Your van is a 86, mine a 93, so may be it's a bit different for a body lift but I'm still curious to know.

What have you done for the bumpers? Modified the brackets to lift the bumper?
If yes, does that make the frame visible?
Do you have pictures of the bumper and bracket area?
Thanks.

 

I have a newly acquired 94 E-150 and also am wanting to lift it. reguarding a body lift, besides adding the spacers what else is involved with installing the lift. Are there hoses and wires that need to be modified as well. I would be doing this my self, that is why I ask.

 

Radiator has to be lowered equal to the lift or when it goes up with the body, the fan will destroy it, fuel filler hose, not sure about the steering column to box linkage, and the shift linkage.

 

Thanks for the info reguarding the body lift and what is involved in doing one. I think I may go with adding air bags, more my skill level.

 

You'll run into issues trying to do a suspension lift, the rear is easy, but twin i-beam front require a lot to insure you retain the correct camber. There are companies with a lift kit, thus replacing the factory parts, but they are quite expensive due to the fact you will be practically replacing the entire front end. I have wondered if the earlier truck TTB drop brackets that come in lift kits would work on a van, after all, it's almost the same setup, you'll just have to locate some taller coil springs. Since our vans 93+ have camber inserts, allowing for adjustment, I wonder if it would be possible to lift or lower one 2", I want to bring mine down, but as I said, you have to locate a place for coils.

 

Thanks for the info. I will postpone my lift project untill next summer. but I will keep looking to see what suggestions show up at this extreme Ford enthusiasts party

 

The people who modify vans for wheelchair use lift the bodies all the time. Get in touch with your local dealer to find out what links, and extensions are required.

 

here is a buddy of mine van... it is a powerstroke e350 with maybe a 6 or 8 inch lift...

 

Action Van Suspension lift on a 2007 E350





Cooper tires 285/70X17 on American Racing Thugs

 

I love those wheels, want to replace mine, BTW I had a set of those Coopers, got under 40,000 on them, down side is they must have been old stock, seem to have dried out, right front one seperated on me, swear they were dry rotted, check the manufacture dates on them.

 

Heres mine with 6" and onr with 8" the one is kind of messy sorry all are old pics.

 

I just bought a 1985 F-250 with 42,000 miles, all stock. I would like to either lift, or lower the van 2", I haven't decided which, yet. I'm only interested in suspension mods, no body lifts.

Are there lift kits for the older vans? I've only seen kits for the newer style.

What about lowering the van? Is this easier?

Also, I did a search and couldn't find a chart for the type of wheels that will fit on a stock 1985 E250. Does anyone know how big (and wide) I can go without rubbing?

Thanks in advance for the advice, it's appreciated.

Steve

 

Lifting and lowering is a big issue due to the I-beams, there is a drop kit with tubular beams, you do not want this due to them not being structurally able to carry the load without bending, that's why Ford made them in the form of an I-beam, similar to bridges. They have to be formed just right, at the right angle for the location the coil spring will have them at or the wheel will be out of camber, tilting in or out, causes tire wear and issues with steering, unsafe handling is a result.
I put up a topic about putting a TTB in my 99 or lowering it, and there was a response with a site that has drop beams, the kind I'm wanting to buy, check it out, they may fit the older models.

 

Is it 2wd or 4wd.that will make a difference. If its 4wd anything from th80's in 8 lug will fit it.same as the 2wd.AS far as rubbing you would have to try it or ask your local tire dealer.They should know.

 

It is a 2wd with a 460. When you say anything from the 80's, what do you mean? Pickup or van?

Thanks,

Steve