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Topic: Steering Improvements - Alignment (Read 758 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Improvements to steering?
Reply #25 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Ted

It is recommended to increase the caster, above Factory specs, into the 5+ degree range, for better tracking and less wandering.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR RV
Our LD is set to 1/8" toe-in, 1/2 degree negative camber and 6.5 degrees of caster.
It tracks fine with no noticeable wandering or unusual tire wear.

Larry

this +5 degree thing is a big one. the factory bushings really won't get you much over 3.5-4, after that you need adjustable bushings.

E350/E450 Handling Problems are caused by too little + CASTER

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26884891/srt/pa/pging/1/page/4.cfm

E350/E450 Handling and Caster - iRV2 Forums

E450 Caster setting before and after


1999 MB
Re: Steering Improvements - Alignment
Reply #26 –
I replaced the stock sway bars with the thicker Helwig SB and they made a noticeable difference. It steers tighter, which is what I was looking for. I am going to hold off on replacing the shocks for a while since the original Monroes with 36k miles are still good. I am looking at Bilsteins but wary of getting a harsher ride.
2006 RB
 
Re: Steering Improvements - Alignment
Reply #27 –
Quote from: Cebuano54  - 
I am looking at Bilsteins but wary of getting a harsher ride.

Bilsteins are available in either the 'Standard' or 'Comfort' versions.
The Comforts rides similar to the stock shocks, their advantage is a very long service life.

With the LD's front suspension's limited travel, it needs a strong shock, I run the Standards on the front end.
For the lighter 23.5' models, running Comforts, in the rear, provided a better ride, as determined by running both versions for several thousand miles each on our LD, as well as comparing them to the stock shocks.
Bilstein
After driving the above combination for several thousand miles, I then tried the Standards. I had bought a full set of Comforts from LD that they had experimented with and then taken off.
A full set of Standard had been bought someone who almost immediately took them off their new LD, replacing them with the softer riding, stock Ford shocks.

While thicker than stock sway bars improve the handling, they also increase the ride harshness.
Thicker sway bars inhibit the independent action of each wheel. When one wheel hits a hole or bump, the other side the axle shares the impact.
The thicker the sway bars, the more the impacts are shared.
You can have either firmer handling or a smoother ride, it's your choice .

Larry








Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze