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Rear End Sag & Loud Pop After Stopping '95 E150 Camper Conversion
Looking to solve a couple rear end issues with my '95 E150 DIY camper conversion. The camper build out added a lot of weight to the rear end and now the van sags considerably. Also, a couple minutes after shutting it off after a long drive I hear a single loud "POP" from the rear end. It sounds like someone hitting the rear passenger side quarter panel with a hammer.
Im leaning towards just replacing the leaf springs and hardware and adding an additional leaf to make up for the sag. The leaf bushings are very cracked and worn.
Could the bad bushings be causing the pop somehow?
Also, is it ok to just add an additional leaf even though the van is not lifted? Is there anything else I would need to adjust? Or would the added weight make up for the additional leaf height?
Do I need to replace all the springs? Or could I get away with new mounting hardware and an add-a-leaf kit?
Yes on the add a leaf. The 1/2 ton suspension is a bit soft for a camper conversion but there is nothing wrong with adding more spring as long as the total load on the rear axle doesn't exceed it's rating.. see the calibration decal on the drivers door pillar. I have used the Hellwig add-a-leaf kits on stock high milage springs with good results, and some of these are easy bolt-ons that don't require opening up the spring pack.. which can be a lot more work that it may appear.
Someone on here just did a leaf spring replacement on his for sagging. If your springs are already weak this would be your best option. Also check your mounting points for the springs and shackles. Some will hold junk in them and rust out. I had an f150 that was a bit scary with how rusty the frame mount was. This could be your popping or bushings getting worn. You should go to a scale and get a weight on your rig to make sure your not overloaded and it will let you know what may be your best option on spring rating for your setup.
I'd second the idea to first get the van weighed front and rear separately as it's configured as a camper. Already mentioned is the fact a true E-150 is very much NOT advisable for the typical GVW of most camper conversions.
Once your weights are known springs, tires and shocks can be selected properly.
One piece driveshaft right? Under braking the springs and diff move towards the rear. As soon as you let up on the brake diff goes to normal position which moves the driveshaft forward. Its the movement of the splines inside the trans tail that makes that sound and sometimes feel it too.. Ford problem for many years.
One piece driveshaft right? Under braking the springs and diff move towards the rear. As soon as you let up on the brake diff goes to normal position which moves the driveshaft forward. Its the movement of the splines inside the trans tail that makes that sound and sometimes feel it too.. Ford problem for many years.
Yes, 1 piece shaft.
Loud pop happened again recently, this time while driving. Now it's leaking a lot of tranny fluid from what looks like the pan gasket. Could this be related? Any possible fix to the pop issue? Van drives and shifts ok
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