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Old 01-20-2010, 11:26 AM   #1
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Saggy Springs, can I just...

So, as I'm working on the Polar Bear, I'm stacking more and more crap in the back. The inside of the van has no camper build out. Right now, it's just my old rims/tires, some extra seats, and a few other odds and ends.

I'm noticing the rear of the van sagging more than I expected. There's still plenty of room for compression, but... well, here's a pic:



If this continues to be a problem, what are my options? I know with my old Xterra, you could just add an additional leaf spring and the problem was solved. Can I rip a leaf of of an older van and add it to the stack?!?? Is there another preferred solution?

Thanks. =)

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Old 01-20-2010, 12:21 PM   #2
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Re: Saggy Springs, can I just...

Yes, you can just add any leaf and get some help. However, really not the best way to go. you can also add helper springs, air bags, air shocks, etc. If you just want to level things out while you're working on the van, most of the above will work. I might (have done) do any of the above as an interim fix, but when you get your project done and have the final weight of the rig, it's hard to beat having springs made that will level things out and give you the ride you want based on how and where you drive. If you're going to occasionally carry a bigger load, air bags are great.
This is all in my not so humble opinion and I'm sure others will chip in with their two cents worth. Remember, advice is worth what you pay for it....
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Old 01-20-2010, 05:27 PM   #3
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Re: Saggy Springs, can I just...

Air bags are really great. One problem with adding a leaf is when the van does not have a load, it rides very very stiff in the back. With an addition of airbags you can adjust the ride height accordingly. There are many inexpensive airbag kits in ebay made by Ride-Rite and Firestone.

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Old 01-20-2010, 10:53 PM   #4
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Re: Saggy Springs, can I just...

Quote:
Originally Posted by surfgeek33
Air bags are really great. One problem with adding a leaf is when the van does not have a load, it rides very very stiff in the back. With an addition of airbags you can adjust the ride height accordingly. There are many inexpensive airbag kits in ebay made by Ride-Rite and Firestone.

Ray
Like these? I saw them mentioned somewhere else on this forum and didn't really give them much thought. What are the disadvantages? Can I just install them w/out any compressor equipment and adjust the air manually at stations? Is there a recommended brand or some particular model for big vans?
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Old 01-24-2010, 12:58 PM   #5
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Re: Saggy Springs, can I just...

Add an overload leaf from a junk yard now. Get properly arched custom springs when final build weight can be determined. If you still think you need them.

The additional overload leaf was an option anyway. It shouldn't negatively change the ride. Add a stabilizer bar and I bet you don't do anything more.
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Old 05-03-2010, 07:20 PM   #6
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Re: Saggy Springs, can I just...

Just took my van in to the local spring shop this morning and had them add one leaf on the rear spring. The new leaf is a little heavier guage than the others and they had to install new U-bolts also.

Before my interior was done, the van was nearly flat front to rear at about 40 1/2 inches to the bushwhackers. After the conversion, the front had only dropped about 1/4 inch, but the rear dropped 2 inches. Now, $400 later, the front and back are almost the same again. Maybe 1/4 inch higher in the front, but very close. It didn't seem to stiffen the ride that I can notice.
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