@Curtis, reading your comments on the Contis in previous threads are the reason I have them toward the top of the list. Thanks for the info, and I'll look into all of the steering and other points you recommended. I'm going to start with the alignment, as I know that is off, then go from there.
In reply to marcosv6 :
Thanks for the recommendation, I hadn't considered them yet. Added to the list.
Can someone explain to me LT, is that the same as Load Range E? I'm new to these hauling vehicles.
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Pete and CJ, more details about the van. It's got a TON of miles (300k) and it's just the 5.4 motor. No Powerstroke, so no need to hate me. :D
The motor was replaced about 100k miles ago, the trans a bit before. The original owner used it as a wheelchair van and sunk a lot of cash into it as he used it to transport his son, who used a wheelchair. The repair bill for the engine was $5,400!
The second owner converted it to a camper, removed the wheelchair lift and added the interior storage, wood, sink, counter, fridge (which is under the bed on sliders), solar panels, lead-acid batteries and inverter, fan, etc. and lived in it. We bought it from him.
It looked pretty clean and these things are selling like crazy right now, so I jumped on it. It's got a few little issues, like the shifter which I mentioned in another thread, the tires, the steering, A/c was hacked up, slight valve cover gasket leak, what looks like a slight oil pan leak, and a few weird little things (the dome light only works occasionally, the radio not at all, ABS system light comes on sometimes which seems to be related to the position of the key in the ignition.)
It's one of the few extended and high top vans I came across. I paid $6,500 for it. I figure it's a pretty good thing to spend money on as we are planning to live in it for a time as we explore a different life.
I am loving it so far. The first night we had it we took it camping on Highway 1. There's something so cool about just parking and staying the night. It actually did much better in the twisties than I expected. It's no Miata, but I thought it was going to be a chore to drive. It wasn't.
We are going to ditch the stove and propane, so that will cut down on the weight a bit, but I'm sure it's still pretty saddled down. Wouldn't surpise me if it's close to 500 lbs of fridge, solar panels, insulation, wood, cabinet, etc. Anyway, thanks for the help everyone. Pic from the maiden voage (sorry it's huge!)