Check the u-joint on the steering column. It is located in the engine compartment before the rag joint. The early Scouts had a greasable u-joint that was much heaver and does not often fail. I would recommend to use the early style if you need to replace the unit. Check the rag joint .
Scout owners with body lifts usually have more of an angle than stock.
If you have a body lift you can loosen the two column support bolts under the dash and push the column towards the steering box. Re-tighten the bolts back to specs. The bar does work in reducing body sway around corners and producing a tighter feel in the front end. The downside is that some independant wheel travel is lost. This should only be noticeable when offroading.