Where to buy: E150 suspension parts

[newo2u]

I have read enough here to know the dead spot in the steering on my '01 E150 conversion is caused by something between the steering box and the tie rods. The pittman arm moves in sync with the output shaft on the box, but the link it is attached to doesn't move right away.

I think this is called the center link or drag link?

Will replacing this tighten the connection between it and the pittman arm?

And where do I find one. No one local has one and when I google it I get a bunch of E-Bay listings for the wrong years.

Thanks to the forum for all the help so far.

[mhg]

NAPA
Advance auto
look for moog or spicer parts
house brand parts only if you plan on getting rid of it

[newo2u]

I tried Advance, the guy was no help.

I believe there is a NAPA store not too far away; I'll give them a try.

Is it a hard thing to replace or just unbolt/bolt?

[Club Wagon]

I presume you're not familiar w/tapered connections in these "suspension parts"? No. They don't "just unbolt". Of course 1st off, they have cotter pins. The tapered pins require special tools ('pickle' forks or press) or mechanic's finesse w/NFH to separate.

While its NOT "a hard thing to replace" once you've popped all the tapered bits apart, it IS out of normal DIY ability to properly realign the steering. You can get it close by careful measurements & precautions-then take it to an alignment shop.

Start by carefully centering the steering wheel & be sure not to move it. Each tie rod end has a threaded adjustment coupling, be sure to make all your measurements before loosening these. I'd strongly recommend replacing all the steering rods/joints at once & be certain the ball joints were good. If over 100K I'd replace them as well, then go for alignment.

[newo2u]

OK. NAPA had the parts. Drag link, inner and outer tie rod. Ball joints look good: were replced at some point with greasable ones. Pretty sure I can get the parts replaced. I called a tire place about the alignment and when I told them what I had they said they couldn't do it. Am I going to have to visit the dealer to get this done right?

[Club Wagon]

Any tire shop that services fleet/commercial vehicles should be able to realign what you need. The 'Twin I-Beam' design dictates that special equipment actually bend these heavy forged 'beams' for one aspect of alignment-but you shouldn't need that & won't be upsetting it w/these steering joints being replaced. Some tire shops have alignment machines for smaller vehicles that might not accomodate the Econoline's width. I have no idea what the options are in your area, you'll need to inquire locally. Sam's Club did an alignment when I put 4 BFGs on my E150.

[NumberDummy]

F2UZ3304A .. Draglink / Fits 1992 thru 2002 E150

MSRP: $137.38 / ftepartsguy.com: $98.92

[newo2u]

Good news. You were right; it was becasue of the size of the van. I found a shop that does alignments on RV's and will be able to accomodate the Eonoline. Thanks for your help