I was running worn 265/75/16's at the time and had to get the rubber hammer out. Then I put new 265/75/16's on and had to get more creative.. Then I sold it.

 

Well that's one way to deal with it!

I'll stick with my 245's since they'll be Michelin LTX's E-rated. That's been a good brand for me, the size pretty perfect too.

Thanks ReBar13!

 

I've said it before, the stabilizer addition is used to cover an issue caused elsewhere, rather than correct it, people want to bolt more crap on.

 

I don't wanna sound like we're piling on against the steering damper but within one day of installing my new from Ford parts it was all removed and sold to another member here. I didn't notice it correcting my issues so didn't see the wisdom in keeping it installed.

Addressing the rear suspension (springs, mounts/bushings, shocks, sway bars etc) along with increasing positive caster would seem the better way to have a more stable ride. Its easier to bolt on fixes rather than dig into other issues that might be causing ride problems.

 

Hi there Andrew....I've read through this thread and found it very interesting. I was puzzled about what folks were talking about how vans handle since I'm very small and really never had a problem with the 95 I bought. However, after reading through the thread when I had it in for some mechanical work recently I asked about whether it had a sway bar or whatever installed....turns out I lucked out with mine....it had had one installed. No wonder it drives so nice. Thanks for all of the information you have put out on this for folks.

 

I struggled with my van's steering on the highway. I'm surprised no one called the police on me thinking I was impaired. It was a wandering fool. Wind, groves in the roads left by trucks, passing big trucks, etc. would cause it to wander. I only put 9,000 miles on it the first 3 years I owned it, so I didn't make it a priority. Well, I've being putting on 3,000-4,000 miles a month on it this year and had enough. I bought the alignment sleeves and had it aligned with maximum caster. It drives like a different van. I don't have to grasp the wheel tight with both hands when I pass a truck. Should have done it 3+ years ago. I couldn't find the Ingalls 594, so I got the AC Delco 45k6525.

 

NAPA 158986 or Moog 8986 are the same as Ingalls 594s

 

I want to thank you for bringing the subject of the importance of positive caster on these vans. I just wish I did it sooner.

 

I've just recently found a place that said they'd align mine with them in..so back to put them in again!
I was going to post tonite and ask if anybody with a regular van, not an RV type or really heavy van has had thieres aligned this way.
Thanks for posting folks.

 

Just don't do what I did and ask for maximum positive camber. It was early and I didn't have my coffee, yet. And that's exactly what the shop did. I had to pay to have it aligned, twice.

 

From what I recall, 5&5.5* is whats needed.

 

The stabilizer doesn't fix issues, nor is it a replacement for new parts needed somewhere else. It just takes a normal healthy van and makes it steer better. It also stops the wind throwing it quite so horribly when you are on a windy interstate. It helps with bump steer and most of the nay sayers haven't bolted one on their vehicle. My caster is set to 5 degrees and it still helped. Drove it without the stabilizer and then with it. Glad it has helped some.

 

you're 100% correct in everything said here ^^^ Andrew--your contribution starting this thread has proved VERY helpful from the beginning; please make no mistake about that! If nothing else it's sparked a conversation about E-van's steering and possible issues. Even though it was originally only about a stabilizer this thread has grown into something most every Ford van owner will or could find useful.

I myself did install and test drive the factory system but it alone didn't provide the "fix" I was hoping to find. For simplicity's sake it was removed and sold here a few days after that installation. At the time I wasn't aware increasing my caster was so important to taming the tail wagging effect I find distracting and uncomfortable.

From me thanks for starting this thread! Reps sent, others should maybe consider the same action!

 

Those that have had the alignment done to these type of specs, how has the tire wear been??