I want to give my rig an edge. I came across this lift kit and wanted to know if it will work and advice. Here is the link to it:http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Search?catalogId=10101&storeId=10101&sku=bas470070 f

My van is a '84 E150 5.8W 4bbl, C6, with a 9'' rearend. Its needs all new suspension and the way it sits is kinda dinky.



Thanks in advance for you reply.

 

I just bought an E-350 4x4 van. I'm searching for a lift kit also, because I want to run 35" tires. If you want a body lift this link might help:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...l#Applications

Here is a pic of the monster I just bought. Unfortunately it's at my friends place for the next month.

 

Sweet Econoline! I love the windows all lined up. Looks like a safari rig. What size engine that thing have?

I thought of body lifting but it would be a pita. I think a suspension lift would be more beneficial to me. I'm putting a hitch on it next week and want to beef it up as much as possible so I can tow racecars around the speed shops.

 

The windows (second to the 4wd) were a big selling point for me also. It has a Ford 460 and dual gas tanks (40 gallons total). I'm excited about $120 fill ups and 10 mpg, but not worried about it. I only drive about 5,000 miles a year (not counting big road trips). I pick it up from my friends place in a month and get to take my first road trip from Denver to Norfolk. I'm leaning towards repainting it, possibly silver or white with black trim and a full length black powder coated safari rack. Some friends suggested adding sidepipes with an open throaty exhaust, but I'll decide that after a couple months of driving and reearch.

I understand a body lift to me fairly easy and able to be done by two people at home in about 6 hours. It's supposed to be cheaper also. I want to stuff 35's under it, so a 2.5" lift should do the trick. Later, depending on cost, I might look into a 3" suspension lift.


I sent an email to pathfindervans.com about their lift kits. This is the response I got:
"I do know that some van owners have installed lift spacers from a bronco or suburban, but I don't offer a kit per say. I do have taller lift blocks for the rear and you can have some 1 to 2 inch spacers flame cut and install them under the coil springs (if you have coils). If you have leaf springs in the front, I am working on having lift springs made in 2 and 4 inch lifts later this summer."


Any links or info you find out I would love to hear. This topic is oon every van forum, yet no-one has much info. There's a shop in CA that does awesome suspension work on E series vans, but I think they only do newer vans and don't sell kits.

 

I lifted my '86 E-150 about 10 years ago. Have lots of digital pics, but can't figure out how to paste any here using the "URL" as required. Used 3 inch lift blocks and bought the correct bolts locally. Cost me less than $200. MUCH easier to change plugs now, better cooling (room for hot air to get around the engine and out. . .) and less noise and heat with the added air space between the engine/trans/exhaust. Also did my '03 V-10 Excursion and converted to all electric fans. Both handle just as well because the C.G. is still much lower that with a suspension lift. Also no need for special shocks, brake lines, on and on. . . I can send photos if you'll message me.

Good luck whatever way you choose.

George/CalEx4x4

 

For the reasons you mentioned I had decided to go with a 2.5-3" body lift. A suspension lift could come later, but a body lift will do the trick and get me what I want right now.

I'd like to hear what you had to do with the steering column, fuel filler necks and any other items that neded attention after the lift. If you could email me pictures at ferrariguyhi@aol.com. To post on here you can use http://imageshack.us/ and upload them there and provide a link to them here.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I was looking under the rear of my '04 E350 15 pass. to see if it's possible to get some extra height with a shackle, etc. I noticed on the rear of the leaves, there appears to be a drop shackle on there already. Would that be something that's deleted for the ambulance package, due to the extra weight? Or is it not even a "drop shackle"? The total height difference is about 4" at the shackle, I know that translates to a lesser difference at the wheel, but I don't know the formula for calculating that. I took a couple pics, you can see them at the link below.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...nj/spring1.jpg
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...nj/spring2.jpg

 

Never mind, I just figured out that it's a swingarm, and not removeable.

 

That looks like a normal shackle for a Ford vehicle.

 

CalEx4x4 send me an email with pics at: bobpearson90278@yahoo.com

I would rather opt for a suspension lift. I think I would gain more function out of it. Although the body lift does has some good aspects.

 

I've only found one suspension lift, it's quite expensive, it includes a custom built I-beam, coil springs, lift blocks and brake lines, no other way due to the I-beams requiring replacement. A bodylift, is cheaper, but will need some heavy jacks and beams to raise the body, will need to remove the engine cooling fan first, or it'll destroy the shroud and/or radiator. I want a 2" bodylift in my 99 E-350 for the extra space and air gap for the engine bay, can't do myself or afford to have it done for any price.

 

imo, If you decide on a bodylift, you should go with solid poly mounts 4-5" high with a metal center sleeve and skip lift blocks entirely.

 

I've got one too. :-) Suspension lift here though. Maybe someday I'll bite off the body lift project. I'd do it for the added room in the engine compartment alone. Although I am 6'6 and already need to use the running boards to get in. It would really be up there with 3-4 inches of body lift!

 

Nice looking van. You trimmed the front fender, didn't you? Is that the only way to get clearance to turn?

 

The 4x4 vans are easier to suspension lift than the standard 2wd vans, there are no drop brackets, there is no way to use your stock I-beams even with a 2" lift from coil spacer.
The bodylift blocks from a Suburban should work, there are enough of them that they are not going to collapse, you don't want the ones for trucks because the ones for the bed are just metal squares turned on their side. Some people have made them from thick round pipe, the kind suitable for supporting weight, cut to a height of 2" or 3" with a thick washer welded squarely on the top and bottom of each one.