change suspension...
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23
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From: Millbrook NY
change suspension...
I have an 00' E350 ext. and I'm pretty sure I need to change the front and rear springs. I'm sure I can find some used rears, but I'm wondering how hard of a job is this or should I just get helper springs for the rear? If anybody has done before please let me know. I'm planning on getting new springs for the front hopefully this isn't too hard either.
Thanks Tyler
Thanks Tyler
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 253
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From: San Marcos, CA
i can think of many tougher jobs on an e350 than changing springs. i think the biggest difficulty is just the weight of the components involved. as for changing the springs, you don't mention why... for the rears, i had a local spring shop make a set for me to suit my uses - ~$350 including new u-bolts and hardware. the shop has an excellent rep and when i pulled the axle for the trac loc 5 yrs after they made the springs, they made another set of u-bolts no charge. can't comment about replacement front springs but i have had the front end apart and didn't have any difficulties.
just my 2 cents
just my 2 cents
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 131
From: Maryville
I put ride-rite air bags inside the coils of my E-350 15 pass to eliminate wear due to my side wheelchair lift, I did it from my wheelchair without removing my tires, you undo the shock top nuts, remove the bolt from the coil strap on the tower, jack the frame to remove the load from the suspension, they will fall to the sides, twist and pull up to lift off the bottom retainer, may require loosening that bolt too. I'd get the Firestone overload bags and put them in the rear, because they can be adjusted for the weight your hauling, for a smoother ride.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 253
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From: San Marcos, CA
i installed helper bags in the rear of my van at one point as i tow a 6k lb boat on a three axle trailer. ended up removing them - this was after the custom rear springs were installed btw - when the van was not towing, the ride became choppy even tho' i reduced the bag pressure to 5 psi per the manual. it is worth noting that the manual/manufacturer recommended removing at least one leaf of the spring pack in the preliminary instructions. so i can't fault the bags outright, i just didn't want to disturb the existing spring setup. they certainly performed as advertized when the van was loaded down.
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