Ford PowerStroke Diesel Velvet-Ride Suspension Shackles

Ford E350 Van, 7.3L PowerStroke Diesel, 2000
29ft Dameon Hornet travel trailer, 1997

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by John Stead, Orangeville, ON email jstead@CarterRV.com

This article describes the installation of the Velvet-Ride shackles on the Ford E350.

The manufactuer claims a smoother ride, reduced rear end vibration , Significant improvement of cornering on rough roads and easy installation.

The Velvet-Ride shackle set was obtained from Drivetrain Specialists of Las Vegas. The order process was a simple on-line form. Within one day, I received a phone call from Drivetrain Specialists confirming the order. The shackle set was delivered by UPS the following week.

The installation instructions provided with the kit are clear and accurate. There was also a troubleshooting section which seems to cover all the "what if" scenerios.

To do the installation myself, I would have had to purchase an new jack and jack stands with a weight rating to support the E350 Van. I descided to get the local mechanic to do the job. This turned out to be more difficult than it first appeared. Many shops were not equipped to lift my van due to the limitations of their hoists. One mechanic suggested that the springs were "loaded" and therefore it cannot be done by the "do it yourselfer".

After this bit of discouraging news I was in Fergus, Ontario and drove by a "Thruway Muffler" shop which had a large "Springs" sign on the building. I pulled in and spoke with Gerald (Gerry) VanGrootheest, the owner. He had a look at the van and the Velvet-Ride shackes and said "sure, we can put those on for you". The next day I arrived at the appointed time and the shackles were installed easily in one hour.

After leaving the shop, I drove back to my office which was about 50 miles away. I tried every "poor" road I could find on the way. Travelling along beat up pavement and washboard dirt roads it was immediately apparrent that the manufaturers claims were true. What a difference, these things work.

Related Links

Drivetrain Specialists of Las Vegas
Link to Drivetrain Specialists of Las Vegas.

Velvet-Ride
Link to Velvet-Ride's web site.

Happy RVing from John, Nancy, Paul and Jake.

(1a) Velvet-Ride Shackle