Suspension and rear axle options for 4x2 camping van?

[Bikersmurf]

Buying tires is a big cost I'd not want to spend twice. I'd seriously consider 245/75r16 which are a factory size for econoline vans. Your van appears to sit a tad lower than my E350 does on stock coils... but 245s fit mine with no lift.
I'd replace your saggy front coils with Moog 880 or 880s coils, 245s (about 1/2" higher), and factory LSD.

Air lockers would allow maximum traction, but would be excessive for your use. A rear receiver hitch and winch would also be good insurance to help you get home.

 

[CSG]

I debated the 245's but there is a possible clearance issue with the crap that's bolted on (running board/fender flair). Again, my lowest point on the chassis (the grey water dump) sits 8.5". Height wasn't my concern so much as traction. While the 245's show as a stock size on the E250 van, PW went to 225's for whatever reasons and those are what's on the door as well.

I have to keep in mind that 90% of my driving is to and from the areas I like to explore and once there, probably 90% of the dirt roads I've been on are pretty decent as far as grading and clear of obstacles. Bottom line is I want to do minimal stuff that won't change the normal handling and MPG I enjoy currently. That's why the compressor and some sort of traction control on the rear axle is where I've landed at this point.

 

[CSG]

I have to respond to my above post and Bikersmurf. I called PW and asked about the tires and why they used the 225's. Because that was what was on the van from Ford but they also thought that a small jump up to the 245's wouldn't be an issue in terms of clearance. I called Costco (where I get my tires) and the cost was the same for the 245's. If there's a clearance issue, they would call me but they don't think there will be either. So as I was getting new tires today anyway, I think Bikersmurf makes a good point and am going to install the 245's. I suspect MPG will drop slightly but I only put a few thousand miles per year on this rig so gas cost isn't an issue. Having a bit over 1/2" more ground clearance can't hurt either. As to a slightly wider tire patch, one can argue that both ways.

Anyway, thank you, Bikersmurf, for causing me to think this through a bit more.

 

[another_mike]

I have to respond to my above post and Bikersmurf. I called PW and asked about the tires and why they used the 225's. Because that was what was on the van from Ford but they also thought that a small jump up to the 245's wouldn't be an issue in terms of clearance. I called Costco (where I get my tires) and the cost was the same for the 245's. If there's a clearance issue, they would call me but they don't think there will be either. So as I was getting new tires today anyway, I think Bikersmurf makes a good point and am going to install the 245's. I suspect MPG will drop slightly but I only put a few thousand miles per year on this rig so gas cost isn't an issue. Having a bit over 1/2" more ground clearance can't hurt either. As to a slightly wider tire patch, one can argue that both ways.

Anyway, thank you, Bikersmurf, for causing me to think this through a bit more.

When shopping for tires, it has looked to me as if they put 245's on the cargos and 225's on the passenger vans.... I suspect if vehicles were spec'd for a specific purpose, they could have come with whichever the customer requested.

 

[CSG]

Welp, they're installed and look great but the front tires seem a little too close to the front and back of the wheel well. It's only .6" on either side more and they don't rub when turning the wheels but I wonder about turning on a bumpy road. I'm getting a light bar installed tomorrow or Wednesday at the local 4x4 suspension shop so I'll get their opinion on the fitment.

 

[luthj]

High aspect ratio tires, airing down, and having a compressor is the biggest traction gain, apart from good A/T tires.

After that ground clearance and a rear locker will be important. Wheel articulation can become an issue in some rigs, especially lightly loaded ones.

For mud/snow a set of chains for the rear will get you pretty far.

 

[CSG]

I added some new KO2's last week and a lightbar to help see trouble in the dark. Still debating a locker but just did a short trip up to the SNRA a couple days ago and spent some time on a few two-tracks and am thinking I'm probably good for what I do. The KO2's are a HUGE improvement over the old Michelin LT's I was running and I was able to kick up to the 245 over the 225 size without any clearance issues (although it looks like there might be in this photo). As these are 1.2" bigger than the 225's, I got a .6" lift.

 

[Bbasso]

Looks aggressive, glad you like the tires.

 

[gscott]

Heck Yes!

What I can tell you is this; a rear locker will often get you into more places than 4wd with open diffs. 4wd with open diffs turn into zero wheel drive in some situations, a rear locker will guarantee at least one wheel drive.

Of course, it's been said having 4wd just means getting stuck in more inaccessible locations. There is some truth to that...

I definitely want some lift and am considering a rear locker, though I will probably go 4wd conversion w/ rear locker. But I want to spend time in remote parts of the US and Baja. You'll have to decide what you want to do. I would lose the flares, lift 2-4 inches and get the rear locker. Good stuff!

 

[Bbasso]

I was thinking about your clearance, or lack of...
With the Moog springs in the front and here's where you would have to do your own research. Figuring out which rear leaf springs are in there now and possibly getting HD or higher rated OE springs. It could be just as simple as a spring sway to get more clearance.
Keep in mind the ride will most likely change, stiffer and more road feel/noise. And the possibility of changing out the shocks to fit the additional travel needed.

 

[Gtdad]

@CSG
Hi I also have PW traverse. I have been through your dilemma.. I ended doing 245's no problem and then had moog 880s coils put in up front and had my rear leaf springs cleaned up with new leaf pads ,added 1 more leaf and 1 inch riser block.
I slightly modified my battery box so it would fit 2x27 series 6volt agm batteries which weigh 160lbs all in. Also added my custom bumper which is 100lbs.
My van sits very nice now with a slightly higher rear unloaded but levels when I add bikes peaople and gear. Drives great too.