OK, sorry for no pics yet. Had 2 gigs this weekend and sick on top of that.
But I had to update. I honestly feel like I am driving another rig. ~300 miles this weekend, (2) 150 mile round trips, on US1, Practically due south going, due north for return. 20 MPH constant wind from the East and Northeast from hurricane Humberto offshore. Gusts to ~30.
FULL gas tank, ~20 gal in fresh, gray/black empty, probably 400 (?) pounds of audio and video gear inside. Guessing.... never weighed my recording gear...
BEFORE, this would have a constant need for attention at the wheel, steering against the wind. Very tiring, as the front would be somewhat indecisive in its direction. Definitely 'two hands on wheel' driving. I used the term 'floaty' before, the wheel would have a spot in the middle that you could move back and forth that wouldn't really affect direction, then it would take effect. I am pretty sure that was the steering gear geometry being wrong from being up so high. It had a fresh alignment and tires when I got it, but no spec sheet to see what the actual alignment values were.
I liken the previous steering 'feel' to be very similar to riding in one of the Ford 4X4 trucks with a lift, but without the dropped pitman arm / modified drag link. When you raise the front suspension, it takes the drag link from horizontal to angled. This causes 'bump steer', where the truck steers itself as it goes through the dip. I found the camper had similar, so it was second nature to adapt to it. (I have a bit of time in 4X4 trucks...
Most, if not about all with lift kits. )
The stock setup was within factory specs, but I think maybe right on the edge. One loaded, and back squatted a bit more, it was probably off. Most RV drivers probably chalk it up to 'RV Handling' and threw a bunch of other parts at it to address the symptoms.
AFTER:
Now that the drag link and tie rod are much closer to parallel, and the front lowered down to the stock ride height, things are MUCH more stable.
Night and Day level of 'more stable'. Friday was a 22+ hr day for me, up at 02:30 fri and driving home at 00:30 sat. Before, with the crosswind and fatigue, I would be drained by the drive home. Now, it is similar to driving my little Nissan Frontier! One (1) finger at the top of the wheel, goes where I want it, and bumps/dips require no correction. I gave the promoter a ride for the last ~20 miles, and he was VERY impressed by the power and handling of the RV.
I was on the path to get the oversize front bar and rear sway bar and rear track bar... but it is SO much better now US1 in takes a couple hard turns, and I pushed the cornering as far as I trusted the load inside not to go flying. I was still cornering harder than most would consider reasonable for a RV, and it was VERY comfortable. Tires didnt even start to talk back. If the opportunity is presented, I may have to try some 'G Force' testing. In a camper.
Not sure why, but I swear that the rear ride is softer now also. With no data to back it up, I am hesitant to mention it. Not even sure why it would be, so maybe its just the incredibly nice ride and handling up front has me smiling at everything.
Cant wait to try the trailer behind. May have to put the ball down a bit, it needed a 2" rise before ride level.
If anyone is near exit 176 off of I-95 in Florida, I will gladly give you a ride, and/or let you drive. I sincerely regret I do not have hard 'Before and After' ride quality data to back up the results I feel. I have absolutely NO regrets that I did this, and would recommend it to anyone with a 2350 on the same Ford chassis.