Suspension and rear axle options for 4x2 camping van?

[CSG]

I've had my Pleasureway Traverse van conversion for going on 9 years now. It's built on a Ford E250 regular length van (V pop top, Westy/RB50 floor plan). The van has 62000 miles on it now and is a 7900 GVWR. I am about to replace the aged Michelin LT truck tires (225/75/16) with the same size KO2's (which I've been very happy with on my Lexus Land Cruiser). I'm not interested in lifts or larger tires but with an open differential and and aging factory shocks, I've been wondering what my options would be to make it a little more secure on off-paved road use. I'm not able to do a 4x4 conversion (either myself or paying someone) so I'm wondering if doing something like a True-Trac limited slip or one of the selectable rear axle lockers (ARB or Eaton) would really benefit me.

I've never gotten stuck in the 9 years I've owned it but it's because I'm old and don't take unnecessary chances. I know the KO2's will give me a little more bite but is doing something to the open differential really worthwhile? I do carry a shovel and a couple underwheel devices (crap that I bought at Costco) to help with tire slippage but unless there are factory tow hooks on the frame, this is a stock van with regards to bumpers, etc.

Any thoughts would be appreciated! Below is a photo of the van in use:

 

[TexomaPowerboater]

Cool van. If your already going off the road as is then I would recommend a front tow hitch so it can be pulled out from the front, which will also come with tow hooks http://www.curtmfg.com/HitchLookup/find?year=2002&make=Ford&model=E-250+Econoline

Of course the trailer hitch would serve dual purpose if you want to add a trailer hitch cargo carrier to bring a long some mountain bikes or generator or anything else you don't have room for.

We need more info on what your trying to accomplish. Can't tell if your looking for better handling on mild off-roads or are looking to get thru more hazardous trails. If your just looking for some better handling a new pair of shocks and new tires will make a world of difference. The KO2's will ride much better than the Michelins in my experience and fox shocks are a great choice.

A lift, some lockers, and some maxtrax will get you out of most slippery conditions.

 

[UHAULER]

I don't think you would benefit much by doing anything. You sound like someone who stays away from iffy situations. With small tires and little ground clearance you won't be able to go many more places. The best thing would be to make sure you have recovery points front and rear.

 

[Bbasso]

265/75-16 BFG KO2 and factory LSD in my E350 and I'm hard pressed to get stuck...
Go for the upgrades!

 

[CSG]

Spent about three hours at the local 4x4 shop (very good people) and discussed a lot of options. I've currently got 8.5" of ground clearance at the lowest point. The current shocks (OEM) are still fine. We discussed the limited slip vs locker options but the biggest suggestion was simply air down if/when needed. My concern isn't getting into a place, it's getting out if the weather dumps on the road overnight. I have a couple Viair 88P 12v compressors which work fine considering their 40% duty cycle but was intrigued by the ARB dual compressor which could be frame mounted or maybe under the driver's seat.

https://www.amazon.com/ARB-CKMTA24-...qid=1496445826&sr=1-5&keywords=arb+compressor

We also discussed adding an LED light bar which would be a great help for those late evenings rolling down a FS road looking for a campsite. More light = less trouble because you can see it coming.

 

[CSG]

BTW, Texoma, all I'm really trying to do is figure out a way to increase the odds in my favor coming back out on a road that's now wet, muddy, icy, snowy. I won't intentionally go down a road that doesn't look reasonably well-graded but in Idaho, Utah, Arizona, if the weather changes and you get an overnight storm, the road that was easy going in can be a different story on the way out. Airing down my tires is a simple, cheap, safe, and easy solution. Unless I get stuck... But as I understand it, on a 4x2, locking the rears together whether by LSD or selectable locker, can have some bad consequences on a crested or sloped road sending your *** end downward which could create even more problems.

 

[another_mike]

But as I understand it, on a 4x2, locking the rears together whether by LSD or selectable locker, can have some bad consequences on a crested or sloped road sending your *** end downward which could create even more problems.

Thats the great thing about a selectable locker compared to an automatic locker, you can lock it only when needed/required...

 

[Racerman27410]

too many times the open diff left my E350 in a bad way by just putting one rear wheel on some wet grass.....not off roading just in the darn driveway.

I went with the ARB rear air locker and with KO2's mounted up now the van just goes even with 2 wheels on the grass (or snow)

I only need to activate it until i am out of the sketchy bit then its back to open diff... IMO worth every penny for the van to no longer get stuck in it's own shadow.

 

[CSG]

Thanks for that real world report, Race.

 

[FROADER]

The ARB is a great option. Another benefit is after you air down your tires, get out of a situation, you can air them back up using the ARB compressor. Win/win!

 

[bdog1]

Have you considered adding a winch? There are good and reasonable ($350) options out there. Cheap insurance. Useful for more than getting unstuck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CSG]

Yes, I've considered winches of all sorts. But what I'm really looking for are better traction ideas to not get stuck in the first place. Keep in mind, I'm sticking to fairly mild dirt roads and two-tracks, not dedicated 4x4 roads.

 

[robert]

More aggressive tires and an air compressor so that you can air down and then back up again. Those fiberglass running boards are going to limit your access as well. I'd probably look into some sort of traction device for the rear such as swapping the rear axle for a factory limited slip or the lockers you mentioned- I would not want a full time locker though.

 

[WVI]

I've been thinking about one of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252248064057?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[CSG]

Robert, I looked into taking the running boards off but there's a propane tank installed on the passenger side of the vehicle's frame which is partly covered by the running board on that side and there is the grey water drain on the driver's side. The local 4x4 shop suggested leaving them on.

For now, I'll get my KO2's installed this week and keep carrying my Viair 88P. I need to learn more about selectable lockers vs. LSDs before I jump.