Homebrew leveling kit vs Weldtec Kit

[danjr]

First off, I have done lots of reading and research, but haven't been able to find an answer to my exact question.

If a guy were trying to level/lift 1-2" the front end of an e350 with a 5.4 and 9600 GVWR:

Option 1:
MOOG CC880 variable rate springs ~$100
Aftermarket shocks (bilsteins most likely) ~$225
Alignment cams ~$30
Total: $365

Option 2:
Weldtec Performance leveling kit including:
Progressive springs (not sure of load rating)
Bent Radius arms
Agile tuned Fox shocks
Alignment cams
Total: $899.99 +shipping

If going route of option 1, will there be adverse handling effects compared with option 2? In other words, do you really need the radius arms? This is the largest thing I haven't been able to find.

Is there a significant difference in going with the agile tuned fox shocks vs the bilsteins or other more affordable aftermarket?

Van will be getting a steering stabilizer either way.

Thanks in advance for the comments and opinions.

 

[grampswrx]

It’s kind of a McDonald’s v steak question. Both will fill you up, but one is higher quality and higher priced. If your concern is more for budget than performance, get the cheaper kit. If you really need the performance more than the look, weldtec is amazing.

I personally don’t love how bilsteins ride, but love my fox shocks.


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[Raul]

I think Weldtec will give you more than 2" and the are are bent to correct camber limitations of the TTB system .

I did the MOOG CC880 + Bilstein on my 2000 E150 5.4. I was very pleased with the results, but even with the two piece cams I was never able to get a perfect alignment (Camber off) . Since I do not do a lot of miles on the vans I was fine with the odd wear, just rotate more often.

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

I did 880s for my diesel and cams..extra leaf pack in the back..now on 33s..

Fox 2.0 ($450 all the way around from catzauto on Facebook)

Front springs from advanced auto shipped $80

Rear springs from junk yard off 90s f350 $50

No more sway..more load capacity..better ride!!

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[Bikersmurf]

I did 880s for my diesel and cams..extra leaf pack in the back..now on 33s..

Fox 2.0 ($450 all the way around from catzauto on Facebook)

Front springs from advanced auto shipped $80

Rear springs from junk yard off 90s f350 $50

No more sway..more load capacity..better ride!!

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

Still looking a little low in the front.

How much lift did it net front/rear?

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

Still looking a little low in the front.

How much lift did it net front/rear?

2.5 in the front and a massive 4
5-5 in the back..when its loaded with 5 peoples camping gear or 7 people,(one oversized teenager) and 2 dogs its pretty level..also my 14ft cargo trailer will level it nice when loaded,

(I gave her an intentional butt lift)

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[Bikersmurf]

2.5 in the front and a massive 4
5-5 in the back..when its loaded with 5 peoples camping gear or 7 people,(one oversized teenager) and 2 dogs its pretty level..also my 14ft cargo trailer will level it nice when loaded,

(I gave her an intentional butt lift)

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

Mine sits a little tail high also... it helps out with the long tail overhang(5'). When it sat level it wasn't hard to drag the rear bumper on the ground when going up steep driveways.

 

[danjr]

It’s kind of a McDonald’s v steak question. Both will fill you up, but one is higher quality and higher priced. If your concern is more for budget than performance, get the cheaper kit. If you really need the performance more than the look, weldtec is amazing.

I personally don’t love how bilsteins ride, but love my fox shocks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do you mind sharing some further details on your experience with the bilsteins vs the fox shocks? Did you go the homebrew route then switch to the Weldtec kit?

 

[danjr]

I did 880s for my diesel and cams..extra leaf pack in the back..now on 33s..

Fox 2.0 ($450 all the way around from catzauto on Facebook)

Front springs from advanced auto shipped $80

Rear springs from junk yard off 90s f350 $50

No more sway..more load capacity..better ride!!

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

Nice budget solution! A bit higher than I'm looking to go. Only looking to level the front end and shocks all around. I may actually end up going with a lighter leaf spring in the rear to smooth out the offroad ride and I'll be nowhere near GCWR when fully built out.

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

Nice budget solution! A bit higher than I'm looking to go. Only looking to level the front end and shocks all around. I may actually end up going with a lighter leaf spring in the rear to smooth out the offroad ride and I'll be nowhere near GCWR when fully built out.

Don't forget that you can build leaf packs..take some out. Add some..whatever ya need!

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[grampswrx]

Do you mind sharing some further details on your experience with the bilsteins vs the fox shocks? Did you go the homebrew route then switch to the Weldtec kit?

I had bilsteins on a different van. They were pretty stiff. I have 4 vans right now, so my experience is evolving. But weldtec does good work and the fox upgrade is worth it.


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