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Old 10-24-2009, 11:57 AM   #1
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New SMB ride quality

I was wondering how you guys with newer 4x4 SMB find on-road ride quality? I was in a 2001(?) SMB 4x4 and found the ride pretty rough on road. Any sign of improvement in the latest 4x4 conversion? Thanks

Don

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Old 10-24-2009, 07:33 PM   #2
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Re: New SMB ride quality

I have an '08 with the OME springs and shocks and don't have any complaints with the ride.
Keep in mind that you're driving a 10,000+ lb., 1- Ton TRUCK, and probably shouldn't expect it to ride like a Bentley.
Bill
I also have an old ('84) Ford 3/4 ton diesel pickup, and the ride of the van is orders of magnitude better than the truck.
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Old 10-26-2009, 07:55 PM   #3
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Re: New SMB ride quality

We test drove an 06 and an 07 during our hunt for an SMB, IMHO the 08 feels better. Don't know if the new springs are the difference or not. When I was driving the Pre 06 on rougher roads, it felt like the whole interior is going to cave in. We took the same road on our 08 and it wasn't so bad. Rides like a F250 truck if your looking for an analogy.
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Old 10-26-2009, 08:34 PM   #4
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Re: New SMB ride quality

I recently had SMB 'upgrade' my van with the heavy duth OME springs and shocks that they started offering standard on the 08 model year vans.

The ride is much improved versus my 06 stock setup.

R
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Old 11-02-2009, 11:50 AM   #5
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Re: New SMB ride quality

Rob, what did that cost you and did you gain any height? Thanks.
DaveB
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Old 11-02-2009, 12:30 PM   #6
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Re: New SMB ride quality

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Originally Posted by daveb
Rob, what did that cost you and did you gain any height? Thanks.
DaveB
Dave,
Ballpark it was about $2,500 for the new springs and shocks.

I think I gained an inch or so in height, but not sure exactly. Not a meaningful change.

The van rides more smoothly on the highway and I'm looking forward to a real off-road test in the near future.

Thanks
R
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Old 11-11-2009, 06:44 PM   #7
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Re: New SMB ride quality

Great, I'll be looking forward to your post myself. I actually wanted SMB to install Deaver spring packs but got a bit of resistance on that. I don't see the difference. Just curious, did you ask them about installing Deavers rather than stock Ford springs? I wonder even if Deaver would sell them to SMB? Because Fresno is so close it would be beneficial for me rather than going down south.
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Old 11-12-2009, 06:30 AM   #8
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Re: New SMB ride quality

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Originally Posted by daveb
Great, I'll be looking forward to your post myself. I actually wanted SMB to install Deaver spring packs but got a bit of resistance on that. I don't see the difference. Just curious, did you ask them about installing Deavers rather than stock Ford springs? I wonder even if Deaver would sell them to SMB? Because Fresno is so close it would be beneficial for me rather than going down south.

Dave
i am going to deaver next week
let me know what you are looking for and i will get a price range

Also, i am going to hit them up for some sort of "group buy"
we will see
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Old 11-12-2009, 08:38 AM   #9
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Re: New SMB ride quality

Dave,
When I went by SMB, I asked if they would mount on a new van other springs than the OME. They mentionned that they could work with Deaver to build custom springs and install them instead of the OME. Might also be possible for an upgrade.
Andrew
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Old 11-12-2009, 08:54 AM   #10
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Re: New SMB ride quality

The problem with doing it at initial construction is uncertainty about the final weight and distribution, I think. I'm surprised people have completely re-done their springs without trying replacing a spring or two. Overload springs don't make a lot of sense, IMO. The "normal" weight of an RV is loaded. Overload springs are for, say, a pickup that is driven both empty and full.
Any decent spring shop should be able to get a loaded SMB riding properly. If deaver makes a big difference it's because the van was either significantly too light or too heavy.

Anyone consider air suspension seating?
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