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97 E150 LA west conversion van
#747458 April 19th 2019 6:33 am
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1
S
stranger
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1
Hi, new member. We have a 97 ford e150 La west5.4L conversion van that's been in our family since new. Only has 80kmiles on it. Looking for suggestions for the suspension. Getting some excessive sway now. Original springs(front coil,rear leaf). Just installed new shocks and getting rear leaf springs re-packed,pressed. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We use van for sport tournaments 6-8 times a year up and down east coast.

Re: 97 E150 LA west conversion van
sparky90 #747462 April 19th 2019 8:47 am
Joined: Sep 2013
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old hand
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old hand
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When it gets to a certain age, sometimes it's best to just go through and replace everything that can wear all at once because it all is probably worn the same amount. I'm not as familiar with the fords, but I'm assuming that you have the dual I beam front end? I would make a list of every bushing, joint, bearing, etc, start gathering the parts as you can, and then pull it off the road for a week or so and just do it all. Make sure to have it aligned when you are done.

Last edited by tuner4life; April 19th 2019 8:47 am.

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Re: 97 E150 LA west conversion van
sparky90 #747468 April 19th 2019 10:58 am
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Maniac
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A few years back I replaced the original leaf springs on my 89 E150 with new springs that were the highest rated spring that would fit the E-150 shackles. If I recall correctly, the new leaf springs are rated several thousand pounds more than the original springs. Going to the stiffer springs improved both handling and ride comfort.

I agree that it may be time for a compllete front end rebuild after 20 years. Also, don't forget you can increase the thickness of the front anti-sway bar and add a rear anti-sway bar.

The god news is that in 92 Ford switched the front suspension on the vans from the older beam axle suspension to a more car-like double wishbone suspension. This makes front end rebuilds MUCH easier and able to be done by a home mechanic.

DON'T get polyurethane bushings. They will squeak and drive you crazy. Plus they are too stiff for a van.


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!

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