I have a 2013 E350 SMB with 4X4 work done by Quigley and the conversion done at SMB North. Love the unit and use it to pull my 26' Airstream trailer. One thing I don't like is the very loose steering. I can move the steering wheel a good 1.5 inches in either direction without the wheels moving at all. Is this normal? When hauling the trailer, it can lead to some nerve-racking moments when I wish the steering was a lot tighter. I also haul with my 2914 RAM3500 which has very tight steering.
I didn't know if this is normal ford van and/or Quigley behavior or something to get fixed.
Location: Rancho Nuevo (Cabo/Todos Santos) B.C.S. and San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,952
Re: Loose Steering - is that normal?
Not at all normal .
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Four time Baja 1000 winner, four time Baja 500 winner. Solo'ed the Baja 1000 to LaPaz/Cabo twice.
4-Wheeling since 1972, Desert Racing since 1989.
Not normal.
The good thing though is that steering is usually pretty easy to troubleshoot.
Just jack up the front axle and get someone in the drivers seat to wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. Then just follow along the linkage and look for slop or play in any rod ends.
If everything down on the front of the axle is good and tight, then check the steering box and steering shaft. Same procedure. Just get someone to sit there and move the wheel back and forth.
Agreed. Not normal and not likely a painful fix. My steering gradually loosened up a bit over time but after changing out bushings it tightened it right back up.
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2015 Chevy Express 3500 Duramax
w/ Quigley 4x4 & Agile Fox shocks
Sold 2005 E350 Chateau
Quigley with Agile RIP, 6.0 PSD