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3/17/24 - Current lead times on Ford and GM Core kits approx 3 weeks, turnkey kits 4, and individual parts kits approx 3 days to ship. We're cruising as fast as possible ya'll! Email for build sheets on your vans or call with ?s, 720-515-5933. Thanks!
3/17/24 - Current lead times on Ford and GM Core kits approx 3 weeks, turnkey kits 4, and individual parts kits approx 3 days to ship. We're cruising as fast as possible ya'll! Email for build sheets on your vans or call with ?s, 720-515-5933. Thanks!

Ford E-Series Mini-Kit Front Axle Kit Gen 3 & Gen 4 (1975-2023)

$2,795.00
Van Year
Weld-in or Bolt-in
Lift height
Description:

The Timberline E-series mini-kit is the simplest and cleanest way to hang your 2005-2016 Superduty axle under an E-series van. The kit includes just the main fabricated components required to complete the swap. These are the basic components you don't want to design yourself. This kit comes prepped with hardware and is available in both bolt-in and weld-in designs. You can choose from 4",5" or 6" of lift all compatible with the system. Printed color instructions are included for the installation of these components and supplemental instructions for other aspects of the conversion are available by email. 

Timberline 4-Link front end kit

The Timberline 4-link kit is a high-performance bolt-in solution to connect your Superduty axle (2005-2023) to your Econoline van (1975-2023). There are more than 400 vans on the road with versions of this kit and it's been a trusty solution for us since nearly the beginning. Designs were updated a few years ago that push the axle forward about 3/4"-1" which is good for a 33" tire @ 4" of lift, or 35" tires @ 5" or 6" of lift. We recommend the 5" for most people. 6" is good for max flex clearance and possibly 37" tires with trimming. 

Trackbar kit

The Timberline track bar kit is the most advanced kit we sell in terms of time spent on development. In 10 years we have gone through a dozen iterations while honing the performance, durability, and universal fitment of these products. Our current offering will likely stay the course for years to come. This is simply the best track bar option for E-series to Superduty 4x4 conversions.

Perches

Our standard 4x4 E-series conversion setup utilizes your original van coil springs. 

Bolting up a Superduty axle in place of your existing front end only adds about 200 lbs per front corner. There are widely varying spring rates across both vans and trucks. For this reason, we recommend keeping the spring rate you have which will ensure the highest ride quality. There are modes to run Superduty or other aftermarket springs, we have some support, but the perch method is our preferred design and consistently performs. 

Weld-in or Bolt-in?

If you can weld, go that route. It takes a bit less time, there's not a ton of holes to drill in the bolt-in version, but it costs more and it's probably a bit more time consuming, but not too bad. 


F.A.Q.

We chose the 4-link suspension system for several reasons. Having worked on Superduty trucks before vans, we knew they were sturdy but not ideal for everyday driving with varying loads and occasional off-road trips. Many agree that the extra pivot point and adjustable axle placement of a 4-link setup make for a smoother ride compared to standard radius arms.

Setting up the geometry correctly can be challenging. Through years of testing, we've developed a plug-and-play system that consistently works well with our other components. Our parallel 4-link design is simple, durable, and low-maintenance, thanks to high-quality leaf spring bushings, grade 10 hardware, and easy bolt-up installation.

The track bar system is our most rigid and durable design to date. It reinforces the cradle, provides a deflection free pivot link between the axle and the frame, and it's even now available as a bolt-in affair. 

Coil springs vs leaf springs

The ongoing debate between leaf springs and coil springs for 4x4 van conversions has clear benefits favoring the more modern coil spring design. Here's why:

  1. Ride Quality: Your van was designed with coil springs by Ford, tailored to its specific needs. Coil springs offer varied spring rates matching different vehicles, ensuring a comfortable ride without guesswork. Additional weight from the conversion sits below the coil springs.

  2. Turning Radius: Coil spring Superduty axles boast a tighter turning radius compared to leaf spring axles, making parking, U-turns, and navigating tight spots on trails easier.

  3. Compatibility: Superduty axles require no extra programming or wiring for E-series vans from 1975 to 2023, seamlessly integrating with traction control and anti-lock brakes systems.

  4. Availability: The 2005+ Superduty axle is widely accessible, with parts readily available and easy to work with. Our 4-link system is compatible with front truck axles from 2005 to 2023, and our track bar system works with axles up to 2016. Kits for 2017+ axles are available upon request.

