MG Metalworks Radius Arm/Coil Spring Axle Conversion for E-series Vans
- Thread starter mgmetalworks
- Start date
Betarocker
Adventurer
If you need a source for OEM radius arms, you should contact Trendsetters in Portland. Usually they will scrap them if they install the OUO Adjustable Link Arms. I gave mine to a local to me auto repair shop in case they could use them. If someone thinks they could use them, I can get them back, as well as the panhard bar and OEM coils.
Backcountry Pursuit
Risk Taker
Well we made a valiant effort to get MG's kit installed this weekend. MG's parts are amazing. The fit and finish is impeccable. My axle, not so much. We discovered it has a slight bend in it. Time to do battle with the salvage yard. Again. For a second time on this axle.
MG, your parts are so awesome and install is so easy. I just wish it went smoother with this stupid front axle. I am not defeated! But more time it shall take...
MG, your parts are so awesome and install is so easy. I just wish it went smoother with this stupid front axle. I am not defeated! But more time it shall take...
Jsweezy
Explorer
Dude! I'm so sorry to hear this. What a pain but im glad to hear that you love everything else so far. As a person that just recently helped install a Ujoint kit I can honestly say that MGs kit looks like the kindergarten version of DIY compared to that. I hope you get it together soon!
I just wanted to edit to clarify that I wasn't trying to be a jerk about Ujoints DIY kit, Just emphasizing how easy MGs kit is to install compared to Ujoints.
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Ranchero
Wanderer
Sorry to hear that. I was kind of paranoid about having a bent axle as well. How did you determine it was bent? I couldn't figure out a reliable way to do that with the front axle. Hopefully the salvage yard will treat you right.
shenrie
^^^ hates cars
I noticed one of the mounting tabs on the locating arms was jacked up and that got us looking at everything closer. once we got to looking at it closer it actually looked like the passenger side of the axle was swept back. we put a straight edge on the front and it didn't sit flush. put same straight edge on top and bottom and those were perfect. put it on the back of the axle and there was a good 1/16" of gap in a foot span between the housing and suspension mounting. so who knows how far back the actual wheel is. pretty ******** up if you ask me. the axle needs a good eye to tell its bent, but control arm is painfully obvious.
And x2 on mg's parts. parts are stout as hell and fit and finish is outstanding. big thumbs up on customer service too. we made a lot of calls and texts fumbling through this install and michael was always prompt in getting back to us. thanks for that mg. helps a ton when your trying to make progress and you don't need to wait for answers.
Jb1rd
Explorer
This is why I love the van community, even when I am not always loving my van! (no fault of the van, just my own stubbornness)
mgmetalworks
Explorer
Thanks for the good reviews guys!!! So happy to see that you're liking the parts! Just wait until you drive your vans!!! 
ujoint
Supporting Sponsor
Ditto!
We're trying to get some time on the lift for V8 to get some lovin. Hopefully soon.
Reading back through this thread and finding this makes me happy. I recently contacted GTRV and asked about pricing, and they said, "We no longer work on the E series vans as we have updated our tooling to service the current Ford Transit vans. We do not know anyone to send you too but good luck."
I thanked them for their quick response (and I meant it - I really like it when folks get right back to me, even with disappointing news) but told them that I couldn't afford the extra $20k for a new Transit vs. a nice clean E series passenger van.
djbonsu
Adventurer
THIS!! I also feel they should have continued the support for the gtrv tops and upfits on the E series as well. I have never seen their tops in person but I love the ability to keep a stock looking roof profile. I have also inquired about their setup and got the same email response as kmg65. Sports mobile comes close but I'm not a fan of their tops.
shenrie
^^^ hates cars
uhgreed. like the low profile look of their tops even though it doesn't go full length of roof, but hate all the wasted space and small windows. i have never seen a gtrv in person either, but the whole low profile concept is great and something they should offer if demand was still there. apparently it must not be?? nothing new discontinuing the setup and moving on though. happens with all the vehicles i love. aftermarket support stops when the next new thing replaces it. excited to see what mr mg comes up with for a poptop though. whats taking so long anyway, lol
mgmetalworks
Explorer
uhgreed. like the low profile look of their tops even though it doesn't go full length of roof, but hate all the wasted space and small windows. i have never seen a gtrv in person either, but the whole low profile concept is great and something they should offer if demand was still there. apparently it must not be?? nothing new discontinuing the setup and moving on though. happens with all the vehicles i love. aftermarket support stops when the next new thing replaces it. excited to see what mr mg comes up with for a poptop though. whats taking so long anyway, lol
The Cummins project...that's what is taking so long.
Considering this is a suspension thread, I'll keep this short. The feedback I've got from people far and wide is that having the bedding stored up in the pop top (and some small amount of storage up there) when the top is down is more of a priority than super low profile. It may not be everyone's opinion but it is the overwhelming majority of comments I get when talking about pop tops.