'89 E350 with 120K. My steering seems a little loose, the side to side play isn't much, but more then I like. I thought that going back to stock steel wheels would solve the problem and it did help but I would like a more solid feel. Is there an adjustment in the steering box, or is this an alignment thing?

 

This has been discussed before & at length, a search may put you on the topic. To summarize, there seems to be hot debate, some say not to even touch the adjusting screw atop the steering box & suggest that once touched you can never get it back to where it was. IMO that attitude is a superstition. That being said, the 'by the book' instructions on how to properly adjust the steering box is a nightmare. Besides, what happens is called 'center wear' where the sector of the steering gear near Center will Wear disproportionately to the sections L & R that see relatively little wear. Once worn you can no longer adjust so steering is tight at center & not overly tight (often to the point of binding) at L & R. In the end you need a new steering box so the adjustment applies evenly throughout the steering range.

You can however often gain substantial improvement on high mile vehicles by tightening the adjusting screw by increments. Just be absolutely certain that you test the steering for excess tightness well off center before driving. You should be able to feel for binding with front wheels off the ground. A simple test is to see if the steering gear will Self Center, as it should. At slow speed, in an open parking lot, turn the wheel & let it go-it should try to straighten itself out. If its binding you'll go right on circling-binding is bad news.

Of course in an '89 you need to eliminate things like: tie rods ends, drag link end, Pitman arm end & king pins before getting into the steering box. While inspecting the 'ends' have someone rock the steering wheel back & forth to look for looseness. Pay special attention to the Pitman arm. A worn steering box will allow the Pitman arm to go up & down a bit before going L & R. Swapping aluminum to steel wheels shouldn't have any effect on steering looseness.

 

OK, Thanks Club Wagon. My aftermarket wheels had a wider offset than stock. On a previous Econline, when I changed to aftermarket wheels the steering changed immediatly, so I assumed that was the problem. I'll have my lineup shop look at it if after a slight adjustment it still bothers me.