New panel van question

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25-06-24, 12:20 AM
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New panel van question

Ive got hold of a 1948 ford panel van. I've fitted it with my favourite torque thrust. They look superb, but I've got a clearance issue. The van needs lifting about 2" . Options are. fit a spacer between axle and spring. Fit skinny tyres 255 at the moment. Change the wheels from 8.5x15 to 8x15. Take the springs off and have them reshaped. Or remove the shocks and fit a pair of adjustable coil overs.
I really love the look as it is now and really leaning to coilovers.
What's your thoughts, guys?Attachment 62191 Attachment 62192 Attachment 62193

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25-06-24, 10:21 AM
Brizey

I would go with the lifting blocks first. They could be done without to much outlay and fairly quickly!...
25-06-24, 12:33 PM
Happydaze

I'm not seeing existing shock mounts being suitable to use as coilover mounts where the load is really being carried on the coilovers, with the leaf springs effectively being reduced to axle location duties.

As Bri has said, blocks probably easiest, certainly cheapest. As an alternative, as kinda like the coilover route, how about airbag helper springs? Components are cheap as chips and bracketry simple. Cheap kits for vans, eg Transits, Masters, might be a quick way of getting somewhere close on the bracketry for adaptation. Additional benefit of the bags is adjustability with just an airline, or on board pump if you insist. Great too if the van is used as a van!

Chris

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25-06-24, 04:27 PM
BadAC

Nice van

What about monroe airshocks.
25-06-24, 04:45 PM
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I fitted a pair of 8x15s instead of the 8.5x15s. All clearance issues now sorted.

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25-06-24, 04:46 PM
mygasser

i'd use one of those cheap arch rolling tools to roll the lips up out of the way. i got one off ebay to do the rear arches on my valiant and got 295 tyres under there no problem.
neil.
25-06-24, 04:46 PM
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Pics.Attachment 62204 Attachment 62205 Attachment 62206

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27-06-24, 07:09 PM
taxirod

Van looks great, did you sell the other one that you had?
27-06-24, 08:31 PM
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Quote:

Originally Posted by taxirod

Van looks great, did you sell the other one that you had?

I did a swap for that green ute. I then sold it back to the original builder.
27-06-24, 08:33 PM
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2 Attachment(s)

Did a little bit of paint work today. Should all be done early next week. Attachment 62228 Attachment 62229

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