Shock Absorber setup for 4x4 Van - seeking advice

[G35Vortec454]

I'm swapping in a Quigley 4x4 setup from an E350 6.8L into my E250 5.8L RV. While I'm there, what would be the best setup for shocks.

My 2WD E250 RV of course is the 8100# GVWR chassis but the mfg had installed an overload spring at the rear. When I swap the E350 parts, I will be using the E350 axles and springs so there should be no need for overload springs. Those wheels and tires on the RV are 19.5s (modest 32 inches tires) and I will likely keep them.

So back to shocks, what shock setup would be ideal for this project - for BEST RIDE and Performance - and reasonable cost? Dual shocks, Single Shocks, Brand/Model, etc.

 

[Bikersmurf]

Best would be Custom Valved 'Fox' shocks from 'Agile Off Road'. While you're building I'd look at their 'Quigley Ride Improvement Package (RIP)'. OEM Ford shocks here are about the same price as custom Fox Shocks... And I'd bet Agile Fox shocks are better than the mediocre Ford ones.

 

[ujoint]

The best thing to do would be a spring that is made for the weight of that rig, not a stock spring that Q put a block under. Then no need for custom shocks, good quality off the shelf will get the job done in the rear. Up front the RIP shocks would be a good option.

 

[G35Vortec454]

The best thing to do would be a spring that is made for the weight of that rig, not a stock spring that Q put a block under. Then no need for custom shocks, good quality off the shelf will get the job done in the rear. Up front the RIP shocks would be a good option.

You're right, of course , Q put a 3" block at the rear!

Where would I order custom leaf springs? What info do I have to give them? Before I order. do I have to have the rear weighed after everything is put in place?

I'll look into Agile's RIP.

 

[G35Vortec454]

Or, after everything is put in place, bring the RV to Agile and let them figure it out?

 

[G35Vortec454]

And btw, I'm removing the rooftop A/C, as it feels the RV is top-heavy; I'm gonna replace it with a split unit with a condenser that mounts either at the rear or under the chassis.

 

[Bikersmurf]

Abitibi brought his Ambo to Agile for 4WD conversion and, from what I've read, is very happy with the result. If bringing your RV to Agile is an option, I'm sure you'd be happy with the result.

Alcan seems to be a good option for springs. Or order some from Chris at U-Joint Off-road or through Agile (so the same work isn't done twice).

I'd weigh your RV before you start tearing into it to get a good idea of the front and rear weights. The front will get heavier, but the rear weight wont change very much. If you throw the transfer case into a box and load it into the RV before you drive over the scales you can have a better idea of weights.

As for the rooftop A/C, I don't think it'd make that big a difference switching to a split unit. When you lift and upgrade your shocks it should reduce the top heavy feel. I'd spend money on a sway bar before a split A/C unit.

 

[mikracer]

Looks like you're only a couple hours away from Agile. If its feasible, I would try to make an appointment to have them take a look and measurements.

 

[ujoint]

Make your mods, get it weighed and then have the springs made. If you plan to get the RIP front shocks anyway then they would be the best option for you.

 

[shenrie]

john at agile is a good dude. I worked with ramsey years ago when him and john were developing the rip kit (iirc, john was working for fox at that time). after talking with ramsey I was sure I wanted to take a chance and ordered a setup before he got slammed with orders. it was the single biggest improvement we have done to our van suspension.

we bought the van sight unseen from Georgia and drove it back. it was apparent from the word go that it was going to be a hairy drive home...all 2500 miles of it. it was basically 2 hands white knuckling the entire way. anything above 55mph was downright scary. wife couldn't even pilot the damn thing. the v1 kit I bought made it so I can one hand steer at 80mph np. the drive is quite enjoyable now. still not perfect, but MUCh more controllable. in fact, ramsey used a quote from me on his website describing the vast improvements his rip kit made. it was a quote from one of my passengers stating that he no longer needed a barfbag to ride in back of our van, lol. ya, it was that bad...

somehow or the other I recently bent a strut rod on the passenger rear and called john to see what my options were for repair. he asked me when I bought the setup and said that they have improved since then and that I should send all 4 to him if possible. I removed and shipped all 4 off. 2 days later he calls to tell me that the one with the bent rod was not worth repairing. he made me a screaming deal on a replacement and changed the valving in the other 3 for next to nothing. I had them back 2 days later. if your within a reasonable distance from agile, definitely give them a call. you wont be disappointed.

