14/09/2019
Enhancing Your Ford Transit's Ride: A Comprehensive Guide to Suspension Upgrades
The Ford Transit van, in its various configurations – from the full-sized van and wagon to the robust cab chassis – is a workhorse of the road. Whether you're navigating city streets in a passenger van, hauling critical equipment in a utility cargo van, or embarking on adventures in a custom conversion or RV, the suspension system plays a pivotal role in your vehicle's performance, comfort, and longevity. Over time, or with specific load requirements, the factory suspension might not be up to the task. Fortunately, a wealth of suspension upgrade options are available to transform your Transit's driving experience. With over twenty years of dedicated experience in suspension solutions, we understand the unique demands placed on these versatile vehicles and are here to guide you through the process of finding the perfect enhancements.
Understanding Your Ford Transit's Suspension System
Before delving into upgrades, it's essential to understand the fundamental components of your Ford Transit's suspension. Most commonly, Ford Transit vans utilize a leaf spring suspension system at the rear. Leaf springs are robust and capable of handling significant loads, making them ideal for commercial and utility applications. However, they can sometimes lead to a harsher ride, especially when the vehicle is unloaded, and can experience sagging under heavy, uneven loads. At the front, you'll typically find a MacPherson strut system, offering a good balance of ride comfort and handling.
The question of whether a Ford Transit has air suspension is a common one. While factory-fitted air suspension is not standard on most Transit models, it is a highly sought-after upgrade, particularly for those seeking superior ride quality and adjustable load support. The positive feedback received from customers who have had Schrader valves fitted to their vehicles highlights the significant difference such modifications can make to comfort levels, even in vehicles like the Doblo, suggesting a universal benefit of improved air management for suspension.
Why Consider a Suspension Upgrade?
There are several compelling reasons why Ford Transit owners opt for suspension upgrades:
- Improved Ride Comfort: Reduce jarring impacts and vibrations, especially over rough roads or when the van is empty.
- Enhanced Load Handling: Maintain a level ride height and improve stability when carrying heavy or uneven loads.
- Better Handling and Stability: Reduce body roll during cornering, improve steering response, and increase overall confidence behind the wheel.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: A properly functioning upgraded suspension can reduce stress on other vehicle components, such as tires and chassis parts.
- Customisation for Specific Needs: Tailor your van's suspension to your specific use case, whether it's for frequent long-distance travel, heavy towing, or off-road excursions.
Key Suspension Upgrade Components for Your Ford Transit
The market offers a range of components designed to enhance your Transit's suspension. We specialise in providing high-quality solutions from reputable manufacturers:
1. SumoSprings by SuperSprings
SumoSprings are a popular and effective upgrade. These are made from proprietary closed-cell polyurethane, offering a progressive spring rate. This means they start soft for initial comfort and become firmer as they compress, providing excellent support under load and absorbing shock effectively. They are designed to work in conjunction with your existing suspension, reducing sag, improving stability, and minimizing harsh impacts. SumoSprings are a simple, bolt-on installation that requires no maintenance.
2. Hellwig Products
Hellwig is another leading name in suspension enhancement, offering a variety of products for the Ford Transit. Their range often includes:
- Helper Springs: These are designed to supplement your existing leaf springs, providing additional support and reducing sagging when the vehicle is heavily loaded.
- Anti-Sway Bars (Sway Control): These are crucial for reducing body roll during cornering, especially in taller vehicles like vans. A thicker, more robust anti-sway bar significantly improves handling and driver confidence.
- Air Springs: For those seeking ultimate adjustability and comfort, Hellwig also offers air spring kits. These allow you to precisely control the air pressure within the springs, enabling you to fine-tune your ride height and load-carrying capacity.
3. Falcon Suspension Components
Falcon is known for its high-performance suspension solutions. While often associated with off-road vehicles, their expertise translates well to enhancing the capabilities of a Ford Transit, particularly for those undertaking custom conversions or RV builds where comfort and control over varying terrains are paramount. Their products focus on improving damping characteristics and overall suspension responsiveness.
4. Leaf Spring Enhancements
For many Transit models, the leaf springs are the primary component for load support. Enhancements can include:
- Additional Leaf Springs: Adding an extra leaf to the existing pack can significantly increase the load capacity and reduce sagging.
- Upgraded Leaf Springs: Replacing the factory springs with heavy-duty aftermarket versions designed for higher load ratings.
