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Old 05-29-2013, 03:31 AM   #21
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

Thanks for the detailed post. Found this doing endless google searches on lifted econolines and found this post.

I went with the Action Van lift because of this and I'm really enjoying my van more now.

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Old 07-19-2014, 05:26 PM   #22
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

I put this lift on my 2008 e150. I am very happy with the ride quality, it is very nice with the upgraded shocks and steering dampener, HOWEVER in regards to alignment one thing they don't tell you is that you need a camber and caster kit to get your alignment properly dialed. There is no adjustment with stock. I had action van install the kit but they don't "finish" it to alignment spec. My van slightly pulled to the left - even after traditional "alignment" at a regular shop, new wheels/tires ect... Took it to a custom alignment shop and sure enough the lift throws things out just enough you could have an issue even though it's "within stock spec". Camber and Caster are compromised. e150 are known to have alignment issues and the lift just makes them a little worse. These kits are not cheap and the labor is 3-4 hours as it's a trial and error to get it totally dialed. Just figure this in your budget, its going to be a good $500-700 more by the time your done.
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Old 07-21-2014, 05:26 PM   #23
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

That alignment issue applies to ALL 2WD E-series vans, even without a lift. Any time camber or caster is off, new off-set bushings need to be installed. There are adjustable bushings available, but they are only suitable for vans with lighter front ends. They work loose on heavy vans motorhomes.
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Old 07-21-2014, 05:44 PM   #24
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

What all is involved with replacing those bushings? I would like to lift the front of my E350 with some coil spacers or longer springs but I would have a local shop do the install. Just wondering if those are pretty easy to replace or if they would charge me a lot because its time consuming.
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Old 07-22-2014, 04:36 AM   #25
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

First off this is a very well done and documented write up. Even though its not something I need or would do its interesting how the installation is done and the after results. If I'm nit picking OP I'd suggest paragraphs are our friends, makes for easier reading.

Re: alignment, E-Series in general. I've never had any issues with my completely stock E250's perhaps because I've replaced any component first sign of wear or potential issue---can't afford to be without my van.

One company makes a camber adjustment bushing with wider range than stock, see these guys: http://www.ingallseng.com/59400-full...olt-axles.html I have no direct experience with these but they're widely touted as being good parts that meet or exceed the need.

Replacing the camber bushings isn't complex or all that labor intensive so they alone shouldn't break the bank when installed. If lifting the front with longer springs or spacers it would be a great time to fully inspect and/or consider renewing the ball joints at the same time. Using the Ingalls bushings you should then have more than enough adjustment to align to spec.

HTH
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Old 07-28-2014, 09:13 PM   #26
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

I'll make this my first post, in a very worthwhile thread. Good write-up and good info for those of us on the fence between 2WD/4WD.

Thanks!
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Old 10-27-2014, 10:49 PM   #27
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

Looks great! Excellent write up.

I am seriously considering doing this lift kit to my van since 4x4 conversion is out of my price range. The big concern I have though is the handling in snow and on snow/ice covered mountain roads. I do a lot of trips in these conditions.

Obviously wit the lift you can do bigger/wider tires, so I'm sure that helps. Has anyone had their 2wd Action Van lifted rig out in the snow? What's it like?

Would adding a LSD help for what I want?
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Old 01-05-2015, 08:43 PM   #28
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

Time2mtbike, great write up. Getting ready to do the same. Can you give us a follow up on any alignment sproblems or solutions you have encountered.
Thanks Bob
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Old 01-24-2015, 10:05 AM   #29
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

****THREE YEAR REVIEW AND BEST WHEEL/ TIRE COMBO*****

So I have had the lift kit on my van for almost 3 years now. The van is my daily driver, so I have put more than a few miles on it since the lift kit has been installed. I must say that I am just as happy with the lift kit today as I was with it 3 years ago. So much so that I will be handing down the van to my 16 year old son for his first vehicle. Shortly after the lift kit was installed I put new rims and tires on the van (more on that below) I had the van aligned by Big-O when they put the tires on. Nothing fancy, just a basic alignment. The van has tracked perfectly, no pulling to either side and with recommended tire rotations and balancing, no uneven wear on the tires at all. The only thing I noticed was when I put the more aggressive/ larger tires on that it does want to fallow uneven or grooved areas of the pavement more.
As far as the tire and wheel combo I chose; I spent way more time researching the best size tire and rim combo and best off set of the rim than I care to admit. So I hope this saves you some time.
The rims that I went with was a 17"x9" with a -12mm off set. The first set of tires I installed were 285-70-17, which looked great and was what I really wanted. They filled up the wheel well gap the best but at full turn of the steering wheel the tread on the tire would catch the fender lip, so I ended up going with a 265-70-17 load rang E. This gave me a all around best look/ drivability combo.
I didn't do any re-gearing of the rear end and it's been fine with this set up but any bigger tires I would say you will need to. At speeds below 45mph the speedometer is close to dead on by the time I get to 70mph on my speedometer I am doing 74 to 75mph.



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Old 01-24-2015, 11:13 AM   #30
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Re: 2WD lift kit-Install and Review part I, II, III and verd

Looking Good! Excellent write up. Your article is what initially led me to this forum while searching for 2wd van lift kit for my own van. Are you using wheel spacers on the rear? or steering stabilizer ?
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