Hi, I recently purchased a 1999 E 150 conversion van and I'm hoping for some suggestions to help me make it more suitable for what I will be using it for (hopefully). One question; I would like to give it more ground clearance, what's the best and way to do that? Also what's the best size of tires as well? I plan on taking it on adventures eventually, ones which may require traveling off the pavement. I'm not talking about trying to use it like a 4 wheel drive but I'd like it to have as much ground clearance as possible whilst keeping it safe to drive.

Thank you!
Victoria

 

Welcome to the site..
How much of a lift are you wanting to add?

 

Thank you!
Hmmm....well it sits pretty low as it is. Don't know why it even has running boards, they are not necessary and I will probably remove them. How high can I go to make it more functional without getting too top heavy? I will probably be on roads which are dirt and bumpy and I want enough ground clearance.

Thanks again!

 

The problem in lifting is more so in the front end/ suspension.

Rear isn't too hard in the rear, but should be lifted equal or close to. You may be able to use coil spring blocks etc, up front but very limited to amount of lift there because of the I beam suspension, shock length, steering linkages etc.. Front end alignment even with minor changes comes in to play as well. Kits to raise it are available but can be a bit pricey including labor. Air lift on the back, maybe, but again, height, stability need to be considered. A combo of tire size, maybe spring/blocks up front may gain you a few inches +|-, and a rear block set. Minor body lift as well. Getting it up 4-6, a major kit would be needed.

Lifting it that high, you may want/ need those running boards :-)

This vid may give you an idea of the scope of work to go max lift..

 

Again I am agreed with Hayapower, Man you are the best, yes lifting vehicle is not a child game, you should use the major lift kit that will give you a lift of about 6 inches while you have the option of combining body lift kit with a Block kit. But you should see some professional mechanic as lifting to that height requires professional advice.