- Overload Springs: These are designed to engage only when the suspension is compressed beyond a certain point, providing extra support exactly when needed without compromising unloaded ride comfort.
5. Air Suspension Kits
As mentioned, air suspension is a premium upgrade. Kits typically include air springs that replace or supplement the factory springs, an air compressor, and controls (often with Schrader valves for manual inflation or more sophisticated onboard systems). Air suspension offers:
- Adjustable Ride Height: Raise or lower the vehicle for loading or to achieve a desired stance.
- Variable Load Support: Inflate the air springs to match the load, ensuring a level ride and optimal handling regardless of weight.
- Superior Comfort: Air springs can absorb road imperfections more effectively than traditional coil or leaf springs, providing a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Choosing the Right Upgrade for Your Needs
The best suspension upgrade for your Ford Transit depends heavily on how you use your vehicle. Here's a general guide:
| Vehicle Use Case | Recommended Upgrades | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Light Commercial / Cargo Van (Unloaded or Light Load) | SumoSprings, Upgraded Front Struts | Improved comfort, reduced harshness, better handling on uneven surfaces. |
| Heavily Loaded Cargo / Utility Van | SumoSprings, Helper Springs, Overload Springs, Heavy-Duty Leaf Springs | Reduced sag, increased load capacity, improved stability under load. |
| Custom Conversion / RV | Air Suspension Kit, Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar, SumoSprings | Maximum comfort, adjustable ride height, reduced body roll, improved handling with living quarters. |
| Passenger Van | SumoSprings, Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar | Enhanced passenger comfort, reduced sway for a smoother ride, improved stability. |
Installation and Expert Advice
While many suspension upgrades, like SumoSprings, are designed for straightforward DIY installation, more complex systems such as full air suspension kits may require professional fitting. Our team has over twenty years of experience and is well-equipped to advise you on the best components for your specific Ford Transit model and intended use. We understand the nuances of different suspension setups and can help you avoid common pitfalls.
If you're unsure about which product is right for you, or if you have any queries regarding compatibility or installation, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly parts advisers. We are readily available to assist you. You can reach us by phone at 01604 666711. For those outside the UK or seeking direct consultation via email, you can contact us at [email protected]. Remember, investing in your van's suspension is an investment in its performance, your safety, and your driving pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will suspension upgrades affect my van's warranty?
It's always advisable to check your Ford warranty documentation. However, upgrades that do not fundamentally alter the vehicle's chassis or safety systems are typically acceptable. Modifications that directly cause a failure might void that specific part of the warranty.
Q2: Can I fit a suspension upgrade myself?
Many simpler upgrades, such as SumoSprings or helper springs, can be fitted by a competent DIY mechanic. More complex systems, like full air suspension, may require specialised tools and knowledge. If in doubt, professional installation is recommended.
Q3: Do suspension upgrades improve fuel economy?
Directly, no. However, by improving handling and stability, a suspension upgrade can contribute to a more consistent driving style, potentially leading to minor fuel savings. More importantly, it can reduce wear on tires, which does impact fuel efficiency.
Q4: My Transit feels like it's swaying a lot. What can I do?
Excessive swaying, especially during cornering or when being overtaken by larger vehicles, is often due to insufficient roll resistance. Installing a heavier-duty anti-sway bar (or upgrading the existing one) is the most effective solution for this issue.
Q5: How do I know if my Transit has leaf springs?
Leaf springs are typically found on the rear axle of most commercial vehicles, including the Ford Transit. They are long, semi-elliptical metal springs composed of several layers (leaves) of metal stacked together. You can usually see them attached to the rear axle and the chassis.
Q6: Is air suspension suitable for all Ford Transit models?
While air suspension kits are available for many Transit variants, it's crucial to ensure compatibility with your specific year, model, and configuration (e.g., single rear wheel vs. dual rear wheel). Our advisors can help confirm fitment.
Conclusion
Upgrading the suspension on your Ford Transit is a wise decision for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle's capabilities and driving experience. Whether you prioritise comfort, load capacity, or superior handling, there is a solution available. From the robust support of SumoSprings and Hellwig's versatile range to the advanced adjustability of air suspension, you can transform your van into a more comfortable, stable, and capable machine. Don't hesitate to leverage our extensive experience and contact us for personalised advice. Your Ford Transit deserves the best, and with the right suspension upgrades, it can deliver even more.
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