Please help steering stabilizer needed for B190

[Don Boyd]

Hello,
I just got my Airstream van back from my mechanic and it seems to run great. the van only had 42K miles when it was parked 14 years ago. it seems the valves had stuck and caused the push rods to bend, after a valve job and many small and large componets she lives again. my only concern is that she drives like a ton van from 1989(cause she is)and I wanted to see if someone could recommend a steering stabilizer so I can keep her in the middle of the road. O'Riellys auto parts has several of the MOG brand, has anyone tried these. Thanks, Don

[SteveH]

I have no experience with that stabilizer, but Moog builds good parts.

[HowieE]

Who's chassis and model? What type of springs on the front end? Di scribe the problem a bit more, shimmy in the steering wheel or hard to turn.

[guy99]

When I installed a Bilstein stabilizer and front shocks, the handling of my 84 MH (Chevy p32 Chassis - 1 ton van) was much improved. Supersteer bell cranks also helped.

[Skater]

First, I'd make sure the shocks and springs are in good condition, as well as the steering linkages. Any shop can check/grease them for you, if you're not mechanically inclined. If everything in that area is okay, then go for a stabilizer.

Howie, the B-vans are built on the Ford Econoline 350 chassis. I once saw one that was on a Dodge, but it's safe to assume his is a Ford.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Don Boyd

... I wanted to see if someone could recommend a steering stabilizer so I can keep her in the middle of the road. ...

My experience with shock-absorber-style steering stabilizers is that they do NOTHING to help with keeping the vehicle on track.

This type of component is there to keep oscillations from encountering rough crossings to a minimum.

If you have difficulty tracking a straight line then I recommend you find a decent front-end shop who can identify worn components.

My opinion,
Tom

[Don Boyd]

I think my biggest problem is that I have gotten confortable with a 2006 Ford F-150 and forgotten how it was to drive my 1979 F-100, and of course the van is much heavier and drives more like a delivery truck. I think what gets me the most is the steering wheel play, I tend to over-compensate with steering corrections.I was told that the play could be taken out of the steering by loosening the lock nut on the steering box and turning in the adjustment screw 1/4 turn at a time. Has any one tried this? Thanks, Don

[arodriguez60]

You have to be careful adjusting the steeringbox. It is worn mostly on the area where the van is going straight. If you adjust it too tight you may make a u-turn and the steering may be very difficult to bring back to driving straight. You will be using part of the steering that is not worn as much and will be much tighter

[Skater]

Originally Posted by Don Boyd

I think my biggest problem is that I have gotten confortable with a 2006 Ford F-150 and forgotten how it was to drive my 1979 F-100, and of course the van is much heavier and drives more like a delivery truck. I think what gets me the most is the steering wheel play, I tend to over-compensate with steering corrections.I was told that the play could be taken out of the steering by loosening the lock nut on the steering box and turning in the adjustment screw 1/4 turn at a time. Has any one tried this? Thanks, Don

The shop I take the van to did adjust it some. It helped tighten up the steering nicely. I wouldn't overdo it, though, and like TomW said I'd find a good front end shop to be safe.

Keep in mind the B-van has a higher center of gravity than many vehicles - oak cabinets at eye level have a price.

[DGBMLB]

Welcome back to the era of the Twin I-Beam suspension, another one of Ford's "Better Ideas". My '91 wandered around like a herd of cats going down the highway, so I had the king pins replaced, steering box tightened, and front end aligned by two different shops. It was easier to keep between the white stripes, but still drifted, especially when towing the Jeep. I also removed the Safe-T-Steer system that was not doing anything to correct the problem. I finally aired the tires up to the recommended pressures, 51 PSI front and 80 PSI rear. Now the drift is tolerable, but still there. It is no wonder Ford abandoned the twin I-beam.