1996 Econoline - Steering wheel play

[movienoc]

I just bought a 96 Econoline with 78k original miles. I just had an alignment and while they were under there they commented that everything was straight and solid. The van however still has alot of play in the wheel, could this be the steering box or some other device and can it be adjusted?

Thanks!!
Michael

[disableddude]

I have a 93 that had the same problem. Check steering box bolts, and there is an adjuster bolt on top of the box.

[theoldwizard]

What some people consider a "lot of play" in the steering, I feel is just an "over boosted" power steering system.

My wife drives our E150 5 or 6 days a week, in town. When we go on a trip I notice that her highway driving style results in a bit of "wander" within the lane as I watch her "over correct". When I drive, especially on the highway, I make it a point to "slow down" my steering inputs.

[BroncoJoe19]

Regarding that adjustment, there is a whole proceedure to it.
It must be done properly or the steering wheel will not recenter itself when one lets go of the wheel, which can be dangerous.
Follow the link to "pre-load adjustment"
Ford Bronco And F-150 Links - Gear Box

Also I think that the econolines had similar front ends to Full Size Broncos. Bronco's ball joints sometimes become TOO tight. When that happens the body starts to move before the tires start to turn left or right, when they finally turn, they go too far, and the driver continues to overcompensate down the highway.

My front end mechanic had me turn the wheel left and right and observed the body/frame movement before the tire movement. He jacked the truck up and moved the tires in and out (left and right) for me to feel how tight they were. Since I had no experience to compare it to, I couldn't tell it was too tight.

I did the ball joints myself. THat was a learning experience, but the truck drives straight with no wandering anymore.