Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 06-18-2012, 06:13 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 261
Leaf Springs

Been reading what I can find and it seems that Deaver springs is what most folks seem to like. Is there any other options? Also has anyone used Dunbar Springs in Phoenix?
After a recent trip down some washboard roads from HELL, something has to change. After two of my cabinet doors fell off I decided to try the speed approach to the road. 45 plus mph worked but didn't make for a relaxing drive. I will say it handled just fine and never once wanted to shimmy off the road. However I would much rather drive slow and enjoy the sights while in the woods.
TraceyAZ

__________________
2005 Ford E-350 SMB 4x4
6.0 EB 50 floor plan. sold :(
TraceyAZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2012, 08:49 PM   #2
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Truckee, CA
Posts: 24
Re: Leaf Springs

We recently replaced the springs and shocks in our 2006 with the Bettis / Rancho setup that SMB is currently using. What an improvement, the best $2500 that we've ever spent on the van.

-- gordon
gordon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2012, 02:04 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 261
Re: Leaf Springs

Thanks gorden,
Were you able to get what you needed directly from SMB? How has the ride been on washboard roads?
TraceyAZ
__________________
2005 Ford E-350 SMB 4x4
6.0 EB 50 floor plan. sold :(
TraceyAZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2012, 02:28 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 1,995
Re: Leaf Springs

Subscribed.

Maybe it's normal but the front OME springs on my rig have a substantial concave upward profile, as if they are overloaded or not arched enough. The easiest thing would be to add an additional leaf to the spring pack and/or have the springs re-arched but an upgrade to a 10 or 12 leaf springpack is appealing. Deavers with remote reservoir Bilsteins appears to be a popular way to go. The downside is there may be some retro-fitting of the shock mounting locations.
__________________
2005 E350 RB 6.0 PSD for extended fun
1989 Landcruiser FJ62 for local fun
2011 VW TDI Golf for hwy fun
JoeH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2012, 02:30 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Tapatio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: California
Posts: 1,012
Garage
Re: Leaf Springs

Quote:
Originally Posted by gordon
We recently replaced the springs and shocks in our 2006 with the Bettis / Rancho setup that SMB is currently using. What an improvement, the best $2500 that we've ever spent on the van.

-- gordon
I'm fairly certain that SMB West uses Old Man Emu shocks and ARB custom leaf springs right now. That's what I have on my 2011 SMB.
__________________
2006 E350 6.0PSD 5R110, SMB 4X4, RB-50, ARB lockers front/rear, Aluminess galore, AMP steps.
Callsign KK6GIY
Tapatio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2012, 03:15 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 261
Re: Leaf Springs

On top of the ride quallity issue the van itself has a lean to it. The passenger side has about 3/4 inch difference in height. While under the van changing oil last weekend I can see a difference in the springs from one side to the other. Nothing looks broken, just different from a point of view that there is less space from the springs to the bump stops and that the springs look like they are dearching worse on the passenger side.
TraceyAZ
__________________
2005 Ford E-350 SMB 4x4
6.0 EB 50 floor plan. sold :(
TraceyAZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2012, 04:54 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
dig255's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 374
Re: Leaf Springs

-- gordon[/quote]
I'm fairly certain that SMB West uses Old Man Emu shocks and ARB custom leaf springs right now. That's what I have on my 2011 SMB.[/quote]

I was just at SMB west to check progress on my van 6-14-12 and it had Rancho shocs on it did not see who made the springs, will check when I go this Thursday.
DIG
dig255 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2012, 05:48 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 1,995
Re: Leaf Springs

I thought SMB had made the move in the last year or two to a local vendor for springs with El Rancho adjustable shocks?
__________________
2005 E350 RB 6.0 PSD for extended fun
1989 Landcruiser FJ62 for local fun
2011 VW TDI Golf for hwy fun
JoeH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2012, 06:31 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
BIGVANS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Up In The Mountains
Posts: 427
Re: Leaf Springs

I heard the same thing.
__________________
2003 Ford E-350SD 4x4
V10 / 4R100 / NV271
Front Axle - 1 Ton Spec Dana 60/King Pin/Open Knuckle/High Steer
Rear Axle - 1 Ton Spec Dana 60/Full Floating
Eaton E-Lockers Front And Rear/4:10 Gears
ARB Differential Covers - Nodular Iron With Dipstick And Drain Plug
Leaf Spring Suspension Front And Rear
46 Gal Transfer-Flow Fuel Tank
ExtremeAire Magnum Air Compressor
Reunel Rear Bumper
On And On ...
BIGVANS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2012, 07:22 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 261
Re: Leaf Springs

I put in a call to SMB west yesterday, still no call back from them yet. It would be nice to have a direct bolt on repair for this.
TraceyAZ
__________________
2005 Ford E-350 SMB 4x4
6.0 EB 50 floor plan. sold :(
TraceyAZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sportsmobile SIP or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:20 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.