Where can I get DRWs?
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Where can I get DRWs?
In earlier thread re: difference F350/E350 it has been recommended I instal DRWs on my V-10 CW. I live in the San Jose Bay Area (Ca.) and I've called a few Ford dealers and when asked about DRWs they draw a blank. Most had no idea what I was talking about.
Anyone in the area that might know a place that can do the retro-fit?
Thanks
Eddie
Anyone in the area that might know a place that can do the retro-fit?
Thanks
Eddie
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Joined: Jun 2003
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A site to look at that has links to DRW suppliers is www.vanangels.com. It details the safety concerns and provides solutions.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
From vanangels
> least 50% of the weight is distributed to the left-rear tire under normal load
> conditions,
I disagree with this and would havet o see this statement proved.
> causing the left rear tire to wear out 3x faster than the the other three
> tires on the van.
Not on any van I have owned.
Now ... I have been driving the highway a lot lately in this summer heat and have seen many vans, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, with blown left rear wheels. I think I know why. CURBED! I think people curb the tires when making tight left hand turns at intersections. I have done it myself, which made me think of this, when I thought "hope I didn't blow the sidewall". This breaks belts.
Curbs at right hand turns are usually lower and round, left hand curbs at intersections are usually high and square. Food for thought.
> least 50% of the weight is distributed to the left-rear tire under normal load
> conditions,
I disagree with this and would havet o see this statement proved.
> causing the left rear tire to wear out 3x faster than the the other three
> tires on the van.
Not on any van I have owned.
Now ... I have been driving the highway a lot lately in this summer heat and have seen many vans, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, with blown left rear wheels. I think I know why. CURBED! I think people curb the tires when making tight left hand turns at intersections. I have done it myself, which made me think of this, when I thought "hope I didn't blow the sidewall". This breaks belts.
Curbs at right hand turns are usually lower and round, left hand curbs at intersections are usually high and square. Food for thought.
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jrh32, I have gone to that website and it does not list any dealers in the west coast. However, just today I saw GregA's reply and he directed me to what I believe may be the answer to my problem. It's the Roadmaster Active Suspension system. I watched their videos and from what I've seen and read I may go with this system instead of the DRW's. There are no prices on their website, but they gotta be cheaper than DRW's.
Eddie
Eddie
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 465
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From: Connecticut
I agree, rebocardo; I've been towing with mine for a while and have not noticed anything untowards with the left rear tire. I suspect the root problem with these vans is just as the NTSB indicated: it takes a different skillset to drive them, especially when things go wrong. I've taken my extended family in the van and it's easy to notice - if you pay attention - how the handling is dramatically different. You just can't drive these things like a regular car and expect to get away with it. A part-time coach and/or volunteer that drives a Toyota Camry ust can't be expected to have those skills; the results illustrate that.
That aside, I DO like the DRW conversion. This is the first I've seen of it. I think it would make a fine addition to my tow vehicle, and at ~$2100 that's not really too bad a cost...I do wonder what the additional bending load on the axles would do long term.
That aside, I DO like the DRW conversion. This is the first I've seen of it. I think it would make a fine addition to my tow vehicle, and at ~$2100 that's not really too bad a cost...I do wonder what the additional bending load on the axles would do long term.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
> You just can't drive these things like a regular car and expect to get away with it.
I agree, I use a GPS for speedo on my 4x4 E-250 and made my wife promise to not go over 55 mph because of the used 16.50 tires I put on and because of some steering issues.
When figuring out mileage I found out she was doing 74 in a 55 with the van. Tires had to be shaking at that speed, I wasn't taking it over 55 for that reason. Found out the problem was a bad belt on the inside of the tire when I was checking the balljoints.
So, instead of buying a second Club Wagon, I fixed her Chevy Impala and the only way I will get another Club van (that she will put the five kids in) is one with DRW.
I was plenty peeved, besides killing her the van would crush anything smaller it hit or rolled on since the frame sits 30 something inches off the ground and the roof is 86 inches high. Probably tips the scales at 7k pounds empty.
> I do wonder what the additional bending load on the axles would do long term.
Nothing, the Dana 70 is pretty beefy. I know people witrh DRW Dodge trucks that overload and abuse them and the only thing that fails is the shocks after 100,000s of miles.
I agree, I use a GPS for speedo on my 4x4 E-250 and made my wife promise to not go over 55 mph because of the used 16.50 tires I put on and because of some steering issues.
When figuring out mileage I found out she was doing 74 in a 55 with the van. Tires had to be shaking at that speed, I wasn't taking it over 55 for that reason. Found out the problem was a bad belt on the inside of the tire when I was checking the balljoints.
So, instead of buying a second Club Wagon, I fixed her Chevy Impala and the only way I will get another Club van (that she will put the five kids in) is one with DRW.
I was plenty peeved, besides killing her the van would crush anything smaller it hit or rolled on since the frame sits 30 something inches off the ground and the roof is 86 inches high. Probably tips the scales at 7k pounds empty.
> I do wonder what the additional bending load on the axles would do long term.
Nothing, the Dana 70 is pretty beefy. I know people witrh DRW Dodge trucks that overload and abuse them and the only thing that fails is the shocks after 100,000s of miles.
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