Squishy Steering

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by Steve C

I think your van is in need of a little more investigation/work. It should drive better than what you are describing. My 2001 Quigley drives better than either my 1999 Dodge 2500 or 2001 Subaru Forester. At higher speeds it does seem to "float" just a little, but it tracks true and suffers no vibration or bump steer. It does have the Agile RIP, new control arms and tie rod ends. FWIW I think you should explore a bit further, because I think your van can be made to handle much better than your description.

I agree. @Tnmarm, tell us about your tires. Brand, age, PSI

Also, are you near Knoxville? If so I might could take a look sometime.

[deserteagle56]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I agree. @Tnmarm, tell us about your tires. Brand, age, PSI

I agree also. My van also had an "uneasy" feel to the front end, like it was about to do a wobble. When I had to buy new tires I went with Toyo Open Country Mud Terrains which are known for their super-stiff sidewalls. Lo and behold, that vague, uneasy problem was gone. That was 10 years ago and no problems to report with the front end or steering since. Heavy and tall as our rigs are, I think the right tires make a world of difference in how they handle.

[sierraoneill]

I think if you do some searching about the steering gear, you will see that is your issue. I replaced my stock steering gear with a Red Head steering gear and my E350 4x4 is tight and right!!


https://redheadsteeringgears.com/

[Vanzila]

Originally Posted by tnmarm

So when I got my van the steering was horrible, it was like driving the old comedic "school bus driving" of constantly moving the wheel back and forth to drive straight. I took it to a 4x4 shop and they replaced all the linkages, and ball joints, things got way better but not perfect.

I still have some bump steer, so I am looking to replace my steering stabilizer. Currently there is a Fox one on there. I couldnt find any part numbers on it. I contacted Quigley and they said the replacement for OEM is the Skyjacker SKY-7099. However I would like to just get the same Fox thats on there now.

So i searched the forums and folks talk about the Fox steering stabilizer but no one ever lists a part number. There was a link to the Sportsmobile Store for one but the SMB Store seems to be no more.

Lots of folks seem to recommend the Agile RIP kit, but my ride quality seems decent. I'm just looking for the Fox Steering Stabilizer but dont know the model number.

Also, anything else to potentially replace for squishy steering. The van doesnt seem to wander too much, I just seem to have put in a lot of input to the wheel for just a little input on the tires.

I drove about 5,000 miles last summer and survived, but would really love to get the steering firmed up and bump steer gone (or reduced with the new stabilizer).

Track Bar, Front and Rear Shocks and Springs.

Please do not get the idea a Steering Stabilizer is a tool for "Bump Steering" issues" And if you had Bump Steering issues you woudl not be driving your rig really at all...

A Steering stabilizer is for Off Road Bumps and wash board. they offer you no real effect on the Highway. And you should not need one. Your rig sounds like it needs new Shocks, Front and Back, New Tires that are designed for the weight of the Van. Not a Passenger van. And You shoudl also look at your Spring sets and Track bar set up assuming you have one.

Do a search here on this forum a bout Steering Stabilizers and there Purpose. Also Look up Tires and Shocks and Springs here.. You will find lots of Great info..


Also If you really want that Front Stabilizer then yes simply measure yours now and then go to Fox Site and look one up that has that much Travel or a bit more. You never want that to be to small / Short.. But like I said I its not designed to correct this issue it sounds like you have..

[Twoxentrix]

This site (etrailer) has some good info - provides some clarity on the options available to help different types of suspension issues:
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-rv-stab...hancement.aspx

[piequeen]

I would chime in that when I bought my van (an older dodge smb), it had old tires with little wear -- steering was super squishy. I replaced all four tires and it turned things around completely. She handles great now.

[ikewaits]

I had horrible klunking in steering column when in 4x4 low range crawling over rocks and also trouble steering when on HWY. My problem was cured by replacing the bushings in the steering column which keep the collapsing mechanism held tight.

[tnmarm]

So from a little further troubleshooting, research and such. I think the issue is the steering box. I don't think the fox stabilizer in my first post.

I think it's the box because of something I came across online. I mentioned hearing grinding/rubbing when turning. Recently, when driving curvy mountain roads, there is a rubbing noise. There is also the hint of kind of hot/burning oil.

The tires are not the source of the rubbing noise, and it only happens when I am quickly going left to right or vice versa. Doing a sharp turn doesn't make the noise. Only quick movement between the two directions does it. Also the weird smell seems to only show up then. What I read online said that could be oil coming from the box overheating. Could also be a completely unrelated smell.

Is there anyway to confirm it's the gearbox? Or should I just replace it?

Also, I had suspected my tires, as they are getting low on tread, and had planned to replace them in April. They are BFG All Terrains KO2, load range E, LT285/75R16 126/123R. However, I don't think the tires are the root cause, I definitely believe they are contributing.

[tnmarm]

Originally Posted by Twoxentrix

This site (etrailer) has some good info - provides some clarity on the options available to help different types of suspension issues:
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-rv-stab...hancement.aspx

Interesting. From that page, the issues of loose steering recommend a steering stabilizer.

Here is all the stuff a previous owner had installed 5 years ago. Sadly mileage isn't recorded, but I'd be shocked if it was time to replace everything again already.

[Twoxentrix]

My intent was not to send you down the wrong path...Take into consideration the link I supplied implicates issues associated with both front and rear suspension, as well as weight distribution, & consequences of vehicle that isn't level (namely front riding higher than the rear) - as explained by others responses, your problem may be a combination of both.
Installing a steering stabilizer to compensate for worn parts isn't a "fix", it may actually mask a problem that could/would become a much larger issue...even dangerous. So I would suggest you rule out the possibility of worn or end-of-life equipment first (as it seems you are in the process of doing). Then consider the add-ons (the link i posted) which make the ride a little better, or to enhance specific areas you would like to strengthen/beef-up.