My summer project (haha) e350 van build
- Thread starter deezdrama
- Start date
Laid the carpet tonight. Still so much to do.
I want to spray down into fenders with bar and chain oil or fluid film to prevent rust before I insulate the inside reinforced hollow spots, then insulate walls and ceiling, get mdf and lay walls/ceiling. Etc
I really wanted to build a sink/countertop/stove area behind the driver seat but might have to install the bench seat there along the wall longways incase im at work driving the van and need to pick the kids up from school or sports.
Not sure if I will be able to make up that lost space.
I know I want shelving, a tv/pc area, would like to have a sink but guess a 7 gal water container could do the same thing. Im going to install a hammock but might go for a small bed in the back too. Cant make my mind up on the layout.
Rotors and pads are ordered for the rear dana 60.... also grabbed idler pulley as I hear some noise up front and know its not the alt since i put in new one and when I did timing set all the pulleys seemed good except the idler felt a little rough.
Cant wait till tax refund to buy the action van lift!
villageidiot327
Explorer
Curious why action van vs weldtec vs camburg etc.
It's my understanding the action van lift is basically just dropping down the stock stuff. No real gains other than height.
This coming from someone enjoying the hell out of his weldtec 4" suspension system.
It's my understanding the action van lift is basically just dropping down the stock stuff. No real gains other than height.
This coming from someone enjoying the hell out of his weldtec 4" suspension system.
villageidiot327
Explorer
Fair enough.
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
I replaced the sealed bearings rather than idlers and tensioner... About $20 to rebuild all 3... And easily done with a hammer.
Having looked at action tech I think I'd be doing weld tech instead... Although shipping could be a deal killer.
villageidiot327
Explorer
They offer a 2" budget boost kit, a 4" kit (with all sorts of options), and a master blaster 6" kit, with a bunch of options as well. Super nice to deal with, rides great, improved all across the board.
Youve peaked my interest.... what are the pros and cons of a drop bracket system like action vans and a bent I beam system?
Ive read a bunch of threads about not wanting the bent I beams but most of them were dated.
Is weldtechs baja grociery getter kit the highest van lift?
Which kit would be easier to install?
Thanks
Ive read a bunch of threads about not wanting the bent I beams but most of them were dated.
Is weldtechs baja grociery getter kit the highest van lift?
Which kit would be easier to install?
Thanks
villageidiot327
Explorer
The baja grocery getter, is the 6" lift, custom long radius arms, etc.
It'll need some leaf springs in the back, and will require welding the radius arm mounts on the frame.
In my opinion, the bent beam kits are better because they correct the camber for the most part (will still need dialed in) and their radius arms have more caster built into them, so the van will drive straighter. The drop down brackets, just move everything down, keeps it all stock, ground clearance isn't much gained, and the amount of leverage on the brackets is big.
Shoot Jeremy at weldtec a call/email, he'll spend the time and go thru all the options, bilsteins, fox, blocks, add a leaf, full custom leaf pack.
On my van, I went with the 4" suspension system which is basically, the ocotillo cruiser front kit, performance add a leaf in rear, I opted for the agile off-road custom fox shocks, and the addition of the steering dampener. I didn't wanna go with a 6" kit, so the 4" system worked a treat, the van handles better, corners better, takes the bumps/potholes/dips etc 100x better than before. VERY pleased.
It'll need some leaf springs in the back, and will require welding the radius arm mounts on the frame.
In my opinion, the bent beam kits are better because they correct the camber for the most part (will still need dialed in) and their radius arms have more caster built into them, so the van will drive straighter. The drop down brackets, just move everything down, keeps it all stock, ground clearance isn't much gained, and the amount of leverage on the brackets is big.
Shoot Jeremy at weldtec a call/email, he'll spend the time and go thru all the options, bilsteins, fox, blocks, add a leaf, full custom leaf pack.
On my van, I went with the 4" suspension system which is basically, the ocotillo cruiser front kit, performance add a leaf in rear, I opted for the agile off-road custom fox shocks, and the addition of the steering dampener. I didn't wanna go with a 6" kit, so the 4" system worked a treat, the van handles better, corners better, takes the bumps/potholes/dips etc 100x better than before. VERY pleased.
Only problem is my welder. Its a 100amp dual mig setup with gas. Ive worked in the fab/welding field for for Cat and cat contractors for 15 years and know that the little home welder I have doesnt get enough penetration to trust on critical areas like suspension.
