FOX Steering Stabilizer kit for E_Series (WTD)

[Mwilliamshs]

...The chassis is carried by the leaf springs, and would rotate around the point where the leaf springs bolt to the axle...

wrong. directional stability or instability of the vehicle begins where the rubber meets the road, not where suspension bits bolt together. not saying there isn't a relationship, but it definitely is more dependent on the former than the latter. what you've referenced would make a big difference in roll stiffness of the van (body lean) but what is being discussed here is directional stability (resistance to change in direction traveled).

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

"wrong"?

That is a bold statement. BJW has some valid thought.

 

[brianjwilson]

"wrong"?

That is a bold statement. BJW has some valid thought.

I wasn't even going to acknowledge him, after seeing how he just craps in everyone's posts and has a general sh;tty attitude.

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.
It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.

Mark Twain

 

[villageidiot327]

It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.
It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.

Mark Twain

I had a boss once tell me.

It's better to remain quiet and be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

 

[Arctic Travelller]

A wider track width being more stable shouldn't need explanation. Especially with your expertise.

You seem to be a smart guy, but your attitude and consistent combativeness in several threads makes it hard to get your point across. Constructive discussion is one way we all learn, but turn it into an argument and lots of us loose interest. You don't need to start arguments to show us how smart you are, just state your opinion and discuss it in a respectful manner. There will always be someone who disagrees, it's what makes this interesting. Meanwhile I have to go with the guy who has made massive improvements in my van, and dozens of others.

 

[B350]

In regards to "drive-ability" and needing or not needing a steering stabilizer, I would agree that the first step is dialing in the alignment and then getting the added benefit of a stabilizer. The challenge is getting the alignment not only in spec but to a point where it feels best- without the nervousness associated with most 2wd E-series and keeping tire wear normal. That said, my stock '99 E350 drove wonderfully until I went with the WTD 6" lift (same tires). I had no tire wear whatsoever and completely acceptable and normal, relaxed steering characteristics. Now, I am faced with the challenge of finding a competent or experienced alignment shop that understands that not only should the alignment fall within Ford specs but that adding caster can have a significant effect on the way a van will go down the road. It currently acts very nervous requiring constant steering input to drive straight. It follows any uneven road surface requiring constant correction.

I ran across this interesting bit on an RV forum but it applies to any 2wd E-series van. Read Harvard's 1st and 7th post.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f87/e350-e450-handling-and-caster-158832.html

The information makes sense to me. Any one else agree/disagree or have thoughts about this?

In the mean time I ordered the Ingalls Fully Adjustable Camber/Caster Bushing that will hopefully be the answer to maxing out the caster and relaxing the front end wander. I'll report once I have these in place and test.
http://www.ingallseng.com/59400-fully-adjustable-camber-caster-bushing-ford_pinch-bolt-axles.html

 

[jblaze5779]

Do you have the specs of what is considered a good alignment?

 

[mikracer]

In regards to "drive-ability" and needing or not needing a steering stabilizer, I would agree that the first step is dialing in the alignment and then getting the added benefit of a stabilizer. The challenge is getting the alignment not only in spec but to a point where it feels best- without the nervousness associated with most 2wd E-series and keeping tire wear normal. That said, my stock '99 E350 drove wonderfully until I went with the WTD 6" lift (same tires). I had no tire wear whatsoever and completely acceptable and normal, relaxed steering characteristics. Now, I am faced with the challenge of finding a competent or experienced alignment shop that understands that not only should the alignment fall within Ford specs but that adding caster can have a significant effect on the way a van will go down the road. It currently acts very nervous requiring constant steering input to drive straight. It follows any uneven road surface requiring constant correction.

I ran across this interesting bit on an RV forum but it applies to any 2wd E-series van. Read Harvard's 1st and 7th post.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f87/e350-e450-handling-and-caster-158832.html

The information makes sense to me. Any one else agree/disagree or have thoughts about this?

In the mean time I ordered the Ingalls Fully Adjustable Camber/Caster Bushing that will hopefully be the answer to maxing out the caster and relaxing the front end wander. I'll report once I have these in place and test.
http://www.ingallseng.com/59400-fully-adjustable-camber-caster-bushing-ford_pinch-bolt-axles.html

When I got a Camburg lift kit installed, I asked the alignment shop that aligned my van for the specs for the future when it needs to be aligned again. They said to max out caster and set the toe and camber to 0. You might want to see how much caster you can get with the bushings in there now. Have them max it out and see if it's better.

