wandering

[Lance]

I have a 91 Ford E250 RB Sportmobile. I replaced the steering box 5 years ago,(about 50,000 mi) which improved the wandering alot. The van has started wandering more lately. I travel to Baja in the winters and carry 2 kayaks weighing about 150lbs more or less, so I know that weight up high can't help. I drive bad roads alot and am amazed at what those van can do. I looked at the steering box and it has about 1/16" play where the shaft exits the box. I bought another rebuilt box and right on the end of the shaft they had a label that said the shaft will have lateral movement and will not be the cause of wandering., so I returned it. Anybody no if 1/16" is too much? The van doesn't wander badly but I would like it to be the best possible, to make driving easier and safer. I put a helwig rear stabalizer bar on this year, which I like for sway. I run 60-70 psi and weigh in at 7100lbs. Thanks for any input, Lance

[dhally]

Here's a little info

[Lance]

thanks for the info on the info, I am curious about those steering stabilizers. Also I didn't mention that the steering wheel has alittle free play, which sounds like a steering box issue to me.

[carringb]

Because of the miles, I would also tighten the steering box to reduce the play. Also, the front end is probably due for a thorough go-over (ball joints etc).

[Lance]

thanks for the imput, I thought those steering boxes were not adjustable. going to frontend shop in Eugene for a checkup, they specialize in trucks and RVs, will pass on your thoughts.

[Lance]

just back from checkup, radius rod bushings are bad. they say that could be a big part of my problem. steering box is a little loose and they will tighten it. my van has a spring sag in the rear to the drivers side and lower in back than front. they can re-arch the springs, not sure I want to spend the bucks on that but read on forum it could improve handling?

[carringb]

I would skip the re-arching. They usually return back to a sagging condition.

Check with Benz Springs in Portland. They are a manufacturer, and will make anything you want. They are pretty inexpensive. Many of the trucking companies on the West Coast use them.

[vandiesel]

Can benz spring make a similar setup to a deaver?

[carringb]

Originally Posted by vandiesel

Can benz spring make a similar setup to a deaver?

Looks like they have some 14-leaf springs for sale! Might be a little overkill for a van though
http://www.benzspring.com/garage/peterbilt/

Seriously though, I have thought about heading over to get a quote a Deaver-like setup. I can't imagine they wouldn't, but I also haven't ask so I don't really know. The one time I was over there was to pickup some F650 front springs, and I was in a rush so I didn't take the time to ask.

[carringb]

This is neat:
http://www.benzspring.com/process/