New Deaver Springs

myriadmyriad · 02-27-2008, 11:50 PM

Well, I finally got all four springs replaced with Deavers..

You would not believe how well it rides.. Off-road there is much more control, no tossing from side to side. The handling on road is much more stable, I look for rough roads now..It is by far the best upgrade I've done. Next, I'am going to upgrade the shocks. After 10000 miles my OME are toast. Their is a problem with the rear shocks, you can't get a wider shock than the OME. Unless you mount them upside down( which I might). The fuel tank is 1/8 inch from the shock body..SMB needs to correct this( on future vans). You're stuck with a narrow shock and you can't mount reservoirs. I might have to drop the fuel tank and weld up a through bolt mount.. Getting high quality shocks for the rear is not going to be easy. I've got another inch of up travel on the front , no more hitting the bump stops. AND the rear is now higher than the front, which I think helps the handling.

I wish I had these springs on the Death Valley trip...

Jeff

P.S. I think SMB might start using Deavers. They are in negotiations now.

jage · 02-28-2008, 06:57 AM

Part numbers? Or will Deaver know what I'm talking about?

NRL · 02-28-2008, 09:54 AM

I visit Deavers every 2-3 years to get my springs refurbished.
Just curious, Which ones did you get? I know they custom design it for each rig but do you have a Part# and price you paid for each, pair or all four?

myriadmyriad · 02-29-2008, 01:25 AM

There are part numbers. I'll check it out and post tomorrow. I basically said the van weighed 11000lbs loaded and I wanted the back to be higher. I really wasn't expecting it to ride so nice. As a side benefit, they correctly welded up the u-bolt plate and shock mount. after I saw the mount there was no way I was going to put it back on the way it was.( I know of at least one Sportsmobile that broke these mounts)It so easy to fix. I don't know why SMB just doesn't complete the weld..

They cost more than I thought but I think the quality was worth it.(2600.00 installed and they fixed the weld) I really think SMB should pay for some of it. The van is only a year old. But I won't bug them about it.

We are now working on some custom shocks. Jeff at Deaver is real knowledgeable about suspensions.

Take care

Jeff

pjpvi · 02-29-2008, 08:14 AM

After reading your post yesterday, I emailed Deaver and had email conversation with Jeff quite a bit yesterday. He is very responsive and helpful so far. He mentioned he had just done work on a SMB and the owner was happy (I assume it was you). Have you had a chance to get on a washboard road yet and how drastic is the ride difference? If your and Jeff's claims are true on the ride improvement, I think I'll be heading down to see Jeff (of course after I get my van back from Ford).

Phil

**daveb** · 02-29-2008, 01:33 PM

Hi Jeff. I would like to hear how these springs ride as compared to the new springs on the 08 vans. I have been told that the new SMB springs will be available as an upgrade, but if Deaver springs ride as well as you reported and SMB is planning a change I will wait. SMB said the ride of the new pack is...rougher. Thanks for the post, you might have saved me from a mistake.
Dave

myriadmyriad · 02-29-2008, 05:08 PM

I am very happy with the springs. Off-road I can go twice as fast and it doesn't feel like I'am hurting the van.. Washboard roads are much easier, but I want to get the new shocks for the true test.

Deaver is working with SMB right now. Maybe the new vans will get the new springs. If I bought one I would request Deaver Springs. They hold the weight and ride well..

Take care

Jeff

myriadmyriad · 02-29-2008, 05:10 PM

I am very happy with the springs. Off-road I can go twice as fast and it doesn't feel like I'am hurting the van.. Washboard roads are much easier, but I want to get the new shocks for the true test.

Deaver is working with SMB right now. Maybe the new vans will get the new springs. If I bought one I would request Deaver Springs. They hold the weight and ride well..

Take care

Jeff

canyonclan · 03-03-2008, 11:25 AM

Jeff,

I am happy with my SMB, but the Ford leaf springs S-U-C-K. I can't believe at 7k miles I am considering an 'upgrade'. Just back from 150 miles of Saline Valley washboard, I am determined to replace all four springs. Besides the 'sag' in the rear, the rear leafs are overloaded and way too soft IMO.

Thanks for your post, I was going to have SMB put the ARB units next time I go to Fresno. Think I'll head over to Deaver.

-Jeff

myriadmyriad · 03-03-2008, 10:24 PM

I hit a big dip coming home from the NASCAR races yesterday.. I was amazed how well it handled it...

I think it's important to upgrade the shocks also... My OME shocks were shot after 10000 miles..

Jeff at Deaver is working on some Bilsteins for me .I'am anxious to see how they work...

Jeff

P.S. I also feel Deaver will stand behind their springs, with no hassle..