done with interior, need advice on improving ride - Page 2

UJOINT · 01-10-2012, 07:05 AM

All good advice from these guys! The DW is most likely a trac bar problem, but it could be as simple as a worn steering part or a tire out of balance. Stabilizers are a band aid, you shouldn't need more than one.

Before swapping any springs, get some Bilsteins on that bad boy.

Rockman · 01-10-2012, 07:12 AM

Thanks Chris,
looking at this for reference, http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/ ... ear='2006'

Should I get HD, or Comfort?

**daveb** · 01-16-2012, 11:29 PM

I'm no suspension expert by far, but my track bar was broke and I didn't even know it. Now I have leafs up front which makes a difference from what I've been told.

I will say the Deaver Spring Company made all the difference as far as ride is concerned. DW seems to be with coil springs according to some, and is something I've never had, but my SMB leafs were destroying my van. The Deaver's are like night a day but they also re-did the shocks, bump stops, and shock mounts. Bilsteins. I can fly or slowly drive over washboard plus even haul ass over parking lot speed bumps It's a huge difference.

Rockman · 01-17-2012, 07:21 AM

thanks daveb,
I cant imagine hitting a speed bump faster than about 7 or 8 mph. my front would be metal on metal feeling and the rear would launch into the air and probably land slightly sideways.

I will look into leafs up front

MadScience · 01-18-2012, 02:01 AM

In the front at least, I'm having a hard time picturing a build adding enough weight that you'd be hitting the stops regularly (disclaimer: I have more front travel than average). For an easy thing to check, I'd take a really good look at the coil springs. I'm pretty new to the van, but on other vehicles, I've seen coils crack at the final ring. Such a break can be hard to spot and will compromise the entire spring. The ride will be anywhere from harsh to a complete mess.

Rockman · 01-18-2012, 09:39 AM

yea, that is kinda what i thought about the front.
Due to weather and time, i havent been able to really get under there and see what is going on, but I did see these two things:
1) my top steering stabilzer is blown, and leaking(ed) fluid, thus why I have a little wobble.
2) I have a max of 1.25 inches travel for my bump stops in the front. Is this normal?

Again, no other mods to the front or rear suspension. 5.4 gas.

UJOINT · 01-18-2012, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockman

Thanks Chris,
looking at this for reference, http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/ ... ear='2006'

Should I get HD, or Comfort?

Sorry for the delay, go HD.

Rockman · 01-30-2012, 09:50 PM

thanks ujoint.
got under the V.A.N. with my mechanic just to see what we can do.
nothing looks broken, such as track bar , or bushings.

Just ordered Bilsteins fronts and steering stablizers.
going to weight it this week and alter tire pressure accordingly.

Only problem is that the driver spring hits the shock. Enough to dent it slightly.
We have determined that it is due to the "spring stop" is on the wrong side. Meaning, the passenger side has the "stop" near the shock, pushing the spring off-center, with the excess more forward, away from the shock.

the Driver as it pushing the spring closer tot he shock. Not really happy with this.

Steve_382 · 01-31-2012, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockman

2) I have a max of 1.25 inches travel for my bump stops in the front. Is this normal?

My 2008 Quigley has a little less than 2" from the axle to the bump stop. Would love to have another 1" of travel. I have also bottomed out on the interstate several times. A little disturbing. My van is pretty light compared to many. Less than 8,000 and pretty even front to rear. There are a few discussion on here about using SSC30 or 31 coils in the front to get a little more lift, but I don't know what else needs to be done to keep the front end aligned, etc.

http://www.supersprings.com/supercoils_fitchart.asp

SSC-30
3935 lbs
plus 1 1/2"

SSC-31
5000 lbs
plus 1 5/8"

Rockman · 01-31-2012, 07:30 PM

@steve
Yea, Similar here. Light van, and should know the exact weight this week.
But THANKs for the idea of the shoe rack in the back from your gallery. Noticed the Guides and Sportivas.

I wil be adding something like yours as soon as possible. My space from van to cabinet looks smaller than yours (exact thinkness for my Misty Mountain Magnum Pad), so my shelves will me removable somehow.