I count myself fortunate to live in Southern California for many reasons. The latest one is that I am within easy driving distance to Deaver Spring, Inc. in Santa Ana. On Friday I had my OEM Ford rear leaf springs replaced with Deaver Springs for the Sportsmobile and my van now drives like a different vehicle. Driving on the freeway no longer feels like I am sailing slightly choppy seas. In all seriousness, I never realized how out of control the rear of the van used to feel until I had these springs installed. The day after, we ventured off-road through Grapevine Canyon in Anza Borrego and the off-road performance is just as significantly improved. There is no question that this modification has truly improved the feel of an already great riding van. Here are some pics:
Before (4" block on axle, Ford 4-leaf spring, Roadmaster Active Suspension)
After (no block, Deaver 11-leaf spring)
Before (practically flat leaf spring)
After (nicely curved leaf spring)
Jeff Crosby working his magic
Steve in L.A.