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Rear Leaf Springs
#553156 April 01st 2012 9:39 pm
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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
UTAH #553185 April 02nd 2012 3:06 am
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pooh-bah
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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...




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Re: Rear Leaf Springs
UTAH #553190 April 02nd 2012 5:52 am
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Vanner
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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 "


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Re: Rear Leaf Springs
UTAH #553195 April 02nd 2012 6:22 am
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I added 2 leafs to mine because they started flating out because of the weight


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Re: Rear Leaf Springs
UTAH #553242 April 02nd 2012 10:06 am
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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
UTAH #553267 April 02nd 2012 12:10 pm
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carpal tunnel
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I know we are talking GMC and Dodge here, but a spring is a spring grin
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.




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Re: Rear Leaf Springs
UTAH #553270 April 02nd 2012 12:13 pm
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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
UTAH #553298 April 02nd 2012 1:17 pm
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agreed-it does look good.


If you are going to be a bum, you may as well be their king.
Re: Rear Leaf Springs
UTAH #553307 April 02nd 2012 2:30 pm
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carpal tunnel
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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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