I have a 1998 E 350 Club Wagon which we use as a camper- so primarily on long distance, highway miles.

I've had a ton of work done on the front end as it now has 170k mi on it.. New:
tie rods
ball joints
Stealing damper
Center link
recent alignment
Newish Michelines - balanced

My shop assures me that steering box is tight.
Anyone know of a kit or protocol to tighted up the front end and improve overall tracking of van? Has that big American car feel to it and doesn't seem to track very well (needs micro corrections to keep in lane)

one thing I haven't changed recently are the shocks
.. anyone have a good recommendation for front shocks for 1 ton f or e series vehicles? I might try that first before more drastic measures.

Nat
(note I do get that it IS a big *** ami car.. about the biggest out there.. But I'd just like it to steer better and not wander as mush as it does...)

 

The problem is with the steering box.
Very common complaint with older Fords with std steering.
Most shops are not familiar with the steering box adjustments that need to be done in a certain sequence.
Also found , certain top of the line tires don't help.

 

Thanks ThankI would need to find a Ford dealer to fix, yes?

 

You can easily see if there is slop in the gearbox with a helper. You will not get that old recirculating ball steering system to handle like the latest rack and pinion of today. If the van is not bouncy or the shocks do not leak, you do not need to replace them. Tire type/ condition is a possibility.

 

Thanks Hanky and Raski .. before doing a full steering box upgrade .. I'd like to try adjusting the steering box. Looks like it's pretty straight forward in that there is only one adjustment bolt (held on by a locking nut)
What do you think of this protocol from YouTube:

I realize this is an F350 but it's right era and probably very similar...

 

Make sure it indeed needs adjusting. If it needs adjusting, it means something has worn in the gear box. Last time I adjusted a gear box, the seal blew out a month later.