So, I think my leaf springs are sort of sagging. At least, that's the impression I'm getting. So, I've been trying to do some research online to look at my alternatives and came across an item called "add-a-leaf-spring" on rockauto.com

I navigated at the website using the following info..... 1990 Ford E-150 5.8L and first clicked on leaf helper spring, but wasn't impressed with what I saw. So, I clicked on leaf springs and got a nice surprise.

RANCHO Part # RS60612 Add-A-Leaf Kit
Rear; w/2.5 in. Wide Leaf Springs; 1 in. - 2 in. Lift

My questions are.... has anybody on the forum tried this already? If so, what did you think? Did you add the leaf or take one out and replaced it with this?

What ideas/advice might the rest of you offer? Thanks.

 

My advice to you is take the van to a local auto/truck spring shop.have them evaluate what is needed, and rebuild or replace as needed. It will be cheaper in the long run.

Dave

 

Hmmmmm... now that's interesting. I didn't know such a specific shop existed. Of course, then again, I've never owned something this big and something based off of a truck frame too!

I'll look into this. Thanks!

 

Echoing Dave's recommendation this is just about the best and eventual least expensive route you can go. I have to drive about 40 miles one-way getting to my favorite shop, they have no real memory of me during each visit only because they've a high-volume shop without much space.

Despite that their prices are more than fair, often times cutting prices of the so-called frame/spring/axle shops for cars, sometimes by as much as 50%, still doing nothing but top quality work. Honestly our "large vans" to them are almost like toys, nothing they can't handle with ease.

Its good to find such a shop because their expertise and knowledge tend to far far exceed many other outlets.

Best of luck!

 

I had a local "Spring Shop" add a leaf to my 97, big improvement!

 

Found a great donor truck in the yard. Got a pair of leaf springs that I think are standard for the F-250. I believe, after all my research on the internet, that these are the two stage 4-leaf springs. I believe that they are rated for 2250 lbs instead of the 1750 lbs like the ones currently on my van. Pictures to come.

 

I think 250/350 springs are wider than the 150's. Not sure if custom shackles would be all that it would take to use them, or if there is more involved.

Brew

 

Yes, the 250/350 are typically the 3" wide leaf springs, but the ones I got are only 2.5" wide. I believe that Ford made two different set-ups as I mentioned already in a previous posting. I think the heavier springs were for the extended truck model and/or the XLT models (although I don't know much about those models). All I know is I'm excited to get them on! LOL

 

I also need a set for mine, so my understanding is if you can find a pack from a truck or extended van, with 2.5" leafs, they should work? Thanks,

Brew

 

I've lifted many using this method, van's are heavy, trucks aren't until loaded, you may not get where you want using their springs. Short leaves that offer lift come at a price, harsh ride, I always buy a long leaf add-a-leaf, from vehicles with the same spring width. The one for the front my 83 Suburban 4x4 was long and 3" wide, just be aware you have to break the pack open and stack them accordingly, adding in the nylon cushions between to stop squeaks. You need large C-clamps, the center pin/bolt to secure the leaves back together after grinding the one on them to separate, clamp on them so they don't dangerously fly apart.

 

Yes, vans are heavier in the back than trucks because of the additional (permanent) weight of windows, seats and so on compared to an empty truck bed. However, that's why I'm thinking that, if these springs that I got are what I think they are, they'll make my van's "stance" better (compared to what the sagging leaf springs are doing) as well as give me a better ride. I say better because it currently feels a little sloppy. I also say better from the standpoint that because of the added weight, my van won't ride as harsh as a typical truck. So, my thinking is that, yes, while resulting in a firmer ride, it hopefully won't be too firm. By adding gas shocks and installing the stock rear sway bar as well as installing the polyurethane components for both the front and rear sway bars, I think the van will handle better, also. It's not going to be anything like my lowered sports sedan, but it won't be a sloppy ride which I hate. I'll try to take pictures along the way so that other members who might be interested in attempting this can have visual references. I know I'm taking a little risk, but I am cautiously optimistic.

 

Want a nice harsh dump truck ride?







FYI, that's the leaf pack on my '87 E350 motorhome.

 

For worn springs, I suggest replacing the pack rather than piecing some together, the ride would be better.

 

Seems like the solutions run the gamut of one spring to the whole enchilada.I once bought an e150 that had been leased to a plumber. Those guy's really slam those 1/2 tons big time.I went to my local big truck spring shop and for 200.00 they added a couple of springs and the back of that van was right were it belonged. Saves a lot of front end work too.

 

Haha, commercial vans get overloaded, the construction company I worked for had an F350 with a utility bed, tools, torches, welder, compressor, etc, they kept complaining of how poor performance the 7.3 in it had, when it got a flat they went to pick it up with a 5 ton forklift, it wouldn't budge, was far beyond it's capacity. BTW, we were pulling equipment with it at times too, I always thought the rear was low for one of those trucks.
Spring shops don't just toss in leaves, they re-arch the mains, then replace a few of the lower ones, I've never re-arched any, but have replaced springs due to breakage. I had to rebuild a pack to a 15 ton Euclid dump truck due to breaking a couple on a haul, boss brought in a pack that obviously wouldn't fit, leaving me to dismantle both and build one, it's not difficult, just don't get worn ones to swap some in.