Ford Transit AWD Lift Install

EXPLORIST life Mobile Marine & Off-Grid Electrical

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In this video, we will be showing you how we installed a lift kit on our AWG Ford Transit Camper Van Conversion.
The suspension upgrade package that we went with is the Van Compass STAGE 4 TOPO 2.0 SYSTEM - TRANSIT AWD which includes adjustable rear Falcon 3.3 SP2 shocks, with 2.0" of lift for improved ground clearance. The Topo Front Lift kit combines a precision engineered 0.75" lift camber correction plate, with a tuned coil spring while the rear lift is accomplished by a 5 leaf mini spring pack: vancompass.com/products/copy-...
We also show how to install bigger tires and wheels on the camper van after we installed our lift kit. The video has been broken up into chapters for easy navigation.
Thank you again to Van Compass for sending us this kit! Now our van is ready for off-road adventures with the ground clearance we have gained from adding this lift kit to the van.
00:00 Introduction
00:10 Pre-Install Measurements
00:31 Jack Up Rear of Van
01:16 Disconnect Shock
01:48 Disconnect Axle Housing from Leaf Springs
02:29 Install New Leaf Pack
04:44 Shock Mount Modification and Bracket Install
06:41 Falcon SP2 Rear Shock Explanation
09:14 Rear Shock Install
10:33 Add Spacer to Bump Stop
11:09 Rear Suspension Wrap Up
11:59 Install New Wheels and Tires
12:14 Jack up Front of Van
12:41 Disassembly - Remove Tie Rod End from Steering Knuckle
13:03 Remove Brake Caliper
13:40 Disconnect Sway Bar End Link
14:07 Disconnect Sensor Wires
14:56 Remove Axle Nut
16:03 Detach Steering Knuckle from Strut and Lower Control Arm
17:48 Disconnect Steering Knuckle and Lower Control Arm
19:02 Remove Strut Assembly
21:18 Replace Coil Spring
22:37 Reassemble Strut
24:58 Cut Down Studs with Angle Grinder
25:34 Install Strut Spacer
26:40 Connect Strut to Steering Knuckle
28:27 Reinstall Strut and Steering Knuckle on Van
30:08 Reassemble Steering Knuckle to Lower Control Arm
30:44 Sway Bar End Link Relocation Bracket Install
32:27 Reconnect Sensor Wires
33:20 Reconnect Brake Caliper to Steering Knuckle
34:23 Reattach Tie Rod End to Steering Knuckle
34:52 Reinstall Axle Nut
35:16 Front Suspension Wrap Up
35:56 Attach New Tires and Wheels
38:01 Post-Install Measurements
38:38 Tips for Success
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12 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 106

@michaelmanphotography5013 8 месяцев назад

Thank you for the videos. They are very enjoyable. I appreciate your good nature and your skills. I learned a ton about van builds. After watching your team (!) and all 36 (?!) videos, I chiefly learned that there is no way I that I would try a van build.

@johndumke3494 11 месяцев назад

Nate, great job on the video, Really appreciate your time spend documenting this.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

@johnplyler7054 11 месяцев назад

Great video, Thanks

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Thanks John!

@reloadnorth7722 11 месяцев назад

Right on, nice build.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@timf6916 11 месяцев назад

Nice, good job

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Thank you! Cheers!

@nbc902 8 месяцев назад

terrific job and terrific video, thank you

@EXPLORISTlife 8 месяцев назад

Thanks! 🙂🙌

@markkeith5980 3 месяца назад

Excellent video greatly appreciate this. Clear with detailed steps. Cheers

@EXPLORISTlife 3 месяца назад

Glad you liked it! Cheers!

@mausie1967 11 месяцев назад

Wowww, loved your video again

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Thank you so much 😀

@shesails3313 6 месяцев назад

Fantastic video. Thank you!!

@EXPLORISTlife 6 месяцев назад

Glad you liked it! Cheers!

@RobertSmith-os2zj 6 месяцев назад

Great video . I went crazy every time you called a nut a bolt . Went crazy about 30 times .

