1998 C-Class steering stabilizer issues

[curry]

Yes I know that there are very few Safari Class-C Rigs still on the road. We nave a 1998 24 footer built on a Ford E-SuperDuty frame. The steering stabilizer is shot and I bought a new Bilstein unit to replace the old rusted one that came from the factory. It should be a two bolt job. The mounts are part of the Ford frame. Should be easy, but it is not. The bolt connection that goes to the steering is easy. The one that goes to the frame is not. I can't push the bolt out to do the replacement because there is a steering part right behind it. I cannot take the connection loose as it appears to be welded to the frame.
Has anyone here had to do this job in the past? The Ford sites call this a ten minute job. None of the Videos on line have described this issue. If there are any folks out there with a Class-C, they used both Ford and Chevy vans for these models, do you have any ideas what to do next. I can leave the old one on but it is worthless.
Any ideas besides taking it to the junk yard would be appreciated.
Help.

[curry]

So I squeezed enough to see there were three bolts that were holding the stabilizer to the frame. Got it all back together, but haven't driven it. Maybe tomorrow. The snow has finally melted.
I should ask. Are there any other Safari C-Class folks still on this site. Our time may have passed?

[astrnmrtom]

This forum is just barely staying alive so anyone with the more rare models will see even less activity. It appears the Safari Motorhome Facebook page is more active.

[TDJohn]

I should ask. Are there any other Safari C-Class folks still on this site. Our time may have passed?

There are at least two that I know of here, but I don't know how active they are. If I remember correctly, one of them lives in Alaska.

eneriksen

Here is a link to one of them, with photos of his rig and remodel project:

https://safarifriends.org/viewtopic.php ... ss#p227053

Here is the Alaska one, so this makes three of you Class C owners here. This link shows you in this conversation, so at that time you were aware of at least one other Class C owner at that time, but it is hard to keep track.

https://safarifriends.org/viewtopic.php ... ss#p226785

[OhSteve]

Hello new 98 Class C owner here, Mine is the Ford V10 26' model.
The previous owner did an incredible job of bend and twisting the stairs, and ripped off the antenna. We totally rebuilt the stairs, grinding, hammering and welding, and replaced the antenna. But it all works now except the stairs won't stay out even with the switch that's next to porch and inside light switches.
But more importantly I need to replace the upward O2 sensors, I'm not sure which ones to buy. Any idea which ones I need?
It only has 43k miles, but I'd like to replace the shocks and perhaps other suspension items. Basically replace anything that's loose. Do I just shop for Ford SuperDuty V10 parts?

[TDJohn]

Yes, Ford E series super duty. Is there a decal on the fender that shows E-350 or E450? If yes, you tell the parts shop that it is a '98 Ford E-XXX (fill in the blank) super duty camper or van cut off chassis model. If you want a smoother ride, consider Koni shocks.

As for the steps, double check your wiring. Either the switch to make the steps stay out is bad, or bad/wrong wiring connection, or the ignition override, that automatically pulls the steps in when ignition is turned on and the door is closed, is miss-wired. If they use a relay for that function, could be a stuck relay too.

[curry]

I didn't know there were many left. We have a 24", no bed in the back. Had a lot of work done over the winter. With a Ford 6.7 mechanic. Haven't really used it since the start of Covid. Now ready to go in the next few days to the Oregon coast.
Keep on keeping on.