Any lowered vans out there
#3
#5
I've seen a couple around Detroit but lowering Chevy/GMC vans (and old Astros) is far more common because of the front suspension design. In fact, the Scion XB had its original design based on customized and lowered Astro vans which are really popular in Asian countries. I am an old hot rodder and like the lowered esthetic with things like 1932 Ford rods and just about every kind of race car in the universe. Lots of lowered vans at the Autorama each year, but those are largely trailer queens.
If I wanted to lower a relatively modern truck, I'd do a short bed stepside/flareside or something. (I bought a brand new F100 shorty flareside in 1978, 300 inch six and 4 speed manual OD trans.) That would be cool lowered--lots more Chevy stepsides get lowered again because of suspension design.
It would cost a lot of money to lower a Ford van properly. What happens to payload? Only remedy might be a totally different front suspension with air bags to change ride height.
The last thing I want is for my 135" wheelbase van to get its belly hung up on a bump... I drive it in Michigan snow and on campsite access roads, etc. And I don't want to be this guy
George
If I wanted to lower a relatively modern truck, I'd do a short bed stepside/flareside or something. (I bought a brand new F100 shorty flareside in 1978, 300 inch six and 4 speed manual OD trans.) That would be cool lowered--lots more Chevy stepsides get lowered again because of suspension design.
It would cost a lot of money to lower a Ford van properly. What happens to payload? Only remedy might be a totally different front suspension with air bags to change ride height.
The last thing I want is for my 135" wheelbase van to get its belly hung up on a bump... I drive it in Michigan snow and on campsite access roads, etc. And I don't want to be this guy
George
#7
Trending Topics
#9
#10
I've seen a couple around Detroit but lowering Chevy/GMC vans (and old Astros) is far more common because of the front suspension design. In fact, the Scion XB had its original design based on customized and lowered Astro vans which are really popular in Asian countries. I am an old hot rodder and like the lowered esthetic with things like 1932 Ford rods and just about every kind of race car in the universe. Lots of lowered vans at the Autorama each year, but those are largely trailer queens.
If I wanted to lower a relatively modern truck, I'd do a short bed stepside/flareside or something. (I bought a brand new F100 shorty flareside in 1978, 300 inch six and 4 speed manual OD trans.) That would be cool lowered--lots more Chevy stepsides get lowered again because of suspension design.
It would cost a lot of money to lower a Ford van properly. What happens to payload? Only remedy might be a totally different front suspension with air bags to change ride height.
The last thing I want is for my 135" wheelbase van to get its belly hung up on a bump... I drive it in Michigan snow and on campsite access roads, etc. And I don't want to be this guy
Limo Gets Stuck CSX Tracks 4-1-2010 001.AVI - YouTube
George
If I wanted to lower a relatively modern truck, I'd do a short bed stepside/flareside or something. (I bought a brand new F100 shorty flareside in 1978, 300 inch six and 4 speed manual OD trans.) That would be cool lowered--lots more Chevy stepsides get lowered again because of suspension design.
It would cost a lot of money to lower a Ford van properly. What happens to payload? Only remedy might be a totally different front suspension with air bags to change ride height.
The last thing I want is for my 135" wheelbase van to get its belly hung up on a bump... I drive it in Michigan snow and on campsite access roads, etc. And I don't want to be this guy
Limo Gets Stuck CSX Tracks 4-1-2010 001.AVI - YouTube
George
#12
#13
Subscribed. Once everything is sorted mechanically I hope to look into an airbag setup.
Anyone care to go into more detail about why the suspension design in the Ford's are not as desirable? I'm looking for terminology, etc so I can learn more about the differences. Thanks!
Anyone care to go into more detail about why the suspension design in the Ford's are not as desirable? I'm looking for terminology, etc so I can learn more about the differences. Thanks!
Ford's Twin I-Beam Front Suspension | Hemmings Motor News
It is a sturdy but primitive suspension design with the E vans being the last vehicle built with them, and the E van is now gone.
George
#14
Subscribed. Once everything is sorted mechanically I hope to look into an airbag setup.
Anyone care to go into more detail about why the suspension design in the Ford's are not as desirable? I'm looking for terminology, etc so I can learn more about the differences. Thanks!
Anyone care to go into more detail about why the suspension design in the Ford's are not as desirable? I'm looking for terminology, etc so I can learn more about the differences. Thanks!
I have plans on bagging my van also how low do you plan on going?
#15
Twin I Beams are like swing axles where the front wheels swing thru a fixed arc when the suspension travels. Unless you change over the entire front suspension, air bags will not work. There is a possibility of modifying I beams to lower the vehicle but spring height would have to be part of the equation to keep the camber correct.
I guess with my new understanding of the design I'll have to either reconsider entirely and just keep it a reliable cruiser or see what other options are out there.