Why does Front end wander on 1996 150 ford van?

Answer 1

Either check all the balljoints, tie-rods, stabilizers, shocks, idler, etc, yourself or have an independent repair garage do it for you [important...........the national franchises will see you as a sucker and sell you all kinds of unnecessary unneeded parts replacements]. If all components are okay and if the alignment is good, then excess steering box lash may be the culprit. This lash may be adjusted a bit at a time by loosening the 5/8" jam nut on the top of the steering box and turning the adjuster [held screw] clockwise and then re-tightening the jamb nut. I did mine a little at a time until I got it right. Now it's a pleasure instead of a nightmare to drive. PS...I think if you tighten it down too much then the steering might not return to the 'straight ahead' position after cornering. BTW.......I hate Fords policy of selling us junk and then selling expensive parts to fix the junk........ like fuel-filler molded hoses and door cables that the plastic deteriorates and fails as if on cue. '