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Originally Posted by arctictraveller
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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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
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.
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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.
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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.