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This is my 76 Ford econoline. Im trying to rebuild it.
Im trying to replace all the parts in the picture but I can't identify them.
Can anyone tell me what they are called? I numerated them.
Thank you for your help!!
Ive never driven an econoline before. Friends from the US tell me it drives like a boat. If I replace Nr.10 (Drag link and tie rods) can I get more direct steering or that not even possible?
Compared to anything modern, steering is always on your mind when driving a van that old. Even when sorted such a van is sensitive to crosswinds and tramlining.
You have to inspect the entire steering system including but not limited to:
- steering shaft and coupling to steering box
- steering box
- attachment of steering box to frame
- steering linkage
- ball joints
- suspension arms
- steering alignment
Steering box is a problem because, at least in the US, good rebuilt boxes can’t be found. Maybe where you are the craft of rebuilding is still alive.
Consider whether you’d accept the performance or behavior when the van was new. If it doesn’t feel like you’d write a check, there’s room for improvement. Forward 45 years, what’s it worth to have it like new vs how good can it get on your budget? These vans are a lifestyle at the best of times. Can’t live with them or can’t live without them.
I have heard the expression of "drives like a boat". My 88 E150 with a 5.0 engine and AOD transmission has no stabilizer and did not come from the factory with one. i have never had a problem steering my van but then of course I do hot rod my van. I start slow and let off the gas to coast when coming to a stop to save gas an wear and tear. I know it rolls when cornering so I just take them slow. I'll also do 70 MPH on the interstate when needed. It is what it is, a big box on 4 wheels. Having driven a boat I would have to say the van is not quite that bad!
Thank you!
I can't wait to finally drive my van!
Im from Europe and we can't lift vehicles here. Also the wheels can only be around 2-8% larger than the factory stock ones and its really hard to prove the factory size.
We are very limited on what we can do, can't even install flood lights.
Technically I can't even install the BBK headers I bought from summit because they are "aftermarket" and I could only get the stock exhaust manifolds.
Got a remanufactured 351w crate engine, brand new transmission and new torque converter, 200 amp alternator, heavy duty starter, oil pump, fuel pump, wiring kit, new power steering pump, will also get a new brake system and hopefully disk brakes. I want to install an Air Locker diff and dual compressor to somewhat be able to drive on a beach.
The shell and frame seems dry and doesn't seem to have much rust. I still have to find glass windows that would fit.
If I had it my way id spray paint it black raptor liner or black-monster green but I never sprayed before and I don't want to ruin the van. I also found Humvee wheels that are nearly the correct size so there is a chance I could get away with it at the vehicle check.
Pretty clean van with no or little rust
I would like to see you loose the split rims
You should have a front end man check the steering and suspension
There is no sense in replacing the tie rod ends and drag link if they are not worn
You had to herd those old vans down the road
Most of them the caster is off and they pull right
That helps to make them wander and requires constant steering correction
No big deal really it is normal
There is a caster adjustment plate Ford offered and I installed hundreds of them (it goes on the radius rod)
You want the caster on the RH side to be about 1/2 degree more than on the left side (keeps you up the crown of the road)(and lessens the pulls right)
I just gutted the entire engine bay. All the cables are out. This part here seems to have two plugs for some kind of liquid. I was told they were open and are probably clogged so I should get a new one.
That’s the steering box. Looks like it’s power assisted so there’s a belt driven pump attached to the engine that creates hydraulic pressure. Make sure the pump is in order too.
There’s a rubber or fiber coupling along the steering shaft that connects to the steering box. Good time as any to fit a new coupling.
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