E-150 Suspension
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E-150 Suspension
Hello all, new member here. I have a few questions about replacing the stock suspension on my 1997 E-150 Cargo Van. It's a standard body and I use it to haul two four wheelers plus camping gear. It is an extremely bouncy ride, all over the road when loaded down. It sits level unloaded, it's been so long since I've loaded it down but don't recall any extreme sagging in the rear. With everything I'm probably looking at a little over 1,000lbs in weight. I occasionally tow a trailer also. My question is what suspension components should be replaced?
After some research I've been pointed in the direction of new Heavy Duty 4/1 leaf springs. Was also recommended to replace the shock absorbers and possibly the front coil springs.
I was wondering how the HD 4/1 leaf springs would pair with the Monroe Load Adjusting Shocks (58605) 58605 :: e-Catalog :: MONROE® SHOCKS & STRUTS which are best for hauling and towing. Would this be too stiff? I rarely ever drive it unloaded.
What front shock absorbers would be recommended? I hear Bilstein are by far the best.
Are replacement front coil springs recommended? if so what kind?
Thanks for any advice or info!!
After some research I've been pointed in the direction of new Heavy Duty 4/1 leaf springs. Was also recommended to replace the shock absorbers and possibly the front coil springs.
I was wondering how the HD 4/1 leaf springs would pair with the Monroe Load Adjusting Shocks (58605) 58605 :: e-Catalog :: MONROE® SHOCKS & STRUTS which are best for hauling and towing. Would this be too stiff? I rarely ever drive it unloaded.
What front shock absorbers would be recommended? I hear Bilstein are by far the best.
Are replacement front coil springs recommended? if so what kind?
Thanks for any advice or info!!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
The E150's especially your year don't do well loaded as you seem to do more often than not. Since you don't list or possibly know the curb weight of your van and then what it weighs when "normally" loaded that's something you might want to learn before throwing money at your van.
The E150's have smaller frames and brakes that the E250's and E350's so IMHO trying to increase the cargo handling capacity might work with heavier springs and shocks but what about tires? Most likely your's aren't LT rated so that becomes an issue too.
You might be into this sort of suspension upgrade for upwards of $1,000---is that an amount you want to spend?
The E150's have smaller frames and brakes that the E250's and E350's so IMHO trying to increase the cargo handling capacity might work with heavier springs and shocks but what about tires? Most likely your's aren't LT rated so that becomes an issue too.
You might be into this sort of suspension upgrade for upwards of $1,000---is that an amount you want to spend?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 7
From: NE Tennessee
Check tires and go for E load rated for extra stiffness. At 1k extra you should be fine weight wise. On an older van new leafs and spring are never a bad idea. Also see if you have a rear sway bar and check the bushings in the front. With my 3/4 ton van it gets squirrely once the tire pressure gets below 30lbs. I try to keep em around 60 but I carry a bit of a load. With the E rated tires you can run them 30-40 and then raise the pressure when your hauling a bit of weight.
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