Van fever
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 147
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From: Maple- NE corner of NC
Van fever
I don't know why I never seriously considered 4x4 van in the past. It seems the perfect sollution for so many recreation vehicle problems. Don't get me wrong, trucks are cool and so are giant SUVs like the excusion, but the more I look around at the 4x4 vans on thundersgarage.com and ujoint the more I'm like, "Why would I get anything else?"
The vans are freakin sick and can functionally serve the purpose I have been looking for:
-carry plenty of passengers
-lots of storage space
-put my 9ft board inside with my other boards while beach trippin
-carry all the kids toys, kiddie pool, etc.
-great big freakin roof rack for all your gear
-pull a trailer
-have enough room to sleep inside
Why aren't 4x4 vans more popular? I totally don't get it.
ONE QUESTION SHOULD SEAL UP MY DECISION-
Will the 350 and 3500 ride smoothe? I want the power, but will I comprimise by getting a stiff bumpy ride?
The vans are freakin sick and can functionally serve the purpose I have been looking for:
-carry plenty of passengers
-lots of storage space
-put my 9ft board inside with my other boards while beach trippin
-carry all the kids toys, kiddie pool, etc.
-great big freakin roof rack for all your gear
-pull a trailer
-have enough room to sleep inside
Why aren't 4x4 vans more popular? I totally don't get it.
ONE QUESTION SHOULD SEAL UP MY DECISION-
Will the 350 and 3500 ride smoothe? I want the power, but will I comprimise by getting a stiff bumpy ride?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
No 250 / 350 is going to ride smooth unless you completely reworked the suspension.
That is hardly likely with a 4X4 and solid axles front and rear.
If you want a smooth ride, a 150 is the way to go...
Real smooth... convert to air bag suspension.
That is hardly likely with a 4X4 and solid axles front and rear.
If you want a smooth ride, a 150 is the way to go...
Real smooth... convert to air bag suspension.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
From: Ravenna, OH
I would have to disagree a little bit. I don't have a 4x4, but I do have a E350 HD set up for towing. It rides great, a E150 is a better ride. But all and all with a 7.5, 4.10, and HD springs it's not bad. Lots of power and can tow.
There was a '98 E350 4x4 PS Diesel fully loaded with leather dvd EVERYTHING on craigslist last week with 87000 for ........$3850.00 I called :45 minutes after it was listed with a hard on, but it was gone already. Now that's a dream van IMO.
There was a '98 E350 4x4 PS Diesel fully loaded with leather dvd EVERYTHING on craigslist last week with 87000 for ........$3850.00 I called :45 minutes after it was listed with a hard on, but it was gone already. Now that's a dream van IMO.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,558
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From: Laquey, MO
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 401
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Ive got a 2002 350 extended body Quigley.I dont think the ride quality is bad at all.I have had numerous vans over the years(Chevys,Dodges,and Fords)I would never gp back to a 150 again, The brakes and suspension are way too light.My 350's (I have 3 of them) all stop better than my Suburban.The brakes last forever and they dont wear out shocks and springs the way the 150's do.If you look real hard at the weight capacities for the 150's you'll see that it is not that hard to overload them.And if you put the 150's into some hard turns,they get scary real fast. Just my 2 cents.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
Rick --- completely agree.
I softened the ride on my 350 by ditching the Michelins and then going with a 235/85 R16 E tire that is a Goodyear clone.
Drop the front tires to 55 psi -- vs 60 recommend, and the rear to about 70 psi (assuming you don't have much of a load) and the ride is better than the 150.
I softened the ride on my 350 by ditching the Michelins and then going with a 235/85 R16 E tire that is a Goodyear clone.
Drop the front tires to 55 psi -- vs 60 recommend, and the rear to about 70 psi (assuming you don't have much of a load) and the ride is better than the 150.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
From: Ravenna, OH
Over loading a 150 always made me wonder why conversion vans weren't made out of 250. All I see is 150's, sure that's $$$ driven and 350's.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 401
Likes: 20
Gearloose; There is an article about tire pressures and weight loading on the net somewhere.Google "driving in sand" It is a reprint from a 4WD magazine from quite awhile ago.It goes into tire pressures and load ratings.Most people believe the tire should have the pressure marked on the sidewall as max load.If the tire isnt loaded to that weight than it is better to drop the pressure to what is more in line with the true load.That also gives you a better ride and longer tire life.Check out the article.
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