CHANGING SUSPENSION... cost efficient?
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Millbrook NY
CHANGING SUSPENSION... cost efficient?
Hello,
I'm pretty sure my suspension all around (front and rear) is beat. Van is lower in front and lower in rear. Was thinking about helper springs but I'd prefer to just replace the springs all together. i just found the front and rear available online. Would there be alot of labor in installing these? Will I spend way too much just to get them installed? If so should I go with the helpers? Any advise would be great.
I always have heavy loads**
Thanks,
Tyler
2000 E350
I'm pretty sure my suspension all around (front and rear) is beat. Van is lower in front and lower in rear. Was thinking about helper springs but I'd prefer to just replace the springs all together. i just found the front and rear available online. Would there be alot of labor in installing these? Will I spend way too much just to get them installed? If so should I go with the helpers? Any advise would be great.
I always have heavy loads**
Thanks,
Tyler
2000 E350
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
If you're hauling heavy loads for an E350 that must be quite a lot of weight!
A somewhat local to me spring shop has quoted me about $400 for rear leafs completely replaced, cost of new U Bolts etc will add a bit. Given they do this all day every day and have the parts in stock I can't see me doing it myself and I'm fairly handy with tools, not afraid to work etc.
Front coils are another matter and would run about $110 each from Ford, installation about $64/side additional. For less than $1,000 very little of it labor itself I'm thinking DIY not the best idea.
Of course if the springs are shot then most likely a number of other suspension components are too----that list could be almost endless. If you go this route spend some money on good shocks or cheap enough you don't mind spending the time needed to change those dreaded things more often.
I'd have the entire steering linkage checked as well---could be time for some rework up there too. I think in the end if your van is known to be in great condition other than bolt-on parts replacing it only gets you something unknown and unproven. My 2000 E250 within the next year will get a new motor and transmission--the body is perfect for my business and even used I've have to spend over $10-12K for something similar.
A somewhat local to me spring shop has quoted me about $400 for rear leafs completely replaced, cost of new U Bolts etc will add a bit. Given they do this all day every day and have the parts in stock I can't see me doing it myself and I'm fairly handy with tools, not afraid to work etc.
Front coils are another matter and would run about $110 each from Ford, installation about $64/side additional. For less than $1,000 very little of it labor itself I'm thinking DIY not the best idea.
Of course if the springs are shot then most likely a number of other suspension components are too----that list could be almost endless. If you go this route spend some money on good shocks or cheap enough you don't mind spending the time needed to change those dreaded things more often.
I'd have the entire steering linkage checked as well---could be time for some rework up there too. I think in the end if your van is known to be in great condition other than bolt-on parts replacing it only gets you something unknown and unproven. My 2000 E250 within the next year will get a new motor and transmission--the body is perfect for my business and even used I've have to spend over $10-12K for something similar.
