Chinook RV

I know zero about this so be patient w me!
I want more ground clearance and I had air shocks on my Ford Falcon camper van. I think I want to get them installed on my 95 Chinook Concourse. They also help with leveling, if you could post links to where to get them etc and of course your comments and experiences I’d be super happy!

I wanted to toughen the look of my Chinook and increase it's off-road ability for boondocking. My opinion, stay away from an "air shock lift" alone - as in an air adjustable shock absorber. Some here have done a "Full monty rear air suspension" (with an associated investment) and they work well but it's much more than just air shocks.

The Springs are made to support and the shocks to deaden the blows. You also don't want a hard ride that you'd get pumping up the air shocks just to lift your rig. I have also looked at the 4" Actionvan Suspension kit ($2000 +/-) and may eventually do it.

Here's what I have done so far without breaking the bank. We'll call it my poor man's lift:

1. First - tire replacement I did LT215/85R16 tires. Chose the Goodyear Duratrac's. Gave an additional 3/4" under the differentials (ground clearance). No mods needed to fit them and increases rear traction in snow/ice. Dually F350 folks stick to the 215's in the mud as well so they don't float but I haven't tried that!

2. Second - I'm about to replace my front springs with E350 springs for the 7.3L dsl version (about $125). For my V10 gasser it should raise the front a little, another inch maybe. For Shocks I'll go with FOXX Shocks or similar.

3. Third - I'll replace the rear u-bolts on the spring package and place a spring block just tall enough to level the rig. Likely 1-1.5".

Keep in mind you cannot lift a stock E350 more than 2" at the springs alone due to the X-beam front suspension or you will have alignment issues.

Here's the stance of my CHinook now and I cant wait to get the new front springs on and then level it...

Very helpful. Thank you!
Which tires are you suggesting for the dual rear wheels? I plan on being off road a lot.
Your rig is Saaaaa-weeeeet!

There is no question in my mind, Goodyear Duratrac LT215/85R16. These are used by the Jeep folks a lot for off roading. If the BF Goodrich AT KO2 came in that size, it would also be a contender. The reason I purchased the Duratrac is their high snow/ice traction ratings. The narrow width aids with traction on the duals.

Here's a link to my tumblr blog about the tires. You will also see how I ditched the chrome wheel liners, painted the rims, and added chrome lug covers.

http://chinookconcourse.tumblr.com/post ... ed-finally

You will find other items on that blog that might be worth as well such as the bumper guard or some easy maintenance items you should probably look to do.

Thanks for the comments on our Chinook. It looked like yours before ditching some chrome and painting things black. Love spray bed liner!

It might be helpful to say more about what kind of off road you will be doing a lot of. Take me for example: I camp the vast majority of the time along dirt/gravel roads, and for me the limitation of my rig is the size (too wide unless I want to scratch it, which I don't), or too much rear overhang/bad departure angle (which would be improved with a lift, but then I'd have to climb that lift every time I go in and out so for now I retain stock height). I also do a fair bit of highway travel, so for that I like relatively quiet, relatively long-wearing tires, and I appreciate not being any higher up (handling wise).

I do all of the above with Michelin LTX M/S2 tires and stock height (although my rig is fairly perky in back by nature; I do notice that some are lower in the back). These are not off road tires at all, but rather good quality highway tires with some poor-condition capability. But tires are still not my limitation when I go off pavement. It's mostly width, then departure angle. My "off road" is gravel roads on BLM, dirt forest service roads, and that sort of thing. Not rock crawling "real" 4WD. That would be different (and maybe that's what you are looking at?)

This would be different for different people and different circumstances though. Bill drives in snow quite often; I basically never do. I'm more of a desert rat in winter (these days). So.... what will your style be? What do you mean by "off road"? Just off pavement? True "four wheeling"? Or?

Just ordered a pair of Moog CC880S front coil springs. I'll post results once installed but expect 1.5" lift once settled.