WTD is headed to the desert Friday Nov 3, 2023 if you would like to join us to experience how the Baja Grocery Getter KIt does in the desert. Leave a comment if you want to meet up.
I have used both kits now and have to say the WTD kit is 1000% better. The AV kit felt and actually sounded clunky. The WTD kit feel smooth and very secure when driving the van hard. I do not regret swapping the AV kit to the WTD kit. You can see and feel the difference.
I have an E250 converted RV with extended top, weighing in at about 7,800GVW when fully loaded (water tank, equip, etc.) I researched WTD and AV back in 2018 when I got the van but I didn't have the dough. Instead I had the leafs heat treated and bent and added two leafs to the pack, it added about 3" of lift and stopped them from sitting on the overload springs. The guy also stretched the front springs and heat treated them giving a couple inches in the front, all on stock suspension. The van drove like shit so I replaced all front suspension components, added bilsteins all around and a red head steering box, all of which helped a ton with steering. The van is stiff as a board though and without the load of my boat on the rear it's just uncomfortable to drive. While I think it's beefy in the rear, after 6 years I think It's time to do the proper lift kit and maybe proper leaf pack in the rear. Should I expect dramatic ride quality improvement? similar to stock? Going from my 23' gmc denali to my van is a dreadful driving experience currently, so I want to ensure I'll get the comfort and capability I'm looking for before spending the $$. Also would you suggest Mig or stick weld for the radius arm mount to the frame? Thanks for your help!!
Thanks for the comparison. The I-beams are stamped with "Do not bend, heat or weld". I am assuming you do heat and bend them. They seem pretty stout so I don't think it weakens them enough to worry about but has any of your customers had any issues with them?
When you cheat the wheel forward, does that put additional stress on the ibeam pivot bushings? Seems like it would be turning them at an angle when they're meant to be straight. Overall, video seems like a fair comparison though. The i-beam core charge required for the Weldtec kit could be a big issue for some who arent local. It's a decent upfront cost, and can't imagine it's cheap to ship them out there. All that being said, you guys do amazing work. thanks.
For the first 5 people that order a kit we will waive the core charge. The I beam is 30+ " long and we are only moving it forward 1/2" at the wheel which is maybe 1/16 at the pivot. This saves a lot of trimming of your fender.
Articulate and comprehensive comparison. Competition breeds innovation, and I think it's beneficial to have two great options in this space. How fun would it be if Larry and his team agreed to collaborate with WTD and showcased their products at an event for the public? Great video, take care.
Unfortunate you didn't highlight the AV premium kit. Wished you would have addressed BUMP STEER. AV seems to be ahead of that issue dropping down brackets to keep alignment proper. WTD does have some reasons for their design but the bump steer is definitely present.
Jeremy I have a 6.0 diesel van converted to 4wd, i feel my front is under sprung ive bottomed out on some speed bumps and dips in the road, do you sell front slrings separately?
Awesome comparison, thanks! I have a 96 Chinook I hope to start doing some mods on early next year. Or at least replace the rear leafs to start. Now, if you guys could come up with a redesigned E series van upper front shock mount that a person could actually get a wrench on without talking about Ford engineers' birth lineage, that would be awesome too! Thanks again for your always informative and fun videos.
You are misleading and used photos that don't belong to you. It's definitely bias based, and I'll bet you wouldn't like Larry there tearing your kit apart. Your kinda lucky he does not do RUclips and is a decent person. The kits are both good, but when you plan and execute a hater video, shows that you're scared of competition. Us youtubers that actually go off road say they both work we're not hating on each others kits, we're out there just getting off road and meeting friends just going out. DONT BEND I BEAMS. AV offers 5in block not wtd 3.5 inch blocks. Av has king shocks too Av has a tube radius arm that you should have researched Av has a better price And overall Larry comes out with his subscribers. 👋
This video is not a hater video as it only shows the differance between a drop bracket kit and a Bent I beam kit. Both kits achieve lifting a van just with 2 different methods, not knocking the company or the owner who I respect. We have made videos demonstrating how the WTD kit performs in the desert as I would love to drive an AV kit in the desert if we ever were to meet up with other van owners. I will actually be at Superstition Friday if you would like to come join me, your welcome to go for a ride in a WTD VAN ? Here is my 10 cents on your bullet points: * I would never recomend a 5" block * Lots of shops sell kings.... We are not special that we offer them. * AV has a tube radius arm with a heim, big deal... WTD radius arm is longer radius arm with no heim BIG DEAL... * AV is Cheaper you're correct..... $10 * Sorry I have 4 kids that are all very active in sports so it is difficult to just come hang out with you..... How can I hang out with all 28K subsrcibers...... Open to ideas......
@adventure_ready_van_life You are spot on... I have driven most 4x4 Ford Kits and NONE ride reall nice on leaf springs. Thats why the big dogs sway to a 5 link with coilovers.
WTD is headed to the desert Friday Nov 3, 2023 if you would like to join us to experience how the Baja Grocery Getter KIt does in the desert. Leave a comment if you want to meet up.
Perfect timing! Let's do this!
I have used both kits now and have to say the WTD kit is 1000% better. The AV kit felt and actually sounded clunky. The WTD kit feel smooth and very secure when driving the van hard. I do not regret swapping the AV kit to the WTD kit. You can see and feel the difference.
That is great to hear Neil ! we are so happy to hear you like the new WTD Baja Grocery Getter kit on your Ford Van.
I can't wait for the Drama to unwind
Let's do this !!!
😮
Good job on explaining the differences between the brands of kits. It clears up a lot of bad information that has surfaced on RUclips lately.
