Newbie Van Build - 1997 E150 - MG Radius Setup

[Raul]

Flipping your current hanger will do very little to raise your van. As you can see on the picture, the pivot point of the shackle is bellow the rivet, with the shackle facing up. . When you flip it, the pivot point will be above the rivets. On the Sky shackle flip hanger, the pivot point of the shackle is bellow the rivets and the shackle is pointing down.

 

[Redemption Road]

I may try this stock flip over the weekend and see how it works out as my inaugural trip got sidelined due to a front end vibration that I thought was fixed. Tested and seemed ok at 65. Maybe the dynamic changed drastically fully loaded for a trip and is now more apparent, starts at 53'ish and gets progressively worse. I think I have it pinned down to front hubs with shotty bearings. I have GY Duratrak tires mounted and on short local test runs thought the tire howl was a bit excessive, now thinking that howl was the bad bearing..argh!

A few days before the planned trip (now cancelled ) I threw together an inside proof of concept configuration. Figured I would use as-is and make changes as I go based on discovered needs/wants. I am by no means a carpenter and hats off to all those who make stuff fit in these less than straight angles of a van interior.

Priority items were sleeping, sanitary needs (water and sink) and generally organized storage. Starting with U shaped seating that converts to sleeping, basically 18" on 3 sides with hinged access to underneath. Longer items down each side, fishing gear..etc.

I squeezed in a portable AC because I was making a stop in AZ and would be working at 'my desk' for a portion of the week. Still need a full test run to get a general idea and make refinements and then finish everything all pretty.

 

[Redemption Road]

Inaugural trip completed, 1000+miles, 4 days of camping and 4 days of work on the road. Things learned...

Proof of concept interior, good, but needs reworked. Stock conversion interior looks fancy but ultimately poor use of space for camping. Out it comes.

Went from 3.54 gears to 3.73 with conversion, now wanting 4.10 as it feels like I'm pulling the boat when not. Fine on mild hills and straights with 3.73 but will be towing occassionally.

Front springs, CC880S slightly over sprung for the 5.4l, installed height of 15", spring shopping underway. My weight on front is 3800# and the stiffness when hitting a larger bump is apparent. Sure sits high though