Stability Control for a 2001 Dodge Van 3500 with Sportsmobile Conversion
Question:
I have a 2001 Dodge Ram Van 3500 that has a sportsmobile conversion. The steering at freeway speed is awful. I have replaced the entire front end as well as the steering box with the Firestone and Dodge Dealer techs saying, that's just the way they are, after considerable wasted expense.The fault condition is a 10 degree dead steering zone around center and a subsequent steering engagement that is abrupt and leads to over-control. Will a Blue Ox steering damper help if it fits this model? Alternatively, how about a rear anti-sway bar?
asked by: Paul
Expert Reply:
I may have a suspension enhancement option for you but unfortunately, we do not have a steering stabilizer specifically designed to work with your 2001 Dodge Van 3500 at this time. For the rear of your van, I recommend going with the Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar for Vans part # RM-1129-107 as long as your factory rear sway bar is 1" in diameter.
Though a rear sway bar will help to increase stability, it is not directly correlated to steering improvements. The main objective of a sway control bar is to increase stability by combating weight transfer and body roll. This does have an affect on steering but not as much as a stabilizer bar.
As a current part-time mechanic, I would first suggest that you have the alignment of your van checked. It sounds to me as if the steer ahead of your van is not within the acceptable margin of error. If you have confirmed that the alignment is up to spec you can then look to add additional suspension enhancements.