The company I work for is under different ownership now and they are against people bringing vehicles/other projects in to work on in free time where as before it wasnt a problem.
If I was to buy a new welder it would cost the same as getting an action van kit.
Im on a tight budget and this project is a build as I can endevor.
All the engine work and everything else ive done and will have to do in the future..myself.
Even salvaged some steel tubing from an old bunkbed to weld together a full length cargo rack that I will mount with second hand sourced ladder rack mounts, and then bend/fab a front bumper push/lightbar.
The lift is going to stretch my budget as is and really need a completely diy kit which I think limits me to the action van kit.
From all my previous reading on lifts for our vans Ive never came across any negative reviews about the actionvan kit and read several threads that questioned the safety of bent i beams.
So what exactly is not desireable about these lifts? I know the drop brackets will be clearance killers but I will get the lift I need to run 33s or 35s and figured the factory geometry is saved and shouldnt need camber sleeves or have a huge alignment problem?
Are these assumptions not true?
Also....cant remember if ive stated it in this thread but Im not going to be doing any real offroading. I have the dana 60 LS rear and might put a winch upfront but mostly this van will just be used to drive to work and the occasional trip to nearby campgrounds here in the midwest (flat)
About the worst ill run into is some hills with less than perfect gravel roads.
Knowing all the above Im thinking the actionvan kit would fit the bill. If im wrong im fully open to further hearing about a different kit.
Thanks
The company I work for is under different ownership now and they are against people bringing vehicles/other projects in to work on in free time where as before it wasnt a problem.
If I was to buy a new welder it would cost the same as getting an action van kit.
Im on a tight budget and this project is a build as I can endevor.
All the engine work and everything else ive done and will have to do in the future..myself.
Even salvaged some steel tubing from an old bunkbed to weld together a full length cargo rack that I will mount with second hand sourced ladder rack mounts, and then bend/fab a front bumper push/lightbar.
The lift is going to stretch my budget as is and really need a completely diy kit which I think limits me to the action van kit.
From all my previous reading on lifts for our vans Ive never came across any negative reviews about the actionvan kit and read several threads that questioned the safety of bent i beams.
So what exactly is not desireable about these lifts? I know the drop brackets will be clearance killers but I will get the lift I need to run 33s or 35s and figured the factory geometry is saved and shouldnt need camber sleeves or have a huge alignment problem?
Are these assumptions not true?
Also....cant remember if ive stated it in this thread but Im not going to be doing any real offroading. I have the dana 60 LS rear and might put a winch upfront but mostly this van will just be used to drive to work and the occasional trip to nearby campgrounds here in the midwest (flat)
About the worst ill run into is some hills with less than perfect gravel roads.
Knowing all the above Im thinking the actionvan kit would fit the bill. If im wrong im fully open to further hearing about a different kit.
Thanks
I dont know.... i had problems welding my muffler on. I guess I could find someone or somewhere to rent one. Regret selling my stick welder now.
Weldtechs site just confuses me. Ill shoot them an email and explain my budget/needs/and welder issue.
In the meantime im still interested to hear opinions on the actionvan kit
Weldtechs site just confuses me. Ill shoot them an email and explain my budget/needs/and welder issue.
In the meantime im still interested to hear opinions on the actionvan kit
villageidiot327
Explorer
If you don't wanna weld, get the 4" kit, run 33" tires and bobs your uncle.
In my opinion, the leverage/stress added to the frame with the AV kit, is too much. You're hanging all the suspension components 6" lower, so any blunt hits will transfer all that energy, compounded by leverage, to the brackets/bolts. Plus the lack of ground clearance. Blocks in the rear etc. It's a lift kit.
Weldtec's stuff is a suspension system. It cycles more travel, gains ground clearance, and builds in driveability with more caster. Add leaf springs in the rear, which will reduce axle wrap compared to a lift block etc etc.
In my opinion, the leverage/stress added to the frame with the AV kit, is too much. You're hanging all the suspension components 6" lower, so any blunt hits will transfer all that energy, compounded by leverage, to the brackets/bolts. Plus the lack of ground clearance. Blocks in the rear etc. It's a lift kit.
Weldtec's stuff is a suspension system. It cycles more travel, gains ground clearance, and builds in driveability with more caster. Add leaf springs in the rear, which will reduce axle wrap compared to a lift block etc etc.
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