Haven't been on here lately but drove from San Jose to Riverside last night (about 400 miles) to visit the in-laws. For the 30 miles that my wife drove (yes, we switched for me to get sleep and then she woke 25 minutes later that she was sleepy), she too said the steering is "loose" and she wished it was tighter. So hence I'm here to see how to address.

On average, we drive about 70 mph on the highway with our standard sized chateau van. When I was thinking about it, I don't know if its loose, or if its the length of the van that we both aren't used to since we drive a civic hatchback and nissan leaf as daily drivers.

JWA - so it sounds like its just the way that it is then even if everything is tip top. havent been on here for awhile but your advice has always been helpful.

 

Thanks for that and in trying to keep to that wonderful compliment..........

We're talking about vastly different vehicles, going from Civic's and Leaf's to a Chateau van---apples and asteroids similar I think. There's no one right or definitive answer to this as we're all different in what feels loose, tight or just right. Every aspect of any van compared to an automobile is different from weight, size, profile or shape it sees in the aerodynamic sense.

I'm thinking most who cite a loose van (assuming there are no defective suspension or other mechanical issues) might day dream a quick ratio R&P steering system would be the answer but it wouldn't. In fact that would tend to over exaggerate the van's inherent handling characteristics and have the driver constantly adding steering wheel correction to compensate for that wandering feeling we all know/hate so much. Is that a good direction?

I'd love a van with firm suspension much like an '86 Toyota GTS coupe from long ago; super responsive handling, grippy tires that could and did take decreasing radius freeway ramps at 55MPH--cruise control ON no less. Sadly it ain't happening.

Of course the GTS didn't have to haul a filled-full Snap On tool box, too many other tools to mention at one sitting PLUS my materials and windshields with which I ply my trade.

Then there's the crowd who want that sort of handling BUT they MUST have a cushy ride too---can NOT abide with a "stiff" ride, too hard on their tushes. So where do we go from there or here?

My own E250 extended body weighs just under 8,000#, has nearly new every suspension part PLUS Air Lift supplemental air bags PLUS Hellwig front and rear sway bars----all in hopes of at least partially offsetting that body and the full sized spare underneath. Riding on Michelin LTX 245/75-R16's gives me plenty of meat on the road but its still not as nimble or agile as the Toyota GTS.

In the world of physics there we have give and take---can't defy Mr Newton et al about all that biz now can we?


BTW I'm still waiting for this OP to come back with his personal impressions after a hands on test drive---naturally in excess of 80 MPH.

 

You might also look into the "steering fix" thread. Its in the sticky thread at the top of the forum.

 

Will do. Thanks Jman

 

Maybe all it needs is a steering damper.

 

"But even though Austin's one and only truck alignment shop thought I was crazy and wanted me to absolve them of any problems resulting from a non-spec alignment, I am quite convinced that the additional positive caster protocol for Ford E-series platforms is **** fantastic."


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