I travel all over. So you better just hide inside your house. You never know when I'll be on your block. I'm just kidding but you kind of asked for it brother. Thanks for the input. Just like I'm THOROUGHLY researching this stuff for the front springs I'll thoroughly research the Mario kart wheels. If it's not safe I won't do it. I do appreciate your opinions and help. I was really trying to just mellow the mood out since two other posters told you you were wrong. Also, ive never had so many people give me advice on a post before. I admit I got s little nutty. I've read that any changes to this front end need alignments, so I urge you to be more safe (again just getting you back). Also all your little shots at me don't hurt they made me think and I appreciate that. So thank you and enjoy your safety. I'll do more research on firestone, too. I've head good things from friends and I know one of the techs. The one thing I don't appreciate is your misreading the original posts. I did call it a dumb question and I wanted to know why they exist but no one uses them. I now know they break springs!!! Boom. Question answered. Also I mentioned getting SDTruck HD leaf springs that means an extra leaf. I guess I could have been clearer on that. So thanks for the help but maybe when you're in CO I can treat you to a Beer. We can take your van if you prefer. Thanks again!

 

I've seen it suggested that when we need alignments, we take these vans to shops that are familiar with large trucks. The reason for that is that those shops are more likely to be familiar with this type of frontend. There are probably more than a few techs at automotive type shops that have seen this type of suspension setup. As for the spacers, I've also seen it suggested that those will put a lot of stress on your lug nuts, bearings, and axles on these vans. I hope this clarifies what others were alluding to.

 

Ride height affects camber and toe.

 

It should affect castor with these vans too, shouldn't it?

 

minimally but that is not a "wear" angle

 

Dr. I think you'll be pleased with something like I did on my 2000 e150 (see link in my previous reply). I have the MOOG 880 and the HD rear springs. Wheels are 265/70/17 (around 31") and that is probably as big as you can go without special lift kits. I have 2" spacers in the back after I replaced the bearings. I do not carry heavy loads 4 years and no complains.
Overloading will induce more stress to bearings and lugs than the spacer and I see plenty of this e150 dragging their rear end overloaded used by carpet installers. You'll have to balance the pros and cons for your specific application. In my case I like the wider foot print but I do not load.

I have the adjustable bushings and Firestone had no clue on how to align them. I tried them at home in TX and in Los Angeles, CA with poor results.

 

I've seen a few mentions of Firestone auto service and even Kmart, and I'll even add Sears.
Just a word of advice: don't judge auto service by its cover.

Each individual place is only as good or bad as the technician that does your service. Every shop employs many technicians at different skill levels.
Same as fire safety (my industry), auto body, air conditioning service... everything.
The variable isn't the brand; it's the specific technician that you get.

 

Re spring lift e series
Moog 880s springs for maximum lift (2 and ¼ inch) and still get proper camber with adjustable camber bushings. Alignment shop said it was cake to get it perfect, That was with an e250 with 5.4 motor
I did a leaf refresh and 1 inch block for the rear which gives me perfect ride height when loaded. My van is pop top camperized e250 like sportsmobile.
Moog 880 generally give 1.25- 1.5 lift with a 5.4 motor.
Currently running 245 75 16 tires. Planning on 265 7516 for my winter tires.

 

Update now running studded hakkapelitta LT2 snow tires is 265/75/16. Clearance is fine but close on full lock. Not a problem though.

 

It has to do with the geometry of the beam, the mounting point to the body in aspect to the spring, I don't have photos of the Bronco II I did on my desktop but yes it is double the height of the spacer, requires the camber to be corrected asap or you'll have it eating up the outer edge of the tires.
The handicap conversion shops have been bodylifting them for years to increase the ability to drop the floor 6" without cutting the frame, I considered it for mine for adding room in the doghouse, having the engine dropping down would remove heat and aid in work room.