MG Metalworks Van Build

mgmetalworks

mgmetalworks

Explorer
On this pallet lies the solution to all of my van's ill-handling characteristics. Just waiting on my press-brake guy to get around to forming these high strength steel beauties. New radius arm mounts, spring perches, shock mounts, radius arm caster correction plates and a relocated trac-bar mount. AND...as an added bonus, I'm lifting my van a bit to clear the new 35" Toyos.



Some of you may be thinking..."hey, radius arm mounts, trac bar mount, spring perches and shock mounts...that sounds like what is needed to put an '05+ super duty axle under a van..." A few easily obtained odds and ends aside, that is correct. In the process of fixing my lazy steering, lane-wandering, tire rubbing against the fender every corner Quadvan, I've essentially designed the parts needed to fit the newer super duty axle under an E-series.

I'm not sure at this point how complete a "kit" I will be offering. I just know that I'll have some extras in this batch and can easily make more. Once I have it sorted out on my van I'll decide how I want to package it. If there's any interest out there please let me know. This is something I hope to have on my van in a few weeks. My tear down date for the Cummins transplant is soon approaching and I want to knock out some products before summer.
 
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teehee

Adventurer
"I'm not sure at this point how complete a "kit" I will be offering. I just know that I'll have some extras in this batch and can easily make more. Once I have it sorted out on my van I'll decide how I want to package it. If there's any interest out there please let me know"

I'd love to hear more...I've been thinking 4 link or adjustable radius arms, so curious about what you're working on.
 
mgmetalworks

mgmetalworks

Explorer
teehee said:
"I'm not sure at this point how complete a "kit" I will be offering. I just know that I'll have some extras in this batch and can easily make more. Once I have it sorted out on my van I'll decide how I want to package it. If there's any interest out there please let me know"

I'd love to hear more...I've been thinking 4 link or adjustable radius arms, so curious about what you're working on.
Click to expand...

When I say kit, I'm referring only to the custom brackets needed for mounting the axle/radius arms, trac-bar, sway bar mounts, spring perches, shock mounts. The rest of the parts are either Ford F-series, E-series parts or aftermarket off the shelf pieces. I don't see myself sourcing axles, kitting out all of the individual parts, crating that up and sending it all over the country. More like here's an affordable set of custom brackets and a parts list of what else you'll need.
 
T

teehee

Adventurer
mgmetalworks said:
When I say kit, I'm referring only to the custom brackets needed for mounting the axle/radius arms, trac-bar, sway bar mounts, spring perches, shock mounts. The rest of the parts are either Ford F-series, E-series parts or aftermarket off the shelf pieces. I don't see myself sourcing axles, kitting out all of the individual parts, crating that up and sending it all over the country. More like here's an affordable set of custom brackets and a parts list of what else you'll need.
Click to expand...
Sounds like a great idea to me! Keep us informed
 
mk216v

mk216v

Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
mgmetalworks said:
When I say kit, I'm referring only to the custom brackets needed for mounting the axle/radius arms, trac-bar, sway bar mounts, spring perches, shock mounts. The rest of the parts are either Ford F-series, E-series parts or aftermarket off the shelf pieces. I don't see myself sourcing axles, kitting out all of the individual parts, crating that up and sending it all over the country. More like here's an affordable set of custom brackets and a parts list of what else you'll need.
Click to expand...

Solid!!! :clapsmile
 
S

spencyg

This Space For Rent
Could you possibly PM me with your laser cutting supplier contact info. My local outfit somehow thinks their laser cutter is worth like $25 per inch for cut rate. I see you exclusively use laser so I can only assume you've found an outfit that makes it economically feasible to have parts laser cut. Great work as usual.

SG
 
mgmetalworks

mgmetalworks

Explorer
Had a few minutes of shop time this afternoon so I tried to knock out the mods needed on my radius arms.

Stock radius arm looks like this:


In order for me to get the right combination of caster angle, rear mounting hole location and the ride height I am after, I have to relocate one of the front mounting holes. Some laser cut pieces will take care of my needs. Moving the hole by this amount changes the rear mounting hole location by a significant amount. Had I not done this, my rear radius arm mounting bolt would have been almost foot below the frame rail... Not ideal for several technical reasons let alone aesthetics.



New pieces welded into place... Total over kill but I like the look.



Test fit on my mock up axle and it fits perfectly! Yay for good CAD models!!!

I'm a firm believer than the radius arm suspension from the trucks doesn't have enough caster (stock range is 1.7-2.7 deg). This mod, along with all of the other parts I'm making will get me ~5-5.5 deg with about 1.5 deg additional adjustment by other means.
 
mgmetalworks

mgmetalworks

Explorer
Paid a visit to my powdercoater this week and he had some presents for me...

New bumper mounts done...




And the bumper is now finished...





Love the little details...


Next up... new suspension and tires/wheels. The Year of the Van soldiers on!!!
 
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