Vannin' Home Forums General Discussion Readers Rides Chronicles of a 79 Dodge

Thaks for everyons kind words. Quick update here...

The Van’s rear stance has been noted due to a previous owner taking out a rear leaf on each side. Texas roads are not at all smooth so the van kept bottoming out or bouncing to the degree that the tires would scrape the wheel well lip. All this with just me and my wife sitting in the upfront captain’s chairs, never mind having anyone in the back.

So, decided to replace rear shocks with air shocks. Great improvement and no more bottoming out. While inspecting shocks that were removed, they were shot. Probably did not help any either. Thanks to my friend, took no time at all. Can't get 4 lift points safely under side of van due to pipes so I just eased it up from the rear. PSI range is 25-200. Going with 75 psi right now and it just floats down the crappy roads.

I would take the air shocks off ASAP. The upper shock mounts on the rear of the van are not designed to hold the full weight of the van body. THe upper mounts will fatigue and break over time. A better solution would be true air springs ar to restore the leaf to the rear springs. I suggest getting entirely new or rebuilt rear leaf springs.

Awesome van! I remember seeing it for sale. I think the guy had a large collection of vehicles and was selling off his collection to downsize to one or two toys. I agree with Reed somewhat, but I don't think you necessarily need to get rid of your air shocks, but I would recommend getting a set of add-a-leafs, or replace the whole leaf pack on both sides. My 89 Ford high top is somewhere between 7k and 8k pounds. It really should have been built on at least an E250 platform. The previous owner had a set of stock replacement shocks put on when there must have been a problem with the air shocks. They really were not not enough to support the weight, so I started by putting air shocks back on it, but they weren't enough, so I installed a set of 1 ton add-a-leafs. That took care of it, and there's some extra cushion on rough roads with the air shocks. I think I'm running them around 85-90 pounds. No problems so far.

Thanks Reed for the advise. The van is currently In getting its transmission rebuilt as that all of a sudden has crapped out. So I'll get the rear suspension taken care of before something worse happens. And believe me, if there is a chance of something happening, even remote, it will to me.

Reed really knows his stuff. Please keep us posted on your progress.

As Reed mentioned Air bag/spring kit would do it just right . It installs on the frame and rear leaf spring and is ajustable .

I checked YouTube and saw what is being referenced. Any suggested merchant that folks have good experience with where I could look into purchasing the setup? Would prefer to give business to a good resource. Thinking it could be a universal kit that would fit a variety of different vehicle types so I checked PST but search came up with nothing for a 79 Dodge B200. Thanks in advance. Looking forward to getting the van dialed in, getting it out, and enjoying it as intended.

Done a little searching and thinking to go with Air Lift, unless anyone has specific recommendations. Install seems straightforward.

1971-2004 Dodge B-200, 250, 300,2500, 3500 1/2, 2/3, & 1 Ton Van - "Load Lifter 5000" Air Helper Springs [REAR]

Model: 57105

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6427

Ill check around for best price.

Looks like a nice setup. My budget was a bit tighter, so that's why I went with an extra leaf. Worked out well for me, but you will have much more adjustment to get the stance just the way you want it. Looking forward to seeing your results! Love your van.