E250 Suspension

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Jan 10, 2000 | 11:06 AM

karten

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E250 Suspension

I have a 1989 E250 "Supervan", bought new that now has 100,000 miles on it. The handling has deteriorated to the point where it is scary to drive at speed, I replaced the kingpins, and no other steering part has been singled out as in need of replacement. I want to replace f&r springs & shocks, possibly sway bar bushings. Bilstein lists a shock suitable for this vehicle but I have not been able to find springs that will lower the van and improve handling, I do not want to increase load capacity or stiffen the ride.The van has the towing/trailer option.I was told by Belltech springs that they do not offer springs for full size vans and Dendoff springs says there are no lowering kits for full size vans, Any Suggestions would be most helpful.

Jan 15, 2000 | 11:53 PM

DON_1

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E250 Suspension

There's 3 critical issues here. 1) Unless you have a broken or sagging spring, installing news ones will not benefit handling. 2) Radius arms will affect handling. 3) So will loose I-beam mounting brackets. You have given sufficient info in your posting for me to determine that you have "not" had a pro wheel alignment tech work on your van. I doubt you'll find 1 & aford dealer. I live in the n/w suburbs of Chicago & have never found 1 in 25 yrs. of driving ford vans. The alignment pro I use charges me $75/up. To align ford e/f series camber angle, thr I-beams must either be bent or replaced. I'm not into a $600 alignment every 5000mi or so, which is about what a ford dealer would charge you. I drive about 20,000mi a year. That would be a pretty steap price to pay.
The I-beam mounting brackets work loose over time, so they must be checked perodicly. The radius arm bushings wear out & become dead over time time & must be replaced periodicly. Good Luck, DON