@EXPLORISTlife 6 месяцев назад

Well, I guess if that's the biggest frustration you've got going on in life, I'm happy for ya. 🤷😂😁

@RobertSmith-os2zj 6 месяцев назад

I need to replace the front struts on my 2020 Transit . Your video is the best one out there, by a mile . It didn’t pop up 2 weeks ago when I searched . Maybe you can add a keyword for the search engine . Thanks for the video , sans the nuts .

@landrover827 11 месяцев назад

Awesome video! Now we need to see an Airbag Man install.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Thanks! The leaf packs are done in place of airbags. Airbags are good for vehicles where you may have it empty sometimes, or loaded up to max capacity sometimes (think of a truck driving empty; and then hooking up a 5th wheel RV to it). Since our van is always roughly the same weight; leaf packs over airbags is the better solution here.

@landrover827 11 месяцев назад

@@EXPLORISTlife I was thinking it would smooth out the ride on washboard roads and allow for easy leveling of the van at camp. 🤭🤔

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Lowering the tire pressure & setting the shocks to the soft setting will make the most difference for washboard roads. As for leveling... Maybe? If you had airbags for all 4x corners that were independently controllable, I suppose. During our 4 years of living in our old van we never really had an issue getting the van 'level enough' just by repositioning and/or the strategically placed flat rock.

@RedBatteryHead 11 месяцев назад

It is a nice instruction video. Still can't get the idea to go that rugged off road with a fully kitted out camper 😅.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Yeah; we aren't RV park kind of people. 😂

@rcniss 11 месяцев назад

What a great video! Did you post a link for the tire and wheel combo from Tire Rack? I'm not finding it. HELP!

@jonsmail8082 11 месяцев назад

You need new gloves...haha Great video for suspension. I watch every weekend..

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

🤣😂 No doubt! 🤣👍 I got some after this video. Thanks for tuning in!

@jonsmail8082 11 месяцев назад

@@EXPLORISTlife Another note, when tighing the strut nut to 41 foot pounds, many times just letting the spring pressure go against the plate will hold the rod tight enough for torching.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Ahh; yeah; that makes sense!

@ttirrell 11 месяцев назад

This video is awesome. I got the vancompass left kit for my van, but had it installed by a shop. Curious how long you estimate this took for a DIY install?

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

I'd budget for a full weekend for the average shade tree mechanic if you're doing it by yourself and aren't having to worry about videoing. 🤣

@stephanemarchand8750 8 месяцев назад

Thank you for this terrific instruction video! Maybe I missed it, but were you able to fit the bigger tires in the spare tire well? And if so, did you have to do any modification? Thanks again!

@EXPLORISTlife 8 месяцев назад

We kept the factory spare in there. Should be good enough to limp us to the next tire repair place in a full blowout situation. We carry plugs/compressor for everything else.

@BrianLee-nz3vm 10 месяцев назад

Hi Nate, are the method wheels MR703 van? Do the Tire rack lug nuts have the washer on to tighten to the wheel, like the OEM lug nuts? and lastly are they 90mm off set. That was Discount tires recommendation when I got the Falkens fitted to my OEM steel wheels which were the same as your originals. Sorry for 3 questions in one shot.

@justtravelthings129 3 месяца назад

Nate Another Great Job Witch One did you use ? Shock Tune Light / Mid 8500 OR Mid / Heavy Over 8500 Again thanks very much for all your Hard Work !!!!!

@EXPLORISTlife 3 месяца назад

Heavy. Light/Mid is more for vans that may sometimes run empty (delivery trucks).

@justtravelthings129 3 месяца назад

Thanks so much !!!!!!!

@jarrodsmith3059 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for the video. I’ve been toying with the idea of this upgrade for a while now and I always balk at the cost vs value proposition. It seems the biggest benefit from everything installed is the bigger/grippier tires. With the 245/75/16 do you still need the lift?

@jr.6199 5 месяцев назад

The Transit Trail is mounting 245s with a 3.5" lift but it still has a low clearance of 8" so the cost justification is challenge. Watch Brendan at Gone Mobile to hear of his paying Van Compass to install upgrades, trimming wheel well pinch weld areas for clearance of tires. And research Agile Offroad to hear what happens to Sprinters, etc.' components when subjected to off road abuse....expensive proposition either way.

@rcniss 11 месяцев назад

I'm wondering if you were able to get the new tire size to fit in the spare tire well?

