GMC Savana 2500 SMB butt sag

[gahamby]

Even without the trailer she was sagging some.
Should I go with new and beefier springs, bigger shocks, air bags?
She rides real nice now without the trailer. I just put a gear box on the trailer to hold all the gear that was either tied down on the boat or tossed in the van. The box probably added #250.

[Marcel Huijser]

Here are my thoughts (I may be wrong, of course):


1. For off road use, go with bigger leaf springs (weigh the van for each axle with typical load, custom built springs). Airbags will suffer too much and may not hold up.


2. Other consideration: if the weight of the van (incl. tongue weight trailer) varies substantially, then perhaps consider adjustable air bags... but only if off road use is minimal. If weight of the van is relatively constant, go with bigger leaf springs.

[Twoxentrix]

^^^^^^I agree ^^^^^^^
Your intro identified you already had sag, suggest you consider replacing with a set of leafs better suited to handle your needs.
Down the Road, adjustable air bags will allow you to compensate for some of the added weight, but i wouldn't rely on them solely to handle the burden.

[gahamby]

Thanks for the replies.
This is a 2WD van, so off road is right out.
The suspension is bone stock.
It appears I need a leaf spring upgrade.
I don't want to get the rear end too stiff because the van handles surprisingly well for a big a$$ GMC.
It's not that heavy a trailer as trailers go. I'll have to weigh it as well as the axles and see what I really have.
That pic is the first time I've seen the new rig all up.

[marret]

I agree bags are great for added loads, but not to level if that is already an issue. So either springs or a block. Is there a block already?

When I did my lift I went with new springs instead of a block. We also added an extra leaf. I'm glad I did.

[gahamby]

Where did you source the springs from?

[Twoxentrix]

gahamby, You might try reaching out for Chris at UJoint - you can't be but a couple hours from him at the most (he's in Asheville).

[gahamby]

Thanks for the reply. I'll contact him.
Just so you know, Ashville is a 7 hr drive from Falls Church with some steep hills. In Alaska they'd call it a good haul.
Just did it.

[marret]

Originally Posted by gahamby

Where did you source the springs from?

Weldtec Designs. They are progressive as well. Honestly don't know who made them for Weldtec.

[4x4sporty]

FWIW
I had same issue with my Chevrolet 3500 and I thought it was just age and worn out spring from big van.
I ordered new factory springs and it sagged exact same amount as old springs so I put air bags on it and I couldn't be happier.
I can change the pressure according to my load. Now it rides great full or empty