mind out of the gutter people!!

just recently my rear of my ute has begun to step out to the left (forcing it to point to the right) when getting on the gas. it is most notable at cruising speeds. if you are on/off the gas quickly it will step out and "snap" back.

i know the rear bushes are due. is this the likely cause? I've recently replaced the front bushes, could this be exacerbating the problem?

This is not a common problem. I'd get out and inspect it thoroughly, sounds dangerous. Could be a broken spring hanger or something.

I had exactly the same thing in my old 1000 with high powered engine. Turns out the hole of the lowering block that locates around the spring pack nut was slowly enlargening, it gained that much slop that when thumping it the diff would slide forward on one side causing the rear axle to longer locate perpendicular to the chasis rails.

I now make my own lowered (taller) spring mounts and if need be, my own lowering blocks.

Lowering blocks or not the situation is that your diff or rear axle is not square with the vehicle.

badly worn front eye bushes in the leaf springs will cause that.
but you should at the very least be getting it looked at immediately to make sure its not more serious problem like a broken spring, loose U bolts etc.
And obviously get it fixed ASAP as well.

thankyou everyone. replaced bushes today - they were completely f****d. problem solved.

Now can we make rear end jokes? I hope you used lube at least

oooh plenty of lube - made nice work of a tight fit