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| | | Rear Leaf Springs | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 437 addict | OP addict Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 437 | I noticed one of my rear leaf springs was cracked so i figure i need to replace it. Do i need to buy a whole setup or can i buy just a leaf? Should i just replace everything on both sides? Why can't i find leaf springs for the vans anywhere? Where do i find the parts? I tow alot, if i switched my leafs for 1 ton leafs, would my ride height be the same or would it increase the height at the rear end. I have a 1998 b1500 connversion van.
Thanks in advance.
If you are going to be a bum, you may as well be their king.
| | | Re: Rear Leaf Springs | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,463 Likes: 12 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,463 Likes: 12 | I'd try giving ESPO Spring's 'n Things a call on that. http://www.springsnthings.com/email at info@springsnthings.com or call at 800-903-9019 I bought new leaf springs for my van from them, and even upgraded a level in carrying capacity too. The leaf springs come with the rubber bushings already installed. It's probably best to perform the same work on both sides to avoid having one side ride higher than the other. You might also want to replace the rear shackles while you're at it; their bushings fail with some frequency. Height may well go up a little, though your van's pretty new relatively speaking. My '81 B250 van was a real taildragger when I bought it. There is some strong evidence on the rear bumper that the previous owner towed something, though I'm not sure what. When I installed my new leaf springs the normal ride height was restored... now the van won't fit through my garage door with my venturi vent and Odyssey wing installed! It would still clear if I hadn't installed either of them, or if I were to let all the air out of the tires and ride in on rims. It's about 4" too tall. I'm planning to have the garage door opening increased when funding allows...
-It's been such a LONG TIME... BlueShift>> 1981 Dodge Ram B250 Custom Sportsman Maxi Van It's what you learn after you know it all, that counts... Are you living to work, or working to live? Learning from my own mistakes is good, learning from yours would be much better! | | | Re: Rear Leaf Springs | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 12,898 Vanner | Vanner Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 12,898 | Have to raise the garage door !!! Dennis from Van Clan had that issue when he put a raised roof on his van...His garage had a false panel above tthe door so it was a simple matter of removing that panel, lifting the tracks , extending them and a new garage door solved the issue cheaply..
And that was before one of our Second Gen girls married the " Door Guy "
I don't need to be honoured by Vanning, I am honoured to be Vanning ! Supporting Vanning, by going Vanning In A Van ! I hate it, when real life interferes with Vanning ! Van Clan Plus One, Vanning since 1977 ! Ontario Federation Of Truckers (Vanner's) Ottawa Valley Vans I.B.O.B. Founder,Mixed Bag Truckers | | | Re: Rear Leaf Springs | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 | I added 2 leafs to mine because they started flating out because of the weight
Everyday above ground is a Good Day!!! Never Stop Vannin'
Member of Break Away Vanners Host of Spring Break At Shenandoah Acres Family Campground
Owner & Creator of Wizard's Van-In Videos Member of Riding High Truckers from 1982 to 1996 2nd Member of The Toopa Sinner Tribe Member of Free Bird Vanners 1996 to Present Member of Cape Atlantic Truckers South Jersey Host Club of Freeze Out Certified Nats Judge Member of Shenandoah Valley Vans | | | Re: Rear Leaf Springs | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 437 addict | OP addict Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 437 | I was just thinking of going with 1 ton springs, but am a little worried that my tail end will look jacked up in a tacky 1983 kinda way. an inch or two up is fine, but any more and i will look bad on the road.
If you are going to be a bum, you may as well be their king.
| | | Re: Rear Leaf Springs | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 | I know we are talking GMC and Dodge here, but a spring is a spring I had the same issue with the rear end sagging. I found a local shop that specializes in leaf springs do the job. On their suggestion I had them replace the original 2500 springs with a new set of 3500 springs. It did raise the rear up about 4" But that's the look I was going for. I think the cost was about $230 and they were done in a few hours. Here is a pic with the new ride height.
Loonie Toon Truckers... New Jersey Chapter | | | Re: Rear Leaf Springs | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 Supreme Master | Supreme Master Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 18,213 Likes: 2 | That stance looks good Charlie
Everyday above ground is a Good Day!!! Never Stop Vannin'
Member of Break Away Vanners Host of Spring Break At Shenandoah Acres Family Campground
Owner & Creator of Wizard's Van-In Videos Member of Riding High Truckers from 1982 to 1996 2nd Member of The Toopa Sinner Tribe Member of Free Bird Vanners 1996 to Present Member of Cape Atlantic Truckers South Jersey Host Club of Freeze Out Certified Nats Judge Member of Shenandoah Valley Vans | | | Re: Rear Leaf Springs | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 437 addict | OP addict Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 437 | agreed-it does look good.
If you are going to be a bum, you may as well be their king.
| | | Re: Rear Leaf Springs | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 carpal tunnel | carpal tunnel Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 9,428 Likes: 2 | Thanks guys. So thinking along those lines, if you went with just a (3/4 ton I'm guessing) replacement spring. It would probably get you back to level. Whereas if you stepped up to 1 ton springs they would raise the rear a few inches. If it was my van I would go with the latter. Especially if your going to be loading up with all your vannin' supplies. Or plan on towing a trailer at some point. You could also try searching for a local spring shop. Just Google 'leaf spring repair' along with your zip code or state. When you find a place, ask them how much difference in the cost if you do the removal and installation yourself. Be sure to let us know how you make out, and good luck!
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