get this right. Afraid how much this is going to hit the wallet!

The additional info helps. 85k miles, some components “could” be wore out but the good news is not likely and certainly not the whole front end.
To what I quoted above, how much it hits the wallet is dependent on how much you are willing or able to do yourself , both in diagnosing and repairs.

Couple more free things to check.
Tire wear? 15k miles is enough to determine if there’s an alignment issue. If tires are wearing evenly then toe and camber is good. Although toe might need adjustment along with caster to make it less floaty.
Weight on the front? Now with the pic, you could have a light front end as others mentioned. Lotta house behind the rear axle. Weigh it and figure out if weight is being pulled offf the front axle. It’ll drive like an old bus if the front end is light.

Back to diagnosing. If you’re unfamiliar , do some YouTubing and then inspect the steering yourself while someone turns the wheel.
Worn steering components are pretty easy to identify.
And what was your last alignment spec sheet? Specifically caster and toe.

If someone knowledgeable near you could help in the diagnosing that would be even better. Better than going back to the alignment shop blind.
Good luck