@wildwoodovensbbqs 2 месяца назад

❤🙌

@oodlesofnoodles83 10 месяцев назад

What lug nuts did you go with? I was told that currently no aftermarket lugs are made for the Transit.

@jonmustang 9 месяцев назад

I've done a good bit of off-roading and rock crawling and am now considering a Transit... BUT I'm just looking to hit up some dusty roads, loose rocks, a bit of snow, but not actual "crawl." Do you think an un-lifted AWD Transit with all-season tires and maybe an e-locker would be good enough for most mild-to-moderate trails?

@jr.6199 5 месяцев назад

Id say so, but start looking under the chassis, lay down under it measuring the lowest points in the undercarriage like the rear differential-rear shock mounts-exhast pipes and muffler. What will hit first and in which areas in the drive line must you avoid as you pass over a bump on the roads. If your Transit is like the few I've measured, it will ave a 7" or 8" clearance. This is lower than other chassis'. So watch out what you run over.

@user-vf7pf4ik9s 7 месяцев назад

What color is that on your Transit? Love it.

@iamonealtwo 11 месяцев назад

Great video, as always thanks for sharing. Did the shop have any problems with the alignment? I have been considering this lift and the transit OffRoad one as that one has adjustment in the arm? Did you look at that one? Love to hear your thoughts. Hope I am ok to mention another brand😊.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching! We are scheduled to get our alignment tomorrow; so I'll check back in. We live in a small town where we don't have a bunch of access to drop-in alignment shops. We did indeed look at the Transit Offroad kit; but it was (and is) backordered and we couldn't wait for it to come back in stock when the VanCompass lift was in stock and ready to ship. The Transit Offroad kit also just uses lift blocks instead of a full leaf pack addition, so it doesn't actually add any kind of suspension help in the back; just lifts it up. These blocks can also contribute to 'axle wrap' when on snow/sand/mud. Plus... people were asking about the VanCompass lift; so we have to make videos about what people are asking about. 🤣👍

@iamonealtwo 11 месяцев назад

@@EXPLORISTlife yes that is a good point about the back leaf springs. Thanks for your thoughts. Look forward to hearing your experience on the alignment.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Alignment went well. Nothing notable there. Cost $170ish at a local performance truck shop @1-offperformancellc933 Only thing on the alignment is to call ahead and make sure that the shop can do it (height and length of vehicle being the limitations).

@iamonealtwo 11 месяцев назад

@@EXPLORISTlife thanks for the update… good information.

@juanvazquez9447 4 месяца назад

Excellent video, a question on this model (Ford Transit AWD) even Air Sprig (Air Lift brand) is placed on the Bumper stop, here comes my question, if we install this kit or another Vans compass topo 2.0, is an air spring compatible? I say it because of the height gained

@EXPLORISTlife 4 месяца назад

That's probably a better question for Van Compass directly, but I can't imagine why you'd want to do that after installing a high-end suspension system like this. Air bags are a bit of a quick fix that the adjustable shocks & bigger leaf pack handles. Even when we are pulling our heavy horse trailer, it still doesn't sag any more than it should.

@juanvazquez9447 4 месяца назад

Thanks! and with this rear gear from 5 leaf spring the van doesn't get harder in the back, I mean hard as in more rigid? I have the same Camper and I want to install a Van Compass system but I'm not sure whether to install the 2" dowel or the Mini springs.@@EXPLORISTlife

@lombardshardwoodsupply3286 4 месяца назад

How do you like the falken 245/75 /16's? You have had them for several months. I have the same van, same suspension upgrade running max gvw looking for new tires.

@vaa7446 10 месяцев назад

Very nice. Like your videos. I may have missed it, but what was the torque set?

@EXPLORISTlife 10 месяцев назад

All of the torque values are listed in the instructions that come with the lift kit.

@vaa7446 10 месяцев назад

@@EXPLORISTlife sweet. Thanks.

@enriquedelcastillo6204 9 месяцев назад

Man this is an awesome job. How much does it cost this lift. And where can i order it.

@kisong9744 8 часов назад

At 30:21, I am pressing hard on the lower control arm, but no matter how hard I press down I can't clear enough to insert the ball joint into the hole. Have you come across that issue?

