E350 project

[alaskantinbender]

Tire update

Ran across a cheep set of 35X12.5 BFG AT's with 16.5 rims.
The rim offset really made a difference in the way the van handles. Its more stable both on and off road. The rear end felt a little squirly with the narrow rims and tires.
The rear bumper build is going a little slow. Finding heavy enough spindles for the swing away hinges is a problem The readily available 1000 lb wont be heavy enough. Also with the short summers in Alaska some projects are taking priority over the van.

Regards,

Jim

 

[Clark]

Why wouldn't the 1000 lb spindles be enough. The way I normally see them installed is with the spindle on the axle and the top attached to the top hinge (they drill out the hinge pin and bolt the whole assemble to it)

 

[alaskantinbender]

Dan has had some snap under load in single shear applications.
I saw some 1700lb that we might try.
I havent had time to really come up with a design, we have been doing concrete work all last week.
Possibly using 2 in a double hinge setup might work with a rectangular swing away rack?
Now its time to get ready for the trip back to work monday night.

Here is a pic of what the single sheer looks like.
Also a double hinge set up that looks interesting.

Regards,

Jim

 

[Clark]

I was checking out a sportmobile at the dealer (I just got a service engine soon light so I'm having some codes pulled) and I was checking out their setup. In addition to using the top hinge they had a side support.

 

[FROADER]

Looks great with the 35s. So is that about a 4" lift total then?

 

[ujoint]

Are they rubbing under flex? When turning?

 

[alaskantinbender]

Looks great with the 35s. So is that about a 4" lift total then?

I would say about a 3.5 inch lift or so.
I trimmed 2 inches off the lower rear of the front fender well's to clear the tires. You can see it on the side pic of the van. The drivers side running board had to be moved back 3 inches and the passenger side moved back and trimmed to fit.
No rubbing at all yet, but I haven't done any aggressive off roading either.
Lots of room left for trimming if required.



Regards,

Jim

 

[Rezarf <><]

Hello-

I thought I would throw this out for you...

I used this spindle from Iron Pig Off road and it is working flawlessly.

Tire carrier swing out Spindle

Scroll down a little it is a super heavy duty 1.5" shaft and bronze bushings and a weldable sleeve.

For the price it is a good deal, IMHO.

 

[alaskantinbender]

Hello-

I thought I would throw this out for you...

I used this spindle from Iron Pig Off road and it is working flawlessly.

Tire carrier swing out Spindle

Scroll down a little it is a super heavy duty 1.5" shaft and bronze bushings and a weldable sleeve.

For the price it is a good deal, IMHO.

Thanx for the info, I will check it out.
What size tire are you carrying with your rack? Is it the full size spare listed on your sig line?

Regards,

Jim