Why is it so hard to find performance parts for vans? Been searching the internet and have not had too much luck.

Presently I am looking to upgrade from an Astro to a 2008 E350. Plans are for a lift, wheels and tires, gears, locker, headers, catback system, cold air system and a power tuner.

Any leads would be great

LeadDoggy out

 

Hotrodding vans is pretty "uncool" these days--these aren't "fun" vehicles in most peoples' books, and there is no NASCAR van racing class. If you want a serious lift, look to Camburg Engineering (google for their website). Wheel wells are not big enough for huge tires, because they save room for cargo inside, so you won't fit big tires unless you go with a giant lift, and then the van will be really tippy...and of course you're gonna wreck your gas mileage (which doesn't start out that great in the first place).

Gears and lockers are gonna be available with a great selection....since the rear end is the same as a pickup. I had an Eaton Posi put in my '02 E150 when it was new, and that works really well, no really abrupt locking.

As for headers, catback, cold air system, and power tuner, good luck....you *may* be able to adapt some pickup pieces, but I wouldn't expect much.

Dunno if I'd start with a new van with plans to modify it--value will sink like a stone, and you may lose the warranty....and recent used vans are dirt cheap these days.

George

 

as yogeorge states the rear gears will have plentiful options
but they are diff. from the trucks
the vans are running dana axles and the frame width is diff from the trucks
this is where you find problems using truck parts on the vans
many truck items can be used but you have to learn by trial and error
as to what does and does not work
as far as tuners go, make a call to the company of choice
and they should be able to set up a tuner for it
wheels and tires are plentiful

 

Thanks for the reply. I have done some research on Camburg and have read that most people are happy with their lifts. Don't want to go too big on the tires as for reasons you listed. Gears would be for the difference in the tire size if it is needed. Limited slip diffs are good, but I am willing to deal with the noise that lockers make. It's not going to be a daily driver as for I have a Harley and a Honda Civic to drive. Planning on using the van to haul my Honda XR600 around with my receiver rack, camping and for hitting dirt trails in Big Bear, Mammoth Lakes and the like.

As for the purchase, I am looking for used. I have seen a few white '08 but I'm looking for a Burgandy 12 passenger.

 

I've seen a few lifted vans 4x4 brand new on some dealerships lots

 

ford?? i think they are from Quigley. I know they sell through dealerships.

 

LeadDoggy knows about the Quigley 4x4 and just can't part with the money for something that he won't use that much. A 4x4 van would be great, and even used it's hard to find at a decent price that I could swing. Yes, Yes, "Dollar Down, Chase Me Around" sign your name on the dotted line, it's the American way.
For now, a slightly used 2008 Maroon 12 passenger short wheelbase E350 5.4L is what I am in the market for.

 

ok, they are expensive.

 

Hello LeadDoggy:

May I suggest looking for a used Quigley passenger van.

I see that you are out in California, from other posts I have read I have discovered that up here in New England some of the states have issues with lift kits and tall tires.

My van is a Quigley conversion, and any Ford dealership can order you one. My van was Titled with the Quigley conversion certificate, that avoided any restrictions on aftermarket lifts. (I never bothered to check Connecticut's regs.)

Quigley has an option (which in hindsight I should have taken) that takes advantage of the Ford's extra space between the door and the front wheel well (GM vans don't have any room to spare). Quigley opens up the wheel well in order to accommodate over sized tires and still maintains Ford's warrantee for the body.

The Quigley lift is 4" front and 3.5" rear as I recall.

I am looking at mounting 19.5" rims on my van with taller tires and hope no-one probes any further than checking my registration.
Rickson Truck Wheels and Accessories

I too want to re-gear the differentials to regain the towing torque when I mount the 19.5" rims.

As my van is a diesel and I have found that only K&N had a filter (no-one had a cold air kit).

As for power tuners for a gas engine, I know that the diesel is derated for the vans compared to the pickup trucks, but don't know for sure why. I wonder if the same derating holds true for a large gas engine. In my situtation I was told by one power tuner company that I just can't load a Ford OEM pickup truck map for a fast & safe power increase, that there is more to the differences (????) between the van and the pickup truck.

Best wishes in your endeavor,
Dave

 

For engine stuff check Banks Engineering. I know they have V10 van headers and cold air intakes, etc... Not sure about any of the other engines. The V10 was the only thing I was interested in at the time.

 

Clubwagon is right,
Banks has a complete exhaust system headers and everything for econoline vans. I looked into the v-10 and they had a complete system for that, not sure about the v-8. They have it under class c(?) motorhome exhaust upgrade. Apparently there are a lot of motorhomes built off of the econoline chassis.