Non-radical handling and ride improvements

[skippymoss]

Hi all.
Got my 2wd pop top Holdsworth camper on standard steel wheels, standard size tyres (mix of makes and depths of tread), standard ride height (for a converted panel van).
No power steering.
The springs, shocks, bushes all look original. None appear to be dangerously worn, split or leaking but may well have seen better days after 160k miles I'm sure.
Ride and steering is not bad but could be better I think.
Bit of road noise, auto lane change on the A1 in high winds can be 'interesting', sharp corners on country roads are less frightening below 30mph, steering wheel can be turned half an inch either way whilst driving without a noticeable change in direction, potholes are noisy and uncomfortable so best avoided.
There are no plans to slam or fit mahoosive alloys, I'm just looking for a safe, practical, comfortable, quiet camper for cruising about in with the family and a big smile on my face.
The question then is what jobs would you tackle, in what order to make the best value incremental improvements to the ride and handling.
The budget isn't open ended so would like to work towards a total overhaul in time but would appreciate help with a logical plan.
Where would you start?
Any comments or experiences welcome.
Ta.

[ghost123uk]

From your description I would start with all the steering and suspension bushes. Mostly DIY if your are a reasonable mechanic, though the top wishbone bushes require a grinder to remove a tack weld and a welder to tack weld the new ones in position. You may / will need to check the geometry after doing all the bushes. Brickwerks sell some better quality ones that many on here say make a big difference. Shocks would be next, and springs last (imho of course )

[skippymoss]

Ta ghost.
The Brickwerks poly bushes look good. Worth making them my next project then?
Was toying with the idea of buying some second hand multivan springs which would obviously be cheaper than posh new ones.
Figured that if VW thought a 30mm drop was the best thing for a smooth ride on a lightly laden van then that should be good enough for me.
I won't worry about it for now though if they're bottom of the list.
Probably no way to tell how good second hands ones are by looking at them on Ebay either!