bmwbob:
First of all, I have not changed the bell crank, so I can not comment on that.
Your rig (from your profile = 1999 Newmar Dutch Star 38' diesel pusher) will be on basically the same chassis as my motorhome. I've chased the same problems, and have solved them without replacing the bellcrank. Mine seemed to have excessive steering play.
Yes, the Koni FSD helped the ride a lot. After a good alignment, I still had the problem you described. After checking for worn components, I determined the loose feeling was from the steering gear box. Luckily, it is adjustable. After minor adjustment, it tracks much better.
I could still feel the tires following the ruts in the road (very minor problem) and installing a Steer Safe cured that problem.
Adjusting the steering gear box is a controversial subject. Some authorities claim you must remove the box and make adjustments off the rig to get it right. Many shops refuse to adjust the steering gear box. There are a number of Freightliner chassis owners that have realized improvements by adjusting the excess slop out of the gear box without removing the gear box. The adjustment is on the side of the gearbox, with a hole in the frame member provided to allow access to it. Make very minor changes and test drive. It's better to be a little loose than too tight.
There is additional info about this on the Freightliner Chassis Owners Group on IRV2.
Fred
