Community Forums

Charley38 · 06-19-2021, 04:29 AM

I have a 2019 Forester LE 24' MH, on the Ford chassis. It was very wind sensitive and was knocked about by passing semis. Had the front end aligned, including adjustable bushings; in order for caster to be set near 5 degrees. Now the rig is much less wind sensitive and is not moved by semis passing by.

sibe · 06-19-2021, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonaC

I really wish that Ford or some aftermarket source had developed more ways to adjust this suspension, but other than the adjustable upper ball joint bushing, it doesn't seem to exist. I've searched a lot. The chassis ends of the I-beams and the radius arms are fixed and use concentric bushings, they don't adjust. Making sure the bushings are in good condition is all you can do.

One thing does exist that looks very interesting is the kits from Weldtec designs. They have special radius arms and I-beams that are used to raise the whole front end. They claim much improved handling and ride and it appears to be true. But they raise the whole RV by at least three inches and I don't want that. And the kits aren't cheap.

Ford has used this design since 70's if it was that horrible or ill designed , I am sure it would have gone by the way side.......
Ford has tweeked it a bit over the years but also adapted the design to their 4x4 F series...

As for wheel moving in an ARC, well yes..BUT the arc is extremely small and balanced during use.. it will go a bit pos and the same neg to net difference back to zero..
The RV issue is a bit more from yes the design and the varied load placed during use..
Front wheel travel is not allot , these kits may add more travel to give more ride.. we can debate mods and set ups for days.. but what I have tweeked vs Ron is similar but our RV;s are years apart and build layout and loading is way way different on a similar designed chassis...

BUT IF a good alignment shop and mindful owner loads there RV to it average use weight , EVEN with drivers seats loaded as used.. Will yield a better experience.. we hope.

Ron like myself has taken the mindful, educated approach that 90% of owners have little desire to ensue..

Ron Dittmer · 06-19-2021, 10:15 AM

I just want to state this because I think it is a consideration

The alignment camber spec for the Ford E350/E450 is a nominal 5 degree positive which is set without people sitting in the front seats.

It makes sense that when people sit in the front seats, the extra weight will bring the camber closer to zero which I believe is a good thing.

DonaC · 06-19-2021, 10:12 PM

You might have left off a decimal point there.

S.LANGE · 06-20-2021, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonaC

You might have left off a decimal point there.

I returned to R. Dittmer's "Before vs Current" printout via his earlier link above and his 'Current' setting for camber is (L) .7 and (R) .4

So I'm assuming the statement should have been .5 ?

Ron Dittmer · 06-20-2021, 05:41 AM

Oops, You are correct! I mistyped, leaving out the decimal point.

Here are the specs in my 2007 Ford shop manual.

S.LANGE · 06-20-2021, 11:01 AM

Just a tad off the subject - and Ron should correct me if I'm mistaken, for those uninitiated, Ron's data page is from a 2-volume Ford Workshop Manual set that covers all the "E" series products within a particular year. You won't find this detailed, technical stuff in an owner's pamphlet stuffed in the glove box (non-existent in my 2006 450 Cutaway chassis).

When I purchased this vehicle, the mechanic I've eluded to, implored me to spend the bucks and obtain a full set - especially having wiring diagrams. My personal library is 3 volumes: (2) on mechanical functions, a third covering the electrical facets of the Ford related systems.

They were immensely helpful earlier in the year following the catalytic converter theft over Christmas. Like the alignment shops' personnel lack of 2006 E-450 knowledge , multiple muffler shops that work on multiple ton vehicles were not knowledgeable about the hybrid emissions requirements of the E-450. Differing and confusing opinions as to 'how many and where located' any O2 sensors were. Studying the manuals I eventually came to the conclusion there was no O2 sensors where the pundits insisted there were and taken during the actual Yule time theft.

There's been several episodes where they've assisted in troubleshooting and repair. Hard copy or CD-Rom, I bought both. CD for traveling if we ever get to.

Ron Dittmer · 06-20-2021, 05:21 PM

The picture was taken from this Shop Manual Set. I have not had issues with our chassis in the past 14 years, but I am ready when or if trouble surfaces. We plan to own our rig a whole lot more yet so I figure the day will come when I will appreciate having them. If I never use them, it will have been money well spent for insurance.

Such shop manuals for your year show up on various sale places like eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, Facebook, etc. Just "Google" Ford E-Series Shop Manual. I just did and they popped up, different years sold on different sites.

Fiesta48 · 06-24-2021, 08:55 AM

These Moog inserts can not be installed on newer 350 450s. To stop wander I installed a steering assist and lowered front tire pressure 10 psi.

cobia6620 · 06-24-2021, 09:27 AM

Fiesta48
could you elaborate on "newer"? I have a 2010 E450 and want to install bushings like MOOG to increase caster due to wandering steering

twinboat · 06-24-2021, 10:01 AM

I had a bushing installed in my 2017 E450 by Joesums (sp), in Orlando Florida, the alignment experts, to get both front to almost 5°.

DonaC · 06-24-2021, 10:03 AM

According to Moog, the same bushing fits for 1992 to 2014.
Surprising to me, as I had heard about a suspension upgrade for the 2008 models, but not for anything newer. Maybe they last updated this web page in 2014?
This is just one example with 2 degrees change, there are several bushings available with different angles of alignment change.

https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k8978

Edit: Oops they fooled me, that's not really Moog's web site. Just looks like Moog. Other pages indicate that the same bushings do fit newer Econolines as well.

sibe · 06-24-2021, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonaC

I really wish that Ford or some aftermarket source had developed more ways to adjust this suspension, but other than the adjustable upper ball joint bushing, it doesn't seem to exist. I've searched a lot. The chassis ends of the I-beams and the radius arms are fixed and use concentric bushings, they don't adjust. Making sure the bushings are in good condition is all you can do.

One thing does exist that looks very interesting is the kits from Weldtec designs. They have special radius arms and I-beams that are used to raise the whole front end. They claim much improved handling and ride and it appears to be true. But they raise the whole RV by at least three inches and I don't want that. And the kits aren't cheap.

These are also used on some models in the radius arm bushing .. this rolls the axle a bit.. I used these or smilar in older pre 2000 vans.. and 4x4 twin i beams..