 

[REDOVAL]

In regards to "drive-ability" and needing or not needing a steering stabilizer, I would agree that the first step is dialing in the alignment and then getting the added benefit of a stabilizer. The challenge is getting the alignment not only in spec but to a point where it feels best- without the nervousness associated with most 2wd E-series and keeping tire wear normal. That said, my stock '99 E350 drove wonderfully until I went with the WTD 6" lift (same tires). I had no tire wear whatsoever and completely acceptable and normal, relaxed steering characteristics. Now, I am faced with the challenge of finding a competent or experienced alignment shop that understands that not only should the alignment fall within Ford specs but that adding caster can have a significant effect on the way a van will go down the road. It currently acts very nervous requiring constant steering input to drive straight. It follows any uneven road surface requiring constant correction.

I ran across this interesting bit on an RV forum but it applies to any 2wd E-series van. Read Harvard's 1st and 7th post.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f87/e350-e450-handling-and-caster-158832.html

The information makes sense to me. Any one else agree/disagree or have thoughts about this?

In the mean time I ordered the Ingalls Fully Adjustable Camber/Caster Bushing that will hopefully be the answer to maxing out the caster and relaxing the front end wander. I'll report once I have these in place and test.
http://www.ingallseng.com/59400-fully-adjustable-camber-caster-bushing-ford_pinch-bolt-axles.html

I am running the 6" WeldTec kit and my van drives better with the kit installed than without. I installed the same type of adjustable alignment cams (Moog K80109 +/- 4º and true zero) and had my local reputable alignment shop do the work. The caster was off a little on the beams from one side to the other from the bending process, but that is expected and it was well within the limits of the cams. Since the alignment, the van has been very stable and tracks true regardless of speed. As mentioned earlier, I am running a Ford OEM Econoline damper bracket set with a much heavier duty Dodge Ram damper from an 09 4x4 model. The damper just acts to calm the front end down even more and adds to the already stable feel of the new platform. I would be interested in swapping the damper to the Fox unit if it can be tuned for feel without a ton of effort.

If you are in the southern California area and need a reputable alignment shop, visit Johnson's Alignment in Torrance. The know what they are doing without a doubt. They had nothing but compliments for the fit and finish of the WeldTec suspension as well.

It should be noted that I told the shop my intention of running the van at high speeds offroad and that extra caster would be necessary. They took care of it and the results speak for themselves.

Scott

 

[B350]

I believe these are the Ford alignment specifications:
Left, Right
Camber 0.0-1.0, 0.0-1.0
Caster 1.3-6.8, 1.8-7.3
Toe -0.10-0.16, -0.10-0.16

Mine are at:
Left Right
Camber -0.1, 0.1
Caster 2.8, 3.2
Toe -0.10, -0.10

 

[jblaze5779]

I added 2 degree sleeves before I got my mine realigned. I'm going to look at my printout sheet when I get home and see what the shop set it to. From reading the thread a couple posts up my van has all the listed symptoms of not enough positive caster.

 

[mikracer]

I believe these are the Ford alignment specifications:
Left, Right
Camber 0.0-1.0, 0.0-1.0
Caster 1.3-6.8, 1.8-7.3
Toe -0.10-0.16, -0.10-0.16

Mine are at:
Left Right
Camber -0.1, 0.1
Caster 2.8, 3.2
Toe -0.10, -0.10

Try to get the shop to give your van around 6-7* of caster. That should help out.

 

[tgreening]

I believe these are the Ford alignment specifications:
Left, Right
Camber 0.0-1.0, 0.0-1.0
Caster 1.3-6.8, 1.8-7.3
Toe -0.10-0.16, -0.10-0.16

Mine are at:
Left Right
Camber -0.1, 0.1
Caster 2.8, 3.2
Toe -0.10, -0.10

You sure about that toe? My shop told me total toe for an '03 superduty axle was zero. It drove like crap.. Chris told me around .120, which jives with about what I figured. I had them set it at .125 total and it was golden. What you're showing there is anywhere from about .200 toe out to .320 toe in. Either one of those is sort of extreme.

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

That said, my stock '99 E350 drove wonderfully until I went with the WTD 6" lift (same tires).

Which shocks, front and rear, did you go with?