Forum Discussion
RLS7201
Aug 10, 2014Explorer II
Juan,
I have the same year and make of chassis as you. Like you, I will not tolerate a poor handling vehicle. Your F53 can be made to drive well.
The side walls on fabric ply 235/85R16 tires are too flimsy. I suggest Michelin all steel XPS or Bridgestone all steel R250 tires for your chassis. Don't bother with the expense of changing to 19.5 tires. The 16" tire size is not your problem.
Make sure the toe-in is set at 5/32" toe-in.
Add 2° of caster to the front axle. Shims are available on the internet.
Add a Davis TruTrac or SuperSteer front Pan Hard bar. Those long front springs allow the chassis to move laterally across the axle.
The OEM rear sway bar bushings are poor quality and fail early. Replace them with these bushings. Or do both ends with these bushings.
I suggest the two most important issues are toe-in and quality tires.
Richard
95 Bounder F53 with all the goodies.
Banks Power Pack
I have the same year and make of chassis as you. Like you, I will not tolerate a poor handling vehicle. Your F53 can be made to drive well.
The side walls on fabric ply 235/85R16 tires are too flimsy. I suggest Michelin all steel XPS or Bridgestone all steel R250 tires for your chassis. Don't bother with the expense of changing to 19.5 tires. The 16" tire size is not your problem.
Make sure the toe-in is set at 5/32" toe-in.
Add 2° of caster to the front axle. Shims are available on the internet.
Add a Davis TruTrac or SuperSteer front Pan Hard bar. Those long front springs allow the chassis to move laterally across the axle.
The OEM rear sway bar bushings are poor quality and fail early. Replace them with these bushings. Or do both ends with these bushings.
I suggest the two most important issues are toe-in and quality tires.
Richard
95 Bounder F53 with all the goodies.
Banks Power Pack
About Motorhome Group
38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 14, 2025