While we respect other designs, the advantages of coil springs are apparent. Now, leaf springs can make sense in specific scenarios. Very heavy vans and extreme off-road enthusiasts may benefit from their durability and forgiving nature when other suspension components wear out. But with proper components and care, choosing a coil spring rig ensures a satisfying ride without regrets.

Kit Inclusions:

Timberline Ford 4 Link Kit  Standard Design 4-6" Inch Lifts (Most Vans)
Timberline Econoline to Superduty Trackbar Kit
Superduty to Econoline Spring Perch Kit

What else should I buy:

We recommend the full core kit to reduce brain damage overall, but if you're working on a budget or trying to handle as much on your own as possible, these are probably good things to pick up:
Ford Econoline to Superduty Sway Bar + Link Kit
Ford Econoline Extended Front Brake Lines
Ford 4x4 Van Heavy Duty Pitman Stabilizer Kit

What else do I need to complete my conversion?:

There are obviously other components required to complete your job and we recommend using one our build sheets to lay out your project. If you can't find them on the site, email us and we'll send one over for your specific vehicle, but here are the basics:

Front axle - 05-16 Superduty recommended, you'll want to do ball joints, probably tie rods and brakes and clean it up nicely. 
T-case - This will come from a 99-04 or a 2005-2010 Superduty depending on your transmission
Trans-conversion - Most transmissions have to be converted to 4x4, there are different ways to do this we have solutions for all of them. 
Driveshafts, shocks, - and whatever way you choose to handle the other following components we recommend:

Dana 60 2005+ Steering Stabilizer Kit
Easy-Wire Transfer Case Range LED Indicator Kit
Econoline Pitman Arm for Superduty Drag Link
Ford Econoline 4x4 Conversion Driveshaft + T-case Hardware Kit
Ford Econoline 4x4 Van Bump Stop Drop Kit
Ford Econoline Steel Fuel Tank Shortening Blank
Ford Econoline to Superduty ABS Wire Jumpers
Ford Econoline Transmission Drop Brackets
Ford E-series 4x4 Conversion Rear Lift Kit
NP271 NV271 Transfer Case Shifter Kit
Timberline Helper Kit

Fitment Designed For:

Van Side: Fits 1975-1991 Ford E-250/E-350, 1992-2023 Ford E-150/E-250/E-350/E-450, Cab and chassis/cutaway variants included

Truck Side: 4-link fits 2005-2023 Ford F-250/F-350 SRW or DRW axles. Track bar design fits 2005-2016 Superduty axles, 2017+ by special order (phone.)

Tools Required:

Standard hand tools, pneumatic tools recommended, torque wrench, thread locker. All 4 links now support bolt-in design but can be partially welded, 2 holes drilling required, 9/16" bit included. Angle grinder and cutoff wheels. 

Tips / Skill Level: 

1-10 (10 being most difficult) Level 3-4

A Ford truck axle is fairly heavy. Installation can be done on the floor in a garage, with jack stands, a pry bar, ratchet straps, and a good floor jack. Installation is most easily completed on an automotive lift with an axle stand, however, it is not necessary. Please exercise patience when working with heavy equipment and parts and always have a buddy to help. This install will be easier to do with 2 people. 

Shipping, Fulfillment, Taxes, Quality, and Returns
  • Shipping: Our components are carefully wrapped & packaged and shipped via UPS, USPS, or FedEx, depending on what is available. If you require a particular carrier, please contact us ahead of your purchase.  Customers in Colorado may arrange for in-person pickup within 1-2 business days of purchase. 
  • Shipping/Fulfillment time for components: Mini kits ship within 3 business days of your order and we carefully monitor our inventory. In the event that we are unable to meet that timeframe, we will contact you and arrange either a full refund or a timeframe for fulfillment agreeable to the customer. 
  • Taxes: Colorado residents must pay a sales tax of 7.5%, no sales tax is collected on out-of-state shipments currently. 
  • Quality and Returns:  We are consistently complimented on the quality of our products and the ease of installation. Fabricated components are generally hand-built here in Colorado by seasoned professionals. Replacement or aftermarket parts are only offered in high-grade options.

    If you are in any way disappointed in the components, we will issue a full refund less the cost of shipping when the product is returned within 30 days of receipt. If you decide to return any components that didn't apply to your build or you changed your mind about, a shipping +15 % restocking fee will be deducted from the refund.