Suspension lift kits August 14, 2019, 03:01:52 pm Has anyone tried to lift the suspension on their LD? We have a new to us 2018 24ft TK that has half the clearance of our old 1987 model. Just wondering if it is feasible.
Re: Suspension lift kits Reply #1 – August 14, 2019, 03:15:08 pm For a small amount of lift, you could add air bags at the rear.There are more elaborate ways to get some lift and still keep it 2wd.Depending on how much lift and what kind of money you want to put into it.This is one company that does lift kits for 2wd Ford vans. Custom Welding Services & Fabrication, Lift Kits - WeldTec Designs
Re: Suspension lift kits Reply #2 – August 14, 2019, 08:53:51 pm Seriously half the clearance level? I measured our 89tk the other day and it had About 8 inches clearance, maybe a little bit more, from the lowest hanging thing to the ground.So new one for half of that means only 4 inches from the ground to the lowest items under the RV?JaneSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Re: Suspension lift kits Reply #3 – August 14, 2019, 09:19:23 pm Anyone with a newer LD willing to get under their rig and take some measurements?
Re: Suspension lift kits Reply #4 – August 14, 2019, 09:24:32 pm Quote from: Linda K - August 14, 2019, 03:01:52 pmHas anyone tried to lift the suspension on their LD? We have a new to us 2018 24ft TK that has half the clearance of our old 1987 model. Just wondering if it is feasible. Where on the rig are you measuring clearance? Is it from the frame to ground, or some low-hanging item?Steve
Re: Suspension lift kits Reply #5 – August 14, 2019, 10:17:39 pm The black and grey tank termination valves were combined on TK models in the past three or so years; not sure of the first year of this change. The combined outlets are still located at the middle of the rig, but they do hang down much lower than the separate black and grey outlets on earlier TKs. The clearance between the ground and the valves *looks* to be about 7” or so, but I have not measured the distances; maybe someone with a single termination outlet TK will post this information.I don’t know if this low-hanging plumbing set-up is the OP’s “clearance” concern.
Re: Suspension lift kits Reply #6 – August 15, 2019, 07:48:21 pm Yes, the remoded T/W holding tank outlet does hang down low and I can see why this would be bothering.While it is something to watch out for (and maybe worth carrying a space set of valves), lifting the rig is going to be expensive and negatively effect its handling.To correctly lift is going to require reworking the front suspension and the addition of heavier sway bars to compensate for the higher center of gravity.None of the kits I found were made for the E450, only the E350 and lower.Camburg Ford E-Series Van 2wd 97-14 Baja Performance Kit | Camburg EngineeringFord E-Series 4" suspension performance package - WeldTec DesignsAn extended pitman arm may be needed to move the steering angles closer the stock specifications The extra length stresses the steering box and can cause it to wear out out much faster .For the rear axle, the right way to lift it is to have a new set of springs built with the proper curvature to match the front lift.The new springs will be longer and may require a new set of spring hangersThe change in ride height will change the driveshaft angles and may develop vibrations that will require shimming the rear axleto correct. Lifting a vehicle throws out the millions of miles of Factory engineering and calibration and requires a bit work to get the suspension, steering and driveshafts angles back close to where the should be.Since this will be a custom built, I would hunt down a shop that has done lifts on the E450s, the coil and leaf springs will need to be a custom order. Lifting is going to make it more difficult to get in and out of the rig, something to think about.I suggest checking with Deaver Springs, in Santa Ana, about having the leaf springs built. They may be helpful in finding the right coil front springs too, along with possible recommendation of a good shop to do the install and alignment. Expect this to be very costly.Larry
Re: Suspension lift kits Reply #7 – August 15, 2019, 08:29:36 pm How about 'C' shaped skids with the ends welded to the frame rails at the longitudinal position of the dump valve ass'y ? the 'depth' of the C would be place them just slightly lower than what they need to protect, to keep them from contacting the ground unnecessarily. Else, possibly appropriately spaced drag casters at the same locations.Steve
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Topic: Suspension lift kits (Read 258 times)
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