Making an E150 Handle ?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Making an E150 Handle ?
Hello All,
Satisfied owner of a '01 E150 with full cargo package.
I use the van for hauling dirtbikes and camping and dump runs .
I drive twisty roads quite a bit and was wondering how to make the ride more secure.
The following has been suggested to me:
Hellwig rear sway bar
Urethane front bushings for OE sway bar
KYB shocks in front
Any suggestions ?
Thanks in advance.
unclejosh
Satisfied owner of a '01 E150 with full cargo package.
I use the van for hauling dirtbikes and camping and dump runs .
I drive twisty roads quite a bit and was wondering how to make the ride more secure.
The following has been suggested to me:
Hellwig rear sway bar
Urethane front bushings for OE sway bar
KYB shocks in front
Any suggestions ?
Thanks in advance.
unclejosh
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
REAL tires. Use at least 4 ply tires. Passenger car tires (which is what most places will put on it) are too weak in the sidewall, so make sure you are using either LT tires, or XL passenger tires. I prefer the LT tires.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Certainly tires are a big one on these vans.
Here is what I did on mine and it made a huge difference. Helwig front bar, KYB shocks all around and an add-a-leaf rear helper springs.
I did the add-a-leaf instead of a rear bar because my clubwagon felt too softly sprung in the rear even when empty. If you think the spring rate is OK then add the helwig rear bar. You absolutely want to go with a bigger front bar as the OE bar is waaay too small.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Here is what I did on mine and it made a huge difference. Helwig front bar, KYB shocks all around and an add-a-leaf rear helper springs.
I did the add-a-leaf instead of a rear bar because my clubwagon felt too softly sprung in the rear even when empty. If you think the spring rate is OK then add the helwig rear bar. You absolutely want to go with a bigger front bar as the OE bar is waaay too small.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
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16 x 8 wheels with a good tire as suggested. 17s if you can get them. You don't have 15x6's, do you? 15 x 7 is the minimum I'd go.
I put the Helwig and some new shocks on my '85, made a nice difference.
I put the Helwig and some new shocks on my '85, made a nice difference.
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Posting Guru
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From: Vancouver Wash USA
Originally Posted by unclejosh
Hello All,
Satisfied owner of a '01 E150 with full cargo package.
I use the van for hauling dirtbikes and camping and dump runs .
I drive twisty roads quite a bit and was wondering how to make the ride more secure.
The following has been suggested to me:
Hellwig rear sway bar
Urethane front bushings for OE sway bar
KYB shocks in front
Any suggestions ?
Thanks in advance.
unclejosh
Satisfied owner of a '01 E150 with full cargo package.
I use the van for hauling dirtbikes and camping and dump runs .
I drive twisty roads quite a bit and was wondering how to make the ride more secure.
The following has been suggested to me:
Hellwig rear sway bar
Urethane front bushings for OE sway bar
KYB shocks in front
Any suggestions ?
Thanks in advance.
unclejosh
Last edited by ken04; Dec 10, 2004 at 01:08 PM.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
Originally Posted by unclejosh
Thanks for your replies!
Is there a preferred KYB ?
If I was on a budget, and could only put one sway bar on- would the rear be a way to go ?
UJ
Is there a preferred KYB ?
If I was on a budget, and could only put one sway bar on- would the rear be a way to go ?
UJ
NO NO!!! Do not do just the rear bar. The OE front bar is waaay too small so if you add a rear bar only you will have too much rear roll stiffness and the van will feel REALLY twitchy.
If you are on a tight budget do what I did; the helwig front bar and the add-a-leaf rear helper springs. The add-a-leaf rear springs were only $26 at Autozone (in the trailer towing section). When I did my van I added the helwig front bar first and LOVED it! If you are only going to do one bar do the front. It will make a big difference.
Just get the standard KYB Gas-a-just.
And as a point of reference, so you will have something on which to judge my advice, I use my van to tow my racecar. I have been racing sportscars for over 20 years, including four national championships. So I know a thing or two on the subject.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
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You guys are super helpful.
What a great forum.
Now that I have offloaded some stuff on ebay, and have some extra $$$, I am ready for mods !
Sounds like Steve's package is a good place to start, will check out Roadmaster as well
Sounds like KYBs all around to start !
Regards,
UncleJosh
What a great forum.
Now that I have offloaded some stuff on ebay, and have some extra $$$, I am ready for mods !
Sounds like Steve's package is a good place to start, will check out Roadmaster as well
Sounds like KYBs all around to start !
Regards,
UncleJosh
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Joined: Apr 2004
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making it safe off road could be achieved by installing 4x4 conversion since its 150 dana 44 could be used in front with leaf springs fabrication is easy and take only 4 brackets only work that you will need hire somebody is installing different output shaft in trainsmision to allow ataching transfer case look how i did mine at http://exposystems.us
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Originally Posted by tomwhysy
making it safe off road could be achieved by installing 4x4 conversion since its 150 dana 44 could be used in front with leaf springs fabrication is easy and take only 4 brackets only work that you will need hire somebody is installing different output shaft in trainsmision to allow ataching transfer case look how i did mine at http://exposystems.us
Got a write-up on how you did it? 
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,245
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From: Vancouver Wash USA
Originally Posted by unclejosh
Thanks, but a little pricy. Looked into Quigley conversion awhile ago........