1997 Lift and Tire Question E350 Ambulance

[motoboy125]

Hey Folks,

So I I just ordered a 2inch lift block for the front of my 2wd rig "which btw the shipping that Maxx Lift charges is outrageous!" but I have a question. So it stink bugs pretty bad for one it's a diesel and 2 the springs may be sagged. I really want to be able to squeeze 285/75r16 tires on it because the 265/75r16 are way to small in my opinion. Do you guys think I can fit the 285's? It will be used for Offroad Rescue for the Best in the Desert series. Also what's a good Cheap tire to run. I was going to go with Dynapro ATM or Discount Tire Brand Pathfinder All Terrian.

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

You could have replaced the springs and gotten the same lift and better spring rate for less than those lame lift blocks.

285s will not fit without fender trimming.

How are you going to do Offroad Rescue with 2wd?

 

[motoboy125]

I have a rear air locker helps a ton but havnt used it at the races yet. I wanted to get tires and wheels 1st. And springs I thought cost over $300 and I really don't have that right now. Unless you know of a company that will do it cheaper? I can return those blocks

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

Search through here for the springs people have been using, get several samples to figure out the right ones - between $80 and $190 a pair.

Is this a single or dual rear wheel rig? Lots of used tire and wheel combos on craigslist for cheap.

Locker will help as will the bigger tires (aired down when appropriate) but you are going to be limited to where you can go on the courses.

 

[villageidiot327]

moog 880S is a popular spring with the diesel van owner, usually yields 1.5=2" of lift. they're ~$80

i have some springs, not the 880s, but you can have em for nothin, if ya come pick em up in tustin..... link here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/137400-Van-parts-for-sale-sticky?p=2137534#post2137534

 

[Bikersmurf]

good luck getting 2" with 880S on a diesel with 3k on the front axle (empty)... could be wrong. Rock Auto lists the 880s installed height at 12"... mine sit at 13.5" on the ambulance. 2" would have to be 15.5" and given the free height is 16.6" I'm skeptical since OE springs compress 2.75" and Moog specs put them way lower than that. I'd be happy for someone to prove me wrong, but I don't think the Super Duty springs would lift so a heavy rig that much.

Rock Auto hand extra load coils... not enough info to tell if they'd lift.

I'd replace the coils, and then add blocks... or save up for a Weldtech lift.

How high to the top of your fender wells? Can compare to mine with new springs and tell how saggy your's is. Mine are stock Ford... but it sits much higher than the last Ford Ambo I parked beside.
BTW rear springs need to have a 4000lb + rating or they'll be saggy. A spring shop sold me a stock replacement set... after install I learned they are rated for 3300 lbs not the 4000 the stock ones were. It sits lower than with 2 broken leaves that had been like that for 2 years... not good.

 

[VOODOO7.3]

I agree with Bikersmurf about carefully selecting coils for the heavy diesel. Many do not tell you their weight rating. I'm sure some guys might tell you to look for progressive rate coils, but the diesel will just keep the top few coils fully compressed all the time! I have a 2003 EB with 7.3 diesel and I went with Tough Truck Springs TTC-2814 Heavy Duty coils for $190 pair. They are constant rate coils about 7/8" rod thickness rated for 3930 lbs. My factory coils were sagging unevenly and these really helped out a-lot. I have no issues or tire rub with my 265/75 Load Range E, Michelin LTX. I am extremely happy with these and it no longer dives into turns, which I prefer. If I go to larger tires, I will also add the billet 2" spacers, extended radius arms, etc. because I'm not rock crawling in a van! http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10176

If you are building a seriously heavy rig, or for the guys with motorhomes, winches, front roof weight, there are the TTC-2815, 5,000 lb Extra Heavy Duty coils. http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10177

There are also Super Springs SSC-30 coils that are rated for 3935 lbs. and add 1 1/2" lift over stock. These are unfortunately they are $317 including shipping. http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17558

In the rear I went with 7 leaf springs in addition to my factory overload springs because I tow a heavy trailer. They lifted the rear at least 2" more and my van weighs about 8300 lbs. with me in it. Hope that helps. Cheers!

 

[Sleam]

Hi, can I hijack the thread? I have a 2003 Dodge B1500 van that I just took on a three month trip of 7800 miles. It sags, hangs low over the fenders. I have BFG AT tires which helped a lot! What springs/ coils do you recommend? Thanks!