1990 Ford E250 Falcon: lane wandering issues
Late last year I bought a 1990 Ford E250 Falcom conversion van with 82k miles, decent shape, very little rust (FL and TX most of its life), new E-Load tires, relatively new shocks, new brakes, new alternator, battery, radiator hoses, and a bunch of other replaced parts. This is our first RV experience.
I have done a fair amount of rejuvenation work to it and some updates.
One thing that was very evident on the first drive was that, specially on the highway, it was difficult to stay in one lane without constantly correcting left or right. If a big truck passed me or if I hit a wind gust, I was all over the place. Did not feel safe and not exactly a relaxing trip to say the least.... So we have not gone anywhere far yet (specially highways) until we fix this issue.
So this is what I found:
tire pressures were wrong. rear was 45, front was 45. According to door sticker should be 50F/80R. Corrected pressures and this made a big difference, but still some amount of constant L/R corrections.
adjusted steering box nut in order to reduce some slop of the steering wheel. did one full turn. this may be too much. I've read everywhere to go in 1 / 8" increments. steering wheel slop is 90% gone.
took it to an rv shop (campers inn) and, after road testing it, they said that the wandering is because of a worn out steering box. they also said that the king pins need replacement as well as the 4 rear leaf springs. they said if you lift the van there will be some play on the wheels when putting a pry bar on them. they did not want to take on the fix repairs because of the age of the vehicle, difficult to get parts, etc. referred me to a truck shop who just email quoted me $500+ to do the rear leaf springs (and they say it may need more things such has hangers, brackets, given the age), and at least $1400 to replace the king pins, if they make the kits still. I am not trusting these too much.
yesterday I installed a steering damper kit (monroe) and it made a very big difference. I'd say is about 95% perfect, with just some L/R correction every now and then; maybe because I am not used to driving a big van?
I've read that I can add camber/caster bushings to add some amount of caster in order to help keep the vehicle straight, but I have not take that step yet. Not sure if I will as the way it drives now feels safe and relaxed. Will know more after a longer trip (than down the highway a few exits).
Any suggestions, recommendations, watch-outs, do's, don'ts
Thanks!
I have done a fair amount of rejuvenation work to it and some updates.
One thing that was very evident on the first drive was that, specially on the highway, it was difficult to stay in one lane without constantly correcting left or right. If a big truck passed me or if I hit a wind gust, I was all over the place. Did not feel safe and not exactly a relaxing trip to say the least.... So we have not gone anywhere far yet (specially highways) until we fix this issue.
So this is what I found:
I've read that I can add camber/caster bushings to add some amount of caster in order to help keep the vehicle straight, but I have not take that step yet. Not sure if I will as the way it drives now feels safe and relaxed. Will know more after a longer trip (than down the highway a few exits).
Any suggestions, recommendations, watch-outs, do's, don'ts
Thanks!