Weldtec baja grocery getter kit are best and i tested on my rig, highly recommended
I have an E250 converted RV with extended top, weighing in at about 7,800GVW when fully loaded (water tank, equip, etc.) I researched WTD and AV back in 2018 when I got the van but I didn't have the dough. Instead I had the leafs heat treated and bent and added two leafs to the pack, it added about 3" of lift and stopped them from sitting on the overload springs. The guy also stretched the front springs and heat treated them giving a couple inches in the front, all on stock suspension. The van drove like shit so I replaced all front suspension components, added bilsteins all around and a red head steering box, all of which helped a ton with steering. The van is stiff as a board though and without the load of my boat on the rear it's just uncomfortable to drive. While I think it's beefy in the rear, after 6 years I think It's time to do the proper lift kit and maybe proper leaf pack in the rear. Should I expect dramatic ride quality improvement? similar to stock? Going from my 23' gmc denali to my van is a dreadful driving experience currently, so I want to ensure I'll get the comfort and capability I'm looking for before spending the $$. Also would you suggest Mig or stick weld for the radius arm mount to the frame? Thanks for your help!!
Thanks for the comparison. The I-beams are stamped with "Do not bend, heat or weld". I am assuming you do heat and bend them. They seem pretty stout so I don't think it weakens them enough to worry about but has any of your customers had any issues with them?
When you cheat the wheel forward, does that put additional stress on the ibeam pivot bushings? Seems like it would be turning them at an angle when they're meant to be straight. Overall, video seems like a fair comparison though. The i-beam core charge required for the Weldtec kit could be a big issue for some who arent local. It's a decent upfront cost, and can't imagine it's cheap to ship them out there. All that being said, you guys do amazing work. thanks.
For the first 5 people that order a kit we will waive the core charge. The I beam is 30+ " long and we are only moving it forward 1/2" at the wheel which is maybe 1/16 at the pivot. This saves a lot of trimming of your fender.
I sent the stock beams back from Denver in a bicycle box cut down and it cost me about $50 3 years ago.
Articulate and comprehensive comparison. Competition breeds innovation, and I think it's beneficial to have two great options in this space. How fun would it be if Larry and his team agreed to collaborate with WTD and showcased their products at an event for the public? Great video, take care.
Unfortunate you didn't highlight the AV premium kit. Wished you would have addressed BUMP STEER. AV seems to be ahead of that issue dropping down brackets to keep alignment proper. WTD does have some reasons for their design but the bump steer is definitely present.
Jeremy I have a 6.0 diesel van converted to 4wd, i feel my front is under sprung ive bottomed out on some speed bumps and dips in the road, do you sell front slrings separately?
What does the suspension kit do to the towing capabilities of the e350 vans?
I agree with Jeremy! Wtd is better
Thanks for the kind words!
Awesome comparison, thanks! I have a 96 Chinook I hope to start doing some mods on early next year. Or at least replace the rear leafs to start.
Now, if you guys could come up with a redesigned E series van upper front shock mount that a person could actually get a wrench on without talking about Ford engineers' birth lineage, that would be awesome too!
Thanks again for your always informative and fun videos.
Call action van get a second opinion.
Why No drop-down pitman arm on the west tec????
Jeremy can u delete an airbag system and put in a leaf spring setup. On a F-250
Deaver leaf springs in Santa Ana is your answer
Will ask Santa or Satan for a lift kit ! Too expensive😢
Make sure you're on the nice list!
Hey Jeremy it’s scott and Georgia
Hey Guys! How's your new WTD equipped RV treating you?
Thanks for hanging out, how do you like your WTD bent I beam kit on your Ford ?
You got anything that fits on my 1995 gmc vandura 2500?
No sorry we do not have anything.
ok thanks replying @@jeremysworld10
Just got back from a Halloween trip
You are misleading and used photos that don't belong to you. It's definitely bias based, and I'll bet you wouldn't like Larry there tearing your kit apart. Your kinda lucky he does not do RUclips and is a decent person. The kits are both good, but when you plan and execute a hater video, shows that you're scared of competition. Us youtubers that actually go off road say they both work we're not hating on each others kits, we're out there just getting off road and meeting friends just going out.
DONT BEND I BEAMS.
AV offers 5in block not wtd 3.5 inch blocks.
Av has king shocks too
Av has a tube radius arm that you should have researched
Av has a better price
And overall Larry comes out with his subscribers. 👋
This video is not a hater video as it only shows the differance between a drop bracket kit and a Bent I beam kit. Both kits achieve lifting a van just with 2 different methods, not knocking the company or the owner who I respect. We have made videos demonstrating how the WTD kit performs in the desert as I would love to drive an AV kit in the desert if we ever were to meet up with other van owners. I will actually be at Superstition Friday if you would like to come join me, your welcome to go for a ride in a WTD VAN ?
Here is my 10 cents on your bullet points:
* I would never recomend a 5" block
* Lots of shops sell kings.... We are not special that we offer them.
* AV has a tube radius arm with a heim, big deal... WTD radius arm is longer radius arm with no heim BIG DEAL...
* AV is Cheaper you're correct..... $10
* Sorry I have 4 kids that are all very active in sports so it is difficult to just come hang out with you..... How can I hang out with all 28K subsrcibers...... Open to ideas......
Or even better put a leaf spring system on the front.
@adventure_ready_van_life You are spot on... I have driven most 4x4 Ford Kits and NONE ride reall nice on leaf springs. Thats why the big dogs sway to a 5 link with coilovers.