E150 suspension leveling / ride improvement needed
New User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 6
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I have the 2013 e150 wagon, with a very stiff ride. I just purchased and installed a set of Sulastic rear rubber shackles to replace the rear spring solid shackles (sulastic.com). They smooth out the smaller road bumps, but don't do much for the larger ones. For $400, they are a little pricey, but it just to me about 3 hrs to install in my driveway, and helps some.
The E rated Michelin tires with 80 psig in the rear tires does not help much, either. Even though others have said the air pressure should be kept at 80 psig, I keep them about 55 lbs. when I put a load in the van, I will put the tire pressure back to 80 lbs. but with it normally unloaded, the lower pressure helps smooth the ride slightly, and it still handles very well. The only problem is the 'Low Tire Pressure' alert is always on.
We still have our 2002 e150 Traveller van, and it's ride is much, much, smoother than this new van. Wish the newer e150s had that smooth ride.
The E rated Michelin tires with 80 psig in the rear tires does not help much, either. Even though others have said the air pressure should be kept at 80 psig, I keep them about 55 lbs. when I put a load in the van, I will put the tire pressure back to 80 lbs. but with it normally unloaded, the lower pressure helps smooth the ride slightly, and it still handles very well. The only problem is the 'Low Tire Pressure' alert is always on.
We still have our 2002 e150 Traveller van, and it's ride is much, much, smoother than this new van. Wish the newer e150s had that smooth ride.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 51
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From: Houston
Ride Improvement installed and ready for testing
Rather than start a new thread, I thought I'd pick up where I left off. I'm still gathering all the pictures and information needed for a proper write up. However I jumped the gun and posted a picture of it completed on another thread. To say I'm excited about how it turned out is an understatement!
Parts installed.....
WeldTec Designs 4 inch lift
FOX 2.0 on all four corners
235/85/16 BFG A/T KO2
Parts installed.....
WeldTec Designs 4 inch lift
FOX 2.0 on all four corners
235/85/16 BFG A/T KO2
Last edited by Badback12; Feb 20, 2017 at 08:57 PM. Reason: Spelling error
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,020
Likes: 132
From: Maryville
Dad had an 86-87 Eddie Bauer Bronco, TTB front with dual shocks, had inflatable lumbar support seats, it was so good of a ride mom did her cross stitch, he ended up trading for an 88 T-bird, but mom missed the Bronco, it had such a better ride on trips. I've seen a modded van suspension with dual front shocks, the coils make the difference in ride, van's are utility, they ride hard due to stiff springs installed to stabilize it, too soft and it would buffet when rigs pass, a sway bar can do so much, it all works together.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 51
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From: Houston
It looks like it would fit on the passenger side no problem.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Houston
I started with a nicely optioned 2013 E150 XLT Premium 5.4 7 passenger. This isn't my first full size van. It is however my first, last generation E series. I purchased it new.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Front suspension up close
The lower stance (in my opinion) created a few problems. One being there was only 1.25 inches between the ibeam and the bump stop. That gap would be fine if the spring and shock kept the two from making contact. But the stock suspension wasn't doing its intended job. The wear / rub mark on the ibeam clearly shows they were making contact. 
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 51
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From: Houston
Rear Leaf Spring
98% of my overload spring (bottom spring) is in contact 100% of the time with the leaf pack. The van was empty for this picture. In my experience, the F-series overload spring is not in contact with the leaf pack when the bed is empty. For clarification I'm referring to the last six or seven inches of the bottom spring.
