Twscarp

Posted By: Ponyriemen
Hi...
oh, that was not clear to me.
Ok, if so, then i will search for a VAN till 2008, not later...
can you tell a specific Month, at where the Vans got 8-lug?

are you really sure?
Here in germany some are available and came from 2010, all 1500, they have all 6-lug...
see this one on german website:
https://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/d...e-7850bc020ee4

Hi, my van is a 1500 Cargo Van, maybe the suspensions on the conversion vans are different, but mine is quite soft, and supple, compared to a 2500.

Ponyriemen

i asked in a american Facebook-Group for that and someone said that he is pretty sure, that no 1500 has 8 Lug...

Twscarp

Did you specify an Express Conversion van, Express Cargo van or both, because I'm 100% sure my 2008 Express 1500 Cargo has 8 lugs. I'm surprised that the conversions would downgrade to a 6 lug, which I'm assuming has a smaller spindles, rear axle, springs, brakes, sway bars etc. Conversions just look like a lot of curb weight, plus adding people. Maybe the best thing to do is, when you find a van you like, is inquire whether it has 6 or 8 lugs.

Ponyriemen

...some said, that there is a Reason for Tax or Number Plate for do it to 8 Lug, but i dont know what he means - in germany the Tax is based on Engine.
I Asked for 1500 VANs, said nothing about Conversions, Cargo or something. Just aksed for 1500 Vans, since when they have 8-Lug.
So if you have 8-Lug, maybe the pre-Owner did for Tax-Reasons? I dont know...

Twscarp

Um no, absolutely 100% factory, the difference must be between the conversion vans and the cargo vans. I can see the conversion van builders using a 6 lug haft ton suspension for the custom wheel issue, and not as harsh ride. 8 lug has much more mass, which means a much bigger center cap, but still surprised at the downgraded load rating, but we don't really know the load rating.

StanVan

Regarding the vehicle size, and your reasoning for choosing the model you want. Of the 3 models generally offered (1500,2500, &3500), there are only 2 "sizes", 135" and 155" wheelbases. 1500,2500 &3500 are weight related, and all 3 come in the 135" wheelbase.

Ponyriemen

So is it possible to buy 1500 + 2500 models with either long or short wheelbase? I always thought Model 2500 automatically means the long wheelbase, so I wanted the short 1500. But if you say there are both the 1500 and the 2500 short wheelbase - where's the benefit to a 2500? Only a higher total weight? If that is the case, then the 1500 is enough for me here in Germany ...

mountainmanjoe

1500/2500/3500 doesn't matter. Same size van, same size body (135" wheelbase). The 2500/3500 are taller because they have beefier suspension/drivetrain.
Long wheelbase is an option.

My 1500 has 6 lugs. It's a 2013 AWD Passenger LS

Twscarp

Hi, this all has been very interesting. From what I see, all Cargo Express 1500, 2500, and 3500 (at least the past 10 years) vans utilize the heavier duty 8 lug wheels and suspension. The 1500 passenger vans including conversion vans apparently use the 6 lug somewhat lighter duty system. Now the question is what about the 2500, and 3500 passenger vans, what suspension do they use?

StanVan

I don't think the 1500 is available in the long wheelbase, but I could be wrong.