New 1986 B250 down and dirty lift...Taller Tires?
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From: Asheville, NC
New 1986 B250 down and dirty lift...Taller Tires?
So I am a new 1986 conversion van owner and I live in the mountains of NC. My job takes me to pretty remote areas and I would like to get a little more ground clearance. The van sits on 15" wheels and I would like to put some taller tires and/or a lift kit and bigger wheels. I don't have a lot of money...(read any) and would like to start with an inexpensive suspension lift. I was thinking a shackle lift on the rear leafs and maybe spring spacers on the front coils. I am not rock crawling or anything I just would like a little higher stance. Any ideas?? money is def. an issue and i don't want to crazy high...just a couple of inches. Could I maybe just get taller tires?? Any help/parts list would be great. I found one thread about a front axle swap and that seems a little excessive. Thanks!
amos
amos
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Asheville, NC
BTW The next project along these lines might be a locker for the rear end. Again, not crazy just more dirt road friendly. I really wanted a 4x4 van but I fell in love with "The *******' Waggin'".
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The front coil springs on a van this old are tired, and have lost a lot of height from stock. If you are going to add coil spacers, you are going to want new springs as well.
There was a thread a while back by some guy who added new springs to a Roadtrek and gained 2 inches in the front. He posted a how to on a separate blog. I cannot find it right now.
No doubt the rear leafs are tired as well. I have added air bags, and even heavily loaded down, they raise the rear over 4 inches at 100 psi compared to 0 psi.
But that does not really equate to better traction in offroad situations as axle articulation is reduced, and lifting the rear puts more weight on the front, and reduces traction somewhat.
Even if you get 1 inch taller tires, the Differential only gains 1/2 inch height, and you have to add a new cog on the speedo cable, unless you don't care about speedo accuracy.
I have driven into some situations that I am still surprised I was able to drive out of, like soft sand. I have just taken my foot off the gas before I come to a complete stop, air down the tires, straighten the wheel, and scoop a little sand from in front of the tires, an go go go. There is a surprising amount of traction with all the weight over the rear wheels, even with an open differential. Just do not expect traction in reverse.
If you can do the labor yourself, I think you can get a good locker for about 500$.
And while this forum is an excellent forum for Dodge specific questions, The following forum is geared more for vehicles designed to take you further away from it all.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=58
12 volt stuff: http://expeditionportal.com/forum/fo...sprune=-1&f=48
I have made my interior very comfortable and convenient as you plan on doing and will be happy to answer any specific questions you might have.
There was a thread a while back by some guy who added new springs to a Roadtrek and gained 2 inches in the front. He posted a how to on a separate blog. I cannot find it right now.
No doubt the rear leafs are tired as well. I have added air bags, and even heavily loaded down, they raise the rear over 4 inches at 100 psi compared to 0 psi.
But that does not really equate to better traction in offroad situations as axle articulation is reduced, and lifting the rear puts more weight on the front, and reduces traction somewhat.
Even if you get 1 inch taller tires, the Differential only gains 1/2 inch height, and you have to add a new cog on the speedo cable, unless you don't care about speedo accuracy.
I have driven into some situations that I am still surprised I was able to drive out of, like soft sand. I have just taken my foot off the gas before I come to a complete stop, air down the tires, straighten the wheel, and scoop a little sand from in front of the tires, an go go go. There is a surprising amount of traction with all the weight over the rear wheels, even with an open differential. Just do not expect traction in reverse.
If you can do the labor yourself, I think you can get a good locker for about 500$.
And while this forum is an excellent forum for Dodge specific questions, The following forum is geared more for vehicles designed to take you further away from it all.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=58
12 volt stuff: http://expeditionportal.com/forum/fo...sprune=-1&f=48
I have made my interior very comfortable and convenient as you plan on doing and will be happy to answer any specific questions you might have.
