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Old 03-23-2019, 11:52 AM   #11
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FYI:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...nes-13653.html

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Old 03-23-2019, 12:43 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arctictraveller View Post

Mine mount and look nothing like those problem children shown in the f19 thread (link above)...



Mine upper mount outside the frame rails on brackets, inline with the springs.






For what it's worth, the double bellows type shown, are the more expensive bags, with very thick wall rubber, the type used on a lot of big rigs. Compared to the ones sold under the Air Lift brand. They also have a real thin internal stop, and collapse to maybe 2" tall.


Since my van is 4x4, and I don't want to restrict suspension extension, I just left the lower bolts out, like the UJOR kit does.


UJOR kit:
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Old 03-25-2019, 05:07 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arctictraveller View Post
Those problems seem to be specific to a SMB-like suspension where air bags mounted that way would be counter-productive to that system's design. It is interesting how they can become torn or damaged in the wrong application.

Thanks for sharing that info AT.


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I don't feel that airbags are a good solution for full-time load-leveling. They're great for part-time load leveling though.

More leafs are better for full time duty. They often need to be accompanied with better damping... You already have the Bilsteins so you're good there.
CarringB are those Sumo springs in place of the air bags or helper springs? I did a bit of reading and they're certainly interesting, not out of the price range either.

Since my last post a bit more info has been gathered. I've had the van reweighed twice in the past few days, one with a fairly representative load and again with most everything removed. It seems my load was about 1200# but that included extra stuff that will almost never be part of the "normal" daily driver weight. Unloaded gross weight was 5720# (Frt: 3060#, Rr: 2660#) Loaded gross was 6940# (Frt: 3260, Rr: 6940#).

As a WAG the rack that'll become part of the van (permanently installed) weighs at least 350#, could be slightly more. I don't have a way to weigh it separately however that's close enough for me on this project. (It does take a fork lift to move it on and off the van. )

With the input here I'm going with adding a single leaf to the rear springs which adds about 1200# load capacity, a 2" lift in unloaded ride height. I can salvage a nearly unused Air Lift bag system from another fan for those times when my loads are more than the anticipated "normal" load of 1200#.

Since this van will be driven far more UNloaded that should be enough to safely accommodate the occasional added weight.

I've learned a lot here thanks to you guys---can't thank you all nearly enough.
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Old 03-25-2019, 09:43 AM   #14
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I like that approach. As your load varies, building the suspension for the lighter normal load, then using air bags to compensate for the heavier load makes a lot of sense.
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Old 03-25-2019, 09:55 AM   #15
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As caring b stated here’s a video,interesting

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Old 03-25-2019, 09:59 AM   #16
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I’ve also seen these daystar cups for air bag users that offroad so you don’t tear your bags/it does let suspension droop and keep it from sliding to side possibly damaging it during use when inflated
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Old 03-25-2019, 10:25 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by JWA View Post
Those problems seem to be specific to a SMB-like suspension where air bags mounted that way would be counter-productive to that system's design. It is interesting how they can become torn or damaged in the wrong application.

----------------

CarringB are those Sumo springs in place of the air bags or helper springs? I did a bit of reading and they're certainly interesting, not out of the price range either.
IMO those issues in the airbag problem thread are not SMB-specific.

Airbags are only good for part-time load leveling IMO, not full time duty. And even then, they come with added maintenance issues. If you aren't routinely changing payloads, I would not recommend them.

Sumo Springs are intended to be used instead of helper springs or airbags. That said... I'm using them to supplement my airbags. As such, I went with the softer version.
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Old 03-27-2019, 03:57 AM   #18
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Going into this I never thought it'd be so fraught with too many good choices.

So after all the input from you guys I've decided to do two things: add one leaf to the existing springs AND add the Sumo helper springs for a bit of safety margin should that be necessary. All told I'll have less than $700 total in everything which isn't bad at all.

Just thinking out loud I had an aggravating time trying to contact Supersprings.com--nothing but voice mails that went unreturned and their online so-called chat service equally unattended. Only after being "persistent" was I able to contact someone. That conversation didn't help much but I "think" I have an answer relating to my particular use.

(I needed to know why their Sumo Springs catalog didn't list a 2000 E-Series, if they knew specifically why their listings for 2001 and above would NOT work for the one year earlier? Anyway got it figured out now.)

I will say the guys at SDTruckSprings were VERY helpful and I'll be ordering the Sumo parts from them. The added benefit is they're the cheapest I could find.

There will be a slight delay since the particular parts I need aren't stocked by SD but that's fine---no huge rush on completing this project. I will be able to piggy back adding the extra leaf with eventual installation of the Sumo springs as I'll have my spring shop remove the bump stops for me. IF it works out I'd have the Sumo's in hand before taking it to the spring shop I'll have them install them for me---after all they'll already be under the van in a nice comfortable pit.

I'll update this as it unfolds-----thanks again for all input and good ideas.
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Old 03-28-2019, 07:57 PM   #19
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I am all for the air bags because you can adjust the height release air pressure on one side and increase on the other to reduce weight shift on off camber situations. HOWEVER, with this said even though you can deflate for traveling off road the spring travel could rip out the bag from over extension! I think for my lifted E350 I would prefer the Summo bump stop style.
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Old 03-28-2019, 10:01 PM   #20
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I just installed some Hellwig helper springs on my Chevy Express 1500 a few weeks ago. The normal everyday ride wasn't really affected but when I hooked up my boat, I noticed a much better ride while towing. The helper springs eliminated a lot of bouncing on the freeway.



Can't wait to tow my travel trailer! I definitely recommend them.


I couldn't find an airbag system that would fit my van.
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