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Old 07-25-2017, 09:42 AM   #1
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95 EB Lowrider

Just bought a 2wd 95 EB with the penthouse top and 4.9 straight 6. It seems like it's sitting really low. It's got 225 75 16 tires and there's not really room for more tire. Also it drives more like an RV than a van kind swallows. I need some help with this because we do a lot of fireroad driving to get to trailhead.

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Old 07-25-2017, 12:14 PM   #2
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Ride-quality:
The wallowing you're describing is probably largely a function of the shocks. (Are they the originals from 1995? The OEM Ford shocks on E150's and E250's were both kind of mushy)

Switching to a set of Bilsteins (even their "comfort" series) will yield a more controlled ride than the original Ford shocks. (Which, if indeed are the originals, are probably pretty worn out and ready for replacement no matter what.)

Good thread on choosing shocks for a non-lifted 2WD Sportsmobile:

new shocks for 2WD E250
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...250-12329.html


Tires:

In most cases on the Ford van stock suspension/ride height, you can usually move up to size 245/75R16 tires and they'll fit just fine. (And they work fine on the original Ford rims too.)

Here's a thread on the largest tires you can fit on the Ford vans with the stock suspension (and also with various amounts of lift.)

biggest tire size to not rub without a lift 2wd
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...2wd-14997.html

Ride Height / Lift:


If you're really interested to get a bit more lift/ride height, perhaps 1-2", (and then potentially move up to a size 265/75R16 tire), you can look into inexpensive options like coil spacers (or different springs from perhaps an E350) in the front, and lift blocks in the rear.

*** but be sure to note --- anytime you lift a Ford Van front end significantly, you're going to usually get into having to make some adjustments to the alignment (in particular caster/camber.) ***

Here's a couple good threads on the subject of 2WD mild/inexpensive lifts.

Video on installing a 2" leveling kit on E350 2wd
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...2wd-18226.html

Cheap Lift For a 2wd
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...-2wd-3349.html

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Old 07-25-2017, 01:43 PM   #3
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I checked some of the links out. It looks like suspension is sagging in the rear. Would an add a leaf and some E350 springs raise it up?
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Old 07-25-2017, 03:57 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Squirrel_murphy View Post
I checked some of the links out. It looks like suspension is sagging in the rear. Would an add a leaf and some E350 springs raise it up?
To try and answer that, the knowledgeable community here would first really need to see (at minimum) some good photos of how your van currently sits and also perhaps some good detail photos of what the current rear leaf-spring pack looks like........as well as an understanding of what its original factory-designated-and-built suspension setup is.

From the factory, E150's sit lower than E250's....E250's sit lower than E350's....etc.

So, at minimum:

1) Tell us what your SMB is based on --- is it an E150 or an E250?

2) post a pic of your van (a nice side view taken from perhaps across the street so there's a nice even perspective) here so everyone can see how it's currently sitting.

3) take/post some photos of your rear leaf springs, so people can see what kind of setup (and condition of the springs) you've got going. People are going to want to see how many leaves make up your rear spring pack, and how far down its "sagging" as you say. If it's sitting down all the way onto its overload springs, then those leaves are in need of attention for sure.

and

4) Lastly --- do you know your van's weight? (Ideally, the separate weights measured over both the front and rear axle?) This will be solid information to have when strategizing any changes to your springs front and rear.
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Old 07-25-2017, 04:17 PM   #5
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^ Some pics in the OP's gallery.
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Old 07-25-2017, 05:01 PM   #6
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I just updated my 98 E250 springs with a new 4/1 set from ATS Springs. Made a HUGE difference in ride and really got the van's rear end up where it should be. All in it was around $600 installed.
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Old 07-25-2017, 06:25 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gcvt View Post
^ Some pics in the OP's gallery.
Hey cool -- that is definitely a good start on being helpful for getting a sense of how much rear-suspension "sag" the OP is describing.

Will be interesting to learn a bit more about the model of van (E150 vs E250) as well as see some more / learn a bit more about the condition and build of the rear spring packs.

btw --- does anyone else find it a bit unusual to come across a 6-cylinder-engined EB Sportsmobile? Seems a very unique/unexpected build configuration. Nice-looking clean rig.
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Old 07-25-2017, 06:26 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by gcvt View Post
^ Some pics in the OP's gallery.
Hey cool -- that is definitely a good start on being helpful for getting a sense of how much rear-suspension "sag" the OP is describing.

Pic here........
Sportsmobile Forum - Squirrel_murphy's Album: Smb - Picture

Will be interesting to learn a bit more about the model of van (E150 vs E250) as well as see some more / learn a bit more about the condition and build of the rear spring packs.

btw --- does anyone else find it a bit unusual to come across a 6-cylinder-engined EB Sportsmobile? Seems a very unique/unexpected build configuration. Nice-looking clean rig.
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Old 07-25-2017, 06:26 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gcvt View Post
^ Some pics in the OP's gallery.
Hey cool -- that is definitely a good start on being helpful for getting a sense of how much rear-suspension "sag" the OP is describing.

His pics here........
Sportsmobile Forum - Squirrel_murphy's Album: Smb

Will be interesting to learn a bit more about the model of van (E150 vs E250) as well as see some more / learn a bit more about the condition and build of the rear spring packs.

btw --- does anyone else find it a bit unusual to come across a 6-cylinder-engined EB Sportsmobile? Seems a very unique/unexpected build configuration. Nice-looking clean rig.
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Old 07-25-2017, 07:24 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MountainBikeRoamer View Post

btw --- does anyone else find it a bit unusual to come across a 6-cylinder-engined EB Sportsmobile? Seems a very unique/unexpected build configuration. Nice-looking clean rig.
Some older F series trucks had straight six 300 cu in motors that were well regarded...have no idea on the vans......
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