2003 E450 7.3 powerstroke - conversion from air suspension to coil springs?

[ktr]

I've got an E450, a former ambulance. It's a great truck (rwd), but I'm completely and totally sick of the goddamn air suspension.


I have either fixed it myself, or had it fixed exactly twenty times now, counting only the times it actually stopped the truck from being used for a few days. Each time, it was a different part. From electrical to the switches, to the hardware, to just freezing in the cold. I can't stand it anymore.


Anyone done a conversion from air suspension to coils for one of these? There's actually no mounts on the frame for the normal suspension parts. Thanks.

[carringb]

Do you have pics, or at least know what system it is?

Coils are most likely a no-go, but restoring leaf springs should be straightforward, although you'd take a hit in ride quality unless your build puts your loaded weight closer to RAWR.

[TomsBeast]

Without having seen it, I'd guess your van started out with factory leaf spring and shocks. The ambulance upfitter likely removed all of that in favor of the much better riding air system. After 20 repairs, you could put a fork in me too, I'd be DONE. Over it.



It's pretty easy to locate an E450 box van ay a wrecking yard, I'd consider comparing what you have currently, see what brackets have been cut off the frame, or maybe they just unbolted stuff, and access the feasability of just converting it back yourself. I'll warn you through, it's 3lb sledge, floor jack and pry bar, steel toed boots wearin', finger pinchin' heavy work. Certainly not difficult, but...



Before you do, take a bunch of pics of the air ride system, you might find that someone else, tired of their factory leaf suspension, would buy it from you.

[Vanimal]

What about 3.5 or 4.0 Coil overs.