2WD lift

[sbgrimm]

Now that we've decided to keep our 2WD E-250 SMB, I'm thinking about a mild lift. We camp a lot on public lands and drive a lot of dicey roads (well, not too dicey since it's just 2WD). But having some more clearance would be helpful, as would larger wheels and limited slip differential, which are also on the agenda. Right now our van has original factory suspension other than shocks which have been replaced a few times over 193k miles.

My wife has concerns, which I share, that the lift may adversely affect the ride. Right now our van tracks straight and rides smooth, not quite like a Buick but pretty darn comfortable. We don't want to give that up, as the majority of our driving is highway. I don't have any experience with a lift, so I'm hoping forum members can chime in on the question of whether a lift will degrade the ride, make a good ride better, or be neutral.

I'm also interested in recommendations for a mild lift kit, say 2-3 inches, nothing too high. Thanks in advance!

[Grampswrx]

Don't get an action van. I thought the weldtec lift made my van track and handle better while maintaining basically the same ride comfort as before. If you pay for the right kit, you should be happy with how hit rides. My action van rode like a truck, which it didn't do before the lift.

[mikracer]

Also, dont get a camburg kit unless you plan on paying extra to get shocks from Agile Offroad. I had the camburg kit and the "upgraded" shocks that I paid for made it a white knuckle experience. When I sold the kit to a member here, I told him to get the shocks revalved and he seems to really enjoy the ride now.

I think your best bet is to get the Weldtech kit since they give you custom valved shocks and the owner is very involved with the van community. They offer a couple different lift heights too.

[gcvt]

^ This is true.

[Zappo]

I ended up with a suspension lift that was 2” higher in front and 3” in back,I listed a lot of the details under a tire and wheel thread on this site recently if interested

[Zappo]

Redoval has a weldtec lift and runs that thing fast and seems to perform good he has posted some videos,some parts need to be welded on with the best lift being about 4-1/2” over stock even though it says 6”. from what little driving I’ve done since lift last month I’m happy with it and the extra clearance,definitely not as “Buicky” and spongey any more haha

[rallypanam]

Unquestionably Weldtec. And the van will ride better than it does now!

[Zappo]

Don’t forget about possible re-gearing if you go with larger tires,I went with tires just over an inch taller than stock and its not an issue for me and what I use the van for.maybe a member near you or someone selling a lifted van can give you a ride around the block for a general idea,keep us posted!

[RemingtonM]

Let us know what you end up doing. I'm in a similar position, our van drives and handles great on the highway but I'm also interested in adding a lift to it. I like the idea for improved performance off road and aesthetically, but I am worried about it not driving as well on the highway.

[Smoker]

I have a 7.3 EB cargo. I just had the Weldtec 4" kit installed and went with BFG 265's. Definitely rides better than stock around town and on the highway. I haven't taken it off road yet, but it soaks up bumps on the road really well. I haven't measured the true lift, but I'd say it's close to 4" with the larger tires. I highly recommend it if 2WD is good enough for your needs. I also have a 5.4 EB passenger van with a solid axle 4x4 (leaf, not coil). I love that van and it's more capable than my 2WD, but it's pretty stiff. The Weldtec is a more comfy ride. Reality is that I rarely need 4x4 but it provides some measure of security.