Mr.CoastieJoe

[LaRue Medlin]

Just wondering if you could help me figure out the best way to go on my GM1500 work van. The back is sagging pretty good due to the weight in the back. A spring shop here wants 400$ to add 2 leafs to each side. Would helper springs work OK? (200-400$ not installed) or a swap of 1500 springs to 2500 springs (if they will fit) I also know I can get (1/2) size helper springs for 40$ at NAPA. What do youy think would be a good route to go? Thanks Kev Anyone else input too...

 

[TrainTrac]

How 'bout a Roadmaster Active Suspension kit?

 

[Todd Z]

LaRue,

the cheep helpers stink. I had them on my bronco, they worked for about 1 week and the truck then went back to its original level...

I know you could upgrade the rear springs....

I found several places that say the 1500-3500 use the same spring, and you have choices from 1200- 3300 lb springs..



I would go that route...

Any truck springs shops by you???

The one by me did a couple of custom sets for me, installed for under 300 bucks..

Todd Z

 

[Kevin Palmer]

400 is too much...



At my shop we will take leaf springs that are broken or the center bolt has come out and put them into inventory.



When someone needs a lift, we would measure his or her original springs from the end to the center and from the center bolt to the other end. We would then look for a spring that would fit below the main and above the top leaf. If we could, great, if not, we would cut down one we found that was longer.



Being a van you will have a 9/16 center bolt, cars have 3/8-inch bolts. For us to do the job we would "TRY" to save the U-Bolts. Pretty good at it but if not, then we would replace them.



Basically, for 2 long leafs on each side plus the labor we would charge on average about $150.00 plus any U-bolts and the new center bolt. U-bolts should go $11.00 to $17.00 each and the center bolt less than $5.00



Any local shop should be able to help you. If you have no salvage yard right near you, then you may want to make the run around to find some long leafs to help with the total cost from the local shop doing the work.



If no one around you can or will help you I can.



Simply e-mail me the measurements as I described above. I'll have my shop cut them and ship them to you....



Let me know...

 

[Bill Cooksley]

I would suggest going with 3/4 ton springs you could find in a junk yard or air bags. Also next vas should be a 3/4 ton good lucl. Bill

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Although I did not mention it above you will want to get the leafs from trucks or vans. Cars have less tensile strenght and will give more than what you want...



Cars leaf springs are just slightly thinner than trucks and vans...

 

[Tom Schindler]

LaRue,



One thing you can consider are Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags. They add up to 3,000 LBS of weight capacity. If you are hauling something really heavy, just add more air. If you are looking for a softer ride, let some air out.



I have air bags on my Trac and I love them. Firestone does not make them for my Trac, so I had to use AirLift airbags, but they work fantastic.



Airlift does make a set of your Express Van, but they only offer the one that does 2000 LBS.





Tom

 

[Richard L]

LaRue,

The Roadmaster Active Suspension is probably one of the best ways to go if you install it yourself.



Another alternative might be air-lift shocks. I used some on a car when I towed my motor cycle using a home made front wheel hitch adapter.



...Rich

 

[LaRue Medlin]

This is what I'm going with. Timbren Rear Helper Kit - Various GM Trucks & Vans

Thanks for the help everyone

149.95 shipped