@joycejoyce6165 11 месяцев назад

Did you change the factory tire already? Maybe I missed that video? But I wonder which tires (or oversized tires) did you go with? Thank you!

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Indeed! We did that in this video if you watch until the end.

@JohnEllis-wt1ij 6 месяцев назад

I like those wheels, what are the specifications?

@markj10 8 месяцев назад

Now that you lifted your Transit, keep a close eye on the passenger side CV axle and check the boot from time to time. I only speak with experience because pinched the boot twice causing it to tear, love my local Ford dealer because they replaced the whole CV axle under warranty.

@EXPLORISTlife 8 месяцев назад

Yeah; we check CV joints, brakes, and all other suspension components in all of our vehicles when we rotate our tires in the spring and fall.

@jr.6199 5 месяцев назад

If you could mention which Ford dealer, i heard this would void warranties.

@user-rz6ze1nu6b 8 месяцев назад

Hey Nate and Steph. Good video. I have a question. What are your thoughts on RVIA certification and how you get around to campgrounds that require them? I have been rejected in my campervan because I don’t have this sticker even though my campervan has been built to these codes. Specifically Tiger Run in Dillon.

@EXPLORISTlife 8 месяцев назад

I've never come across any RV parks that require any kind of certification. I have stayed at Tiger Run for a night back in, probably, 2018ish; but they didn't ask for anything like that. Out of all of the campgrounds we've stayed at, though, that is definitely one of the ones that I could see coming up with some kind of dumbass rule like that. Super pretentious place. You aren't going to run into that much on your travels.

@user-rz6ze1nu6b 8 месяцев назад

@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks for the info. It really is a dumbass rule that caught me by surprise. I was feeling really discouraged wondering if I would face this issue again and again. As a CO native do ya’ll have any recommended rv parks around that area open during the winter? Really having trouble finding something that’s not tiger run.

@EXPLORISTlife 8 месяцев назад

KOA in Steamboat stays open over the winter. Red mountain rv park in Kremling does too. Pretty much nothing in summit does.

@jr.6199 5 месяцев назад

RVIA certs are a reality in campgrounds and have been for at least 20 years. I was denied entry around 2004ish in a county park CG for that reason. Ask campground representatives and certified upfitters. Insurance companies also like to deny coverage and claims without RVIA certs. My insurance company had plenty to say on this subject about qualified upfitters and who they trust. Reasons to be excluded like uninspected rigs causing electrical power outages for the whole campground due to shorts, etc. We all know of some sus builds and sus electrical work in life. RVIA prevents a lot if that just as house consruction codes do. I too complain about regulation but the best countries in the world result from it.

@user-gj8bz2qk9i 5 месяцев назад

hey, what size wheels are those? are they factory size or bigger? would like to do the same set up as you

@nickh8370 11 месяцев назад

How many hours would you say you spent on this list install? 10-14hrs? I ask because their website says 8hrs.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

So, the 8hrs is a bit misleading. The full kit comes with about 4 different sets of directions; each for it's own individual time-estimate; and the 8hrs was only for the rear lift. In total; for everything shown in this video (rear spring pack install, rear shock install, high clearance shock bracket install, front lift install), budget for it to take a full weekend for the average shade-tree mechanic.

@mc-zy7ju 11 месяцев назад

Would love to know the mileage before and after, would need to run the original tires though.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Headwind vs tailwind and how hard i press the gas is going to matter much more for mileage than tires. 🤣😂

@mc-zy7ju 11 месяцев назад

@@EXPLORISTlife the extra lift doesn't count for much?

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Some, for sure, but that's just the trade-off for more ground clearance & bigger/more aggressive tires.

@miroslavjecminek3225 9 месяцев назад

I've got 2" lift kit from Van Compass installed by ford dealership and unfortunately I experience bad slams in the front shock when going through any small pot hole. It's no pleasure on the forest roads as it happens constantly. I called Van Compass regarding the issue and they told me they are aware of that but can't help. Pretty upsetting news. Anyways I was wondering if you have any hack how to solve this issue, maybe another brand lift? Would you be able to help? Thank you so much in advance. Mira

@EXPLORISTlife 8 месяцев назад

Hmm; I haven't heard of or experienced that.

