Ford E-450 suspension upgrade suggestions
I own a 29' 2010 Winnebago Aspect on Ford E-450 with factory Airbags on the rear. I have not upgraded anything with the exception of a free set of tires courtesy of the Michelin recall. I run with a...
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Those OEM bushings, with the round tops, have a molded-in key down the side that is also notched for that cross bolt. The "pinch" bolt would have to come completely out before the bushing can come out of the top of the knuckle. So that notched key serves to keep an offset OEM bushing from turning (thus changing caster/camber) AND loss (from loose pinch bolt). Adjustable bushings like Ingalls and Specialty do not have those keys. They depend on pinch to hold their adjustment and keep them from getting lost. That's why some parts listings don't include E450 and the fine print excludes dual wheel trucks like E350 cube vans. Let alone motorhome conversions. The manufacturers, and some alignment shops, believe the adjustables won't stay in place. Shops like Henderson's believe they will, so long as the assembly is clean and torqued to spec.
For tire pressure specs, Winnebago is parroting Ford's pressure ratings of 75-front and 80-rear. Those numbers allow for the full 14500-pound max capacity of the E450 chassis. The only right way to know what you should use is load it up as if for a trip, people and all, and weigh it on a truck scale. Take those front and rear axle weights into the Michelin load/pressure chart and adjust accordingly. Add a few PSI if it really makes you feel better but know this: While under-inflation will make steering mushy, going OVER what the chart says is needed will let it wander. We had new tires installed. Our weight called for 65 front and tire shop "sidewalled" it, the 80-PSI max, and the coach was just a little short of uncontrollable. Front tire pressure is critical on Ford E-Series. For rears, of course you don't want underinflation. Overinflation will only make it ride harder, won't affect handling.
For tire pressure specs, Winnebago is parroting Ford's pressure ratings of 75-front and 80-rear. Those numbers allow for the full 14500-pound max capacity of the E450 chassis. The only right way to know what you should use is load it up as if for a trip, people and all, and weigh it on a truck scale. Take those front and rear axle weights into the Michelin load/pressure chart and adjust accordingly. Add a few PSI if it really makes you feel better but know this: While under-inflation will make steering mushy, going OVER what the chart says is needed will let it wander. We had new tires installed. Our weight called for 65 front and tire shop "sidewalled" it, the 80-PSI max, and the coach was just a little short of uncontrollable. Front tire pressure is critical on Ford E-Series. For rears, of course you don't want underinflation. Overinflation will only make it ride harder, won't affect handling.