 

[Bikersmurf]

john at agile is a good dude. I worked with ramsey years ago when him and john were developing the rip kit (iirc, john was working for fox at that time). after talking with ramsey I was sure I wanted to take a chance and ordered a setup before he got slammed with orders. it was the single biggest improvement we have done to our van suspension.

we bought the van sight unseen from Georgia and drove it back. it was apparent from the word go that it was going to be a hairy drive home...all 2500 miles of it. it was basically 2 hands white knuckling the entire way. anything above 55mph was downright scary. wife couldn't even pilot the damn thing. the v1 kit I bought made it so I can one hand steer at 80mph np. the drive is quite enjoyable now. still not perfect, but MUCh more controllable. in fact, ramsey used a quote from me on his website describing the vast improvements his rip kit made. it was a quote from one of my passengers stating that he no longer needed a barfbag to ride in back of our van, lol. ya, it was that bad...

somehow or the other I recently bent a strut rod on the passenger rear and called john to see what my options were for repair. he asked me when I bought the setup and said that they have improved since then and that I should send all 4 to him if possible. I removed and shipped all 4 off. 2 days later he calls to tell me that the one with the bent rod was not worth repairing. he made me a screaming deal on a replacement and changed the valving in the other 3 for next to nothing. I had them back 2 days later. if your within a reasonable distance from agile, definitely give them a call. you wont be disappointed.

I'm surprised that Quigley is still in business given how bad your's was... yikes.

I can already one hand at 80... but I'd love to see what Agile could do... although possibly it'd be overkill.

 

[shenrie]

^^^ not a Quigley nutswinger, but in their defense, every ball joint was bad and all 4 shocks were spent. tires were e rated, but on their last leg. imo, that will make any heavy vehicle scary at high speeds.

another van owner I know was having similar issues with his smb. his van was converted to 4wd by a company named cbi offroad in Idaho falls. he put a rip kit on his and went from d rated tires to e rated tires and it completely changed the way his van drove as well. he can now drove 80 with only one hand on the wheel as well.

 

[G35Vortec454]

Should I get the RIP kit before I install the front drive axle into my van, and install the RIP kit at the same time?

Or the RIP is to be installed by Agile only?

 

[Regcabguy]

Best would be Custom Valved 'Fox' shocks from 'Agile Off Road'. While you're building I'd look at their 'Quigley Ride Improvement Package (RIP)'. OEM Ford shocks here are about the same price as custom Fox Shocks... And I'd bet Agile Fox shocks are better than the mediocre Ford ones.

Agreed. Agile knows their Ford vans. They won't oversell you.
I've been trying to get my friend in who owns a POS E-350 4x4. It wanders all over the place.

 

[Bikersmurf]

^^^ not a Quigley nutswinger, but in their defense, every ball joint was bad and all 4 shocks were spent. tires were e rated, but on their last leg. imo, that will make any heavy vehicle scary at high speeds.

another van owner I know was having similar issues with his smb. his van was converted to 4wd by a company named cbi offroad in Idaho falls. he put a rip kit on his and went from d rated tires to e rated tires and it completely changed the way his van drove as well. he can now drove 80 with only one hand on the wheel as well.

I see, that explains a lot.

When I bought my Landcruiser it was like that... worn TREs, bald bias tires, crap shocks, toed out 1/4"... couldn't keep it on a bumpy road, at any speed, for love or money. It's surprising what some people drive/sell.

So far my E350 has only had a yard stick alignment. It's had the TREs replaced, all the front end; and the rear springs. It does drive really well... once the rear settles more, and it has new front tires, it'll need an alignment at s shop (rather than with a tape measure).