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Old 05-08-2019, 03:59 PM   #1
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Deaver Upgrade - Ride Height?

After many years of thinking about it, I got the ball rolling on a Deaver Spring upgrade on my 11.5 year old RB-50 w/ 35" tires. Yes, I know, it won't be cheap, but they do a fine job from all reports. If you've done this, did your body height get raised a bit? My rig weighs in at 9900 pounds. I sure hope it is not more than an inch increase. It's pretty tall now and don't need the additional pain in the ass.

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Old 05-08-2019, 09:21 PM   #2
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After many years of thinking about it, I got the ball rolling on a Deaver Spring upgrade on my 11.5 year old RB-50 w/ 35" tires. Yes, I know, it won't be cheap, but they do a fine job from all reports. If you've done this, did your body height get raised a bit? My rig weighs in at 9900 pounds. I sure hope it is not more than an inch increase. It's pretty tall now and don't need the additional pain in the ass.


My 2000 was sagging and the new spring brought it level. I did tell Jeff I wanted it to be level.
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Old 05-09-2019, 06:46 AM   #3
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Mine went from a 6" lift to 8". The van weights 10.5k
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Old 05-09-2019, 08:00 AM   #4
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Mine went up about 1/2" back to where it was when new. Main difference was in the way it rode. MUCH better!!! I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Got over 100K on the Deavers and they haven't sagged and still ride great.
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Old 05-09-2019, 08:09 AM   #5
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Mine probably went up similar to Vandiesel's. I had them add an extra leaf in the rear packs after the fact as the van was perfect when unloaded, but sagged a bit when loaded for a trip. I prefer it to be a bit too stiff unloaded but just right when loaded.

You will be very happy with the upgrade!
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Old 05-09-2019, 09:21 AM   #6
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Will you go down to Deaver to have them make and install the springs, or have a local to you shop install them?


I would travel to Deaver, tell them what you need, and any overall height limitations, and they can adjust as necessary. No matter what though, the springs will settle somewhat over time.




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Old 05-09-2019, 09:35 AM   #7
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Will you go down to Deaver to have them make and install the springs, or have a local to you shop install them?

I would travel to Deaver, tell them what you need, and any overall height limitations, and they can adjust as necessary. No matter what though, the springs will settle somewhat over time.

herb
I placed my order with Jeff this week, I told him the weight, and he is quite familiar with that model of SMB. They will fab all the components in advance and do the install at their shop in one day while I wait around. He will install a set of Bilsteins that he gets custom valved for this job. I requested no height increase but he said there will be some and difficult to predict ahead. It's not just a remove and replace job. He will be doing some bracket/mount adjustments which require welding and grinding. He sounded confident and all reports I've heard for over ten years were positive.
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Old 05-09-2019, 10:06 AM   #8
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Bring a bunch of reading material, and if I recall correctly, there's a large mall within about 1-1.5 mile walking distance.




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Old 05-09-2019, 10:25 AM   #9
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Bring a bunch of reading material, and if I recall correctly, there's a large mall within about 1-1.5 mile walking distance.

Herb
Great, I can spend MORE money there! I'm going to bring my electric scooter along for a bit more range.
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Old 05-09-2019, 12:58 PM   #10
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Yeah, Jeff and team are awesome. Deaver is right in the heart of Santa Ana, so you’re in close proximity to Main Place Mall (ok), South Coast Plaza (very high end), Disneyland, Bowers Museum, Old Town Orange (called “the circle”), Old Town Tustin, Lyon’s Air Museum at John Wayne Airport, etc. You’ll definitely want to Uber since the distances are too great for walking really, and that area of Santa Ana can be a little rough around the edges.

Enjoy the improved ride! They helped mine a ton!
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