@jr.6199 5 месяцев назад

Any news on the lift fix or how its performing today?

@noahstoeckel7851 Месяц назад

Could it be worthwhile to replace the front struts while having it all apart?

@EXPLORISTlife Месяц назад

If it needs it, sure! Our van had less than 10k miles on it when we tackled this project; so they were still good to go.

@mmcg5043 11 месяцев назад

What is the total height of the van now? Gotta make sure the van can clear the garage door after the install... is that in the instructions?😟

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

To the top of our weboost antenna is 10' 2 1/4" and to the top of the air conditioner 9' 10 1/2"

@ads8831 3 месяца назад

why does the shock mount have to be cut?maybe later change the suspension. how will he enter?

@EXPLORISTlife 3 месяца назад

I guess it doesn't 'have' to be cut; but it hangs down a long way so the high-clearance shock mount fixes this problem and results in higher ground clearance. I guess if increased ground clearance isn't a desired feature, you could leave it as-is; but I don't know why you'd spend the money on a lift kit if you didn't want more ground clearance.

@ads8831 3 месяца назад

@@EXPLORISTlife ok I understand. with this kit can it be combined with air suspension or is it unnecessary? thanks for great video details

@EXPLORISTlife 3 месяца назад

This is a high end suspension upgrade, which makes air suspension unnecessary.

@ads8831 3 месяца назад

@@EXPLORISTlife I understand. thank you and sorry for my not so good english. warm greetings from Greece. I hope you have wonderful travels. 🙏👍💙😎

@KenLeonard 11 месяцев назад

Seems like a pretty flimsy frame member holding that shock at the top. These vans can go to 11,000 gvw. How does that not flex/bend?

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

That'll be a question to call Ford Motor Company about. I'm sure their head engineers are available to chat about stuff like that. While you've got em, ask them if they have a fix for my power sliding door still not working. 😂🤷

@wildwoodovensbbqs Месяц назад

According to the Ford Factory Manual... Most all the fasteners you have worked on are not to be re used... Why are some bolts one-time use? Most OEMs have at least one example of a one-time-use fastener/part. The reason it is only good for one use can vary. For example, torque-to-yield bolts are designed to stretch during the torquing process. These fasteners cannot be reused because of the excess amount of stress that was caused during installation.Jun 4, 2021

@EXPLORISTlife Месяц назад

Yeah, vehicle manufacturers also doesn’t want people installing aftermarket lift kits either, but here I am never having had a non-lifted vehicle. 😆

@m.b.6113 11 месяцев назад

Why a Falcon and nor the BFG KO2?

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

For the Tire Choice; We've had K02's in the past and haven't gotten the life out of them that we wanted; especially with how expensive they are. We have Toyo A/T tires on our daily driver and love them and the Falken tires are comparible.

@lylestavast7652 11 месяцев назад

Not a complaint, but this is the first video of yours that I really had no interest in at all. BUT... I do think it's GREAT that you managed to save 2 lbs by removing those thingybobber dealeos. :)

@timdunmyer4549 11 месяцев назад

Or you could order/buy a Transit Trail and let the factory do all that for you.

@EXPLORISTlife 11 месяцев назад

Yeah, and wait 2-3 years before it comes available... or you could hire an upfitter to build your whole van for you. 😂🤣 Perhaps you are new here, but this is a DIY channel. If you don't like diy projects, this isn't the channel for you.

@johnlastname2895 8 месяцев назад

Not to mention the crazy price of the trail package.

@beaumont9072 6 месяцев назад

I don’t really understand why you would put a lift kit on a street van I know it’s all wheel drive but they’re junk. You can’t get them off camber at all. If you’re taking it off anything more than a logging road you’re just asking for a world of problems.

@EXPLORISTlife 6 месяцев назад

I mean... if you only use yours on the street, that's your deal. 🤣😂🫣

@beaumont9072 6 месяцев назад

@@EXPLORISTlife i guess I’m smarter then the average 🐻 Don’t forget to put a winch on you will need it 😀

@EXPLORISTlife 6 месяцев назад

We've done more off Road travel in a fait 500 than most lifted trucks will see in their lifetime. I'm not worried about getting stuck, that's just part of having fun. I will literally off-road anything.