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When replacing the front end suspension components, I left the fixed castor bushings in that it came with.
When I went to the alignment shop, I specifically asked about castor bushings and if they should be changed and/or would help with driveability. I spoke with the manager/owner of the shop, and he stated to me...and I will quote almost verbatim.
"Changing the castor bushings may help a bit with tire wear, but will offer very little benefit in the sway of the vehicle"
Now, I have no idea if he was wrong or not. I had to rely on his statement. I could have insisted he change the caster bushings, but if I did, I would be going against his advice, thus anything that goes wrong or turns out bad, would be my fault, and if I questioned the outcome of changing the caster bushing, he would simply state "I told you so".
This shop was NOT a run of the mill alignment shop that works on all vehicles, it was a specialty shop that only works on big trucks and RV's. His parking lot was filled up with city and county buses and big work trucks, and an assortment of RV's of every flavor. Customers would travel from other states to have them work on their vehicles. He was not cheap either. Taking this all in, who was I to tell him how to do his job? He was the expert in the business for decades, and who am I to question him?
Now, if he steered me wrong (pun intended) I guess that is on him. I relied on the experts and could do no more. It was not like I could go to another shop and get a second opinion...this was the guy other shops told me to go to. Maybe HaRVee would have benefitted from the caster bushing swap, or not...I will never know.
What I do know, is that at one time, it did not sway as badly when I first bought it...at least that is how I remember it. At one time, I remember being a lot more comfortable driving it, and with the factory castor bushings that were in it.
Also, I too suspected a defective and/or wrong suspension component as well as possible installation issues. I went over every part and part number and verified that the right parts were indeed installed and not something intended for a different model (ie: F150 or another brand entirely). I personally inspected and loosened and re-tightened to spec every nut and bolt involved. Made sure every ball joint was seated properly, and no play or unnecessary movement in the setup. I checked, double checked, and triple checked, hoping to find something...anything. I came up with nothing, and believe me, I have OCD when it comes to working on my vehicles.
I was as perplexed then as I am now. Hence my post, as I first tried everything possible before looking to you guys here. I didn't just post my problem, I did all of my own due diligence and covered every angle I could think of prior to looking for help.
Either something was wrong, and I could not find it, or I simply mis-remembered my driving experience and the sway I experienced was normal, and I just could not get used to it, or unwittingly expected better handling and the only issue was the loose nut behind the steering wheel.
It will forever be one of life's mysteries I suppose. Overall, I had an absolute blast fixing HaRVee up and improving him in so many ways, as well as the vacations we took in him (the getting there and back sucked, but once out of the driver seat, sheer bliss). The new owner LOVED everything and was amazed at the condition, even when compared to RV's looked at that were a decade or more newer.
For all I know, the fix could have been a simple adjustment of the steering box adjustment nut, or something more, or nothing at all.
Oh well, life goes on. My next RV is somewhere, I just need to figure out what it is and where to find it.
Again, thanks to all who contributed. I mean that.
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