qustion radius arm / damper connection

[GGE]

Hi,

I‘m mostly read and try to learn, but can‘t do the same, because I‘m living in germany and a lot of modifications are not allowed - you are lucky to do all in the US

Question to ask. I will change parts of my suspension, the van has 203k mls. Want to buy Bilstein damper, mybe springs to get 2“ more high.
The threadbolt where the lower damper is connected to the radius arm has a not correct, or different - means shorter lengh! Don‘t know why, if a previous owner has cut it or for whatever reason.

before working on it, I‘ld like to ask if I have to buy a new radius arm, or is it possible to get a replacement only for the threadbolt?

Thanks for any help or tip

cheers
Gunter

[Lilnuts2]

Post a picture of that lower damper mount.

[E-350]

Moin Gunter

I got a 5.4 gas, not sure if the diesel is supposed to look the same.
Here’s a pic of my lower bolt.

Greetz from California to Wuerselen and Aachen!

And now in German ;-)


Moin Gunter

I hab den 5.4l Benziner und bin mir nicht sicher ob’s beim Diesel gleich aussieht.
Hier ein Foto von meinem unteren Bolzen.

Gruesse aus Kalifornien nach Wuerselen und Aachen!

[GGE]

sorry, forgot the picture…

first is inside, with a not original nut (left side of the picture is the damper, means goes to the top) other is outside, seems like original others I found in some pictures.
Radius arms looks the same like your‘s E-350
thanks

and special greetz to Wuerselen/Aachen from Euskirchen

Rhinland folks is everywhere in the world…
Rheinland treibt sich überall rum

Gunter

[TomsBeast]

there's youtube video that might help, he replaces a common broken off lower shock mount on an econoline van with Dorman p/n 31001

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQjmzvCeaXk

universal shock bolt:
https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-HELP-3.../dp/B000COB5BM

[GGE]

thank‘s Tom,

seem‘s I‘m not the first with this kind of problem.
Will order Dorman #31001 and work on this.

[JWA]

Originally Posted by GGE

thank‘s Tom,

seem‘s I‘m not the first with this kind of problem.
Will order Dorman #31001 and work on this.

Do be certain to drill the hole as close to the diameter of the Dorman replacement part---too much clearance and the assembly will loosen over time and possibly fall out---don't ask me how I know!

Once you have the replacement ready to tighten use LocTite "red" or #271 along with the lock washer in order to achieve the best results.

[GGE]

good hint @jwa,

can also try to use a thread cutter after drilling to screw the dorman replacement in, and lock/safe it with the nut, plus LocTide.

[JWA]

Originally Posted by GGE

good hint @jwa,

can also try to use a thread cutter after drilling to screw the dorman replacement in, and lock/safe it with the nut, plus LocTide.

Great idea however the weld area where the OEM stud is fitted is quite hard so drilling and tapping the hole is not an easy task.

If you're successful with that operation make sure to use the Dorman-supplied nut and lock washer anyway.