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Front Shocks, Springs upgrade - '74 B200 Campervan
#729027 October 18th 2017 4:01 am
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I'm looking to help a friend upgrade the front shocks and springs on a 1974 Dodge B200 campervan.

This is the long unit (maxi???) with the factory raised roof.

The back shocks were upgraded last year to Monroe Coil-over Heavy duty shocks (shocks with the coil added). Eventually would like Bilstein

At the same time, last year the front end had basic addressed: new idler arms, control arms, steering box, front brakes.

Shock wise I'm thinking the Bilstien 4600 (not sure if I want the upto GVW 8400, or the over 9000).
Bilstein 4600 GVW 9000lbs SKU 24-014014 -- (this might be overkill)
Bilstein 4600 GVW 4000 to 8300lbs SKU 24-184632 -- (this I suspect is the standard replacement)


Spring wise, the game plan is to hit the local spring company and have a set made. Was also thinking of some spring insulators (anyone have something they would like to recommend?)

Anything anyone would like to add? I miss anything? Any other upgrades I should do at this time? new bushings?

Thanks in advance,
Scott

link to Van photo gallery (new to upload some newer shots)
http://prints.scottfraserphotography.com/Portfolios/Series/Samantha-The-Big-Blue-Van/n-rT8GSM/

Re: Front Shocks, Springs upgrade - '74 B200 Campervan
SFP #729041 October 18th 2017 11:36 am
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Hey Scott, welcome to the site ....

I run the Bilstiens HD as my vans weigh #8860 & #9350. They do have a nice ride if the weight is right & heavy, as I have a 454 for them to support. For a G20 it might be a stiff ride. If there is a anti sway bar, Id replace the neo bushings & might want a steering dampener for your long boy.

Again welcome ..


SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO
ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN
ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS
'93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB
'92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB
Re: Front Shocks, Springs upgrade - '74 B200 Campervan
SFP #729045 October 18th 2017 12:36 pm
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Hi Scott, Welcome to the Site! Pretty nice Dodge.

I do know my B250 front coils feel soft for a 3/4 ton. I went with KYB's, and I wish I had gone with stiffer shocks on it. I'd not hesitate to go with the heavier Bilstiens on Samantha. Really great picture gallery too there eh!

Frscke1 mentioned the sway bay. They make s big difference. If it doesn't have one, it needs one.

You'd like the B350 rated coils. My Xplorer B350 rides nice, yes it is heavy. Lol. Xplorer's Factory Hellwig helper spring setup, plus airbags in the rear, and I run the stiffest heaviest Bilstiens I could get.

The G30 I have has stock suspension. Bilstiens and the same stiff tires as the Campervan, and empty it is a stiff ride. Even with the 454. However, it's very stable in a fierce crosswind!

I'd lean toward stability, especialy in a Hightop.



BBC Blue
1990 Chevy G30 L19 7.4 EXT
Church Van, maternity division

DogVan
1988 Dodge B250
LA series 318 Wedge 5.2 TBI A500

Cabin Cruiser
'94 Dodge B350 www.xplorermotorhome.com/
Xplorer MH model 230
230 hp LA series 360 Wedge MPI 5.9 A518 OD auto

Old vans are getting pricey!
Re: Front Shocks, Springs upgrade - '74 B200 Campervan
SFP #729101 October 20th 2017 2:28 am
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Thank You Frscke1 and Wedgy,
I think that the heavy duty Bilstiens will be the way to go (up front). Spring wise I see Moog makes a couple different sets (3/4 and 1 ton), and from what I have read, the 1 Tons work well in the 3/4, especially with a high-top. But, figure the local Spring shop will be cheaper in the long run.

Sway bars. yes, game plan is it install one in the back once funds allow, and ideally replace the front with something newer. Options appear to be limited, but at least there are options ;)


Re: Front Shocks, Springs upgrade - '74 B200 Campervan
SFP #729110 October 20th 2017 12:14 pm
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The anti sway & steering dampener on my '92 Chevy

[Linked Image]


SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO
ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN
ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS
'93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB
'92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB
Re: Front Shocks, Springs upgrade - '74 B200 Campervan
SFP #736789 May 30th 2018 12:28 am
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Update.

Van went in today to have new shocks, springs and insulators installed. Budget and availability of the Bilstiens didn't work at this time, so went with a pair of Monroe Gas Magnum shocks up front.

Parts:
Moog 7272 (1 ton)
Moog K160037 - spring isolators
Monroe Gas Magnum with Rec package shocks (http://www.monroe.com/en-US/e-catalog/34831)

Look forward to seeing the difference, as I suspect it is going to a big difference over the old worn out stuff that only the Gods know was last done.

Will follow up after we put a few miles on it.

Last edited by SFP; May 30th 2018 12:28 am.
Re: Front Shocks, Springs upgrade - '74 B200 Campervan
SFP #736790 May 30th 2018 1:09 am
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Some 7 years ago or so i replced he coil spring in m 89 b250 with Moog 7272 from the existing 7270 spring thickness(thinner). I was thinking it might ride too stiff.

It does not.

I have KYB gas-a-Just shocks which are known to be a stiff shock.

I think My van handles quite well now.

I thought the pre 78's used a different length coil spring as they had a different suspension geometry, but could certainly be wrong


Re: Front Shocks, Springs upgrade - '74 B200 Campervan
SFP #736820 May 31st 2018 1:12 am
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Well, she handles a WHOLE lot better. Honestly, have driven Volvos that aren't that tight on steering.

And she has now entered her East L.A. phase.

next step, rear springs.

Anyone know what the part number or if Moog even makes a matching rear spring to the 7272 front?

Thank you again for all your help on this project.

Photo from when I got her home to my place

https://prints.scottfraserphotograp...ha-The-Big-Blue-Van/n-rT8GSM/i-dKXQpvg/A

Last edited by SFP; May 31st 2018 1:42 am.
Re: Front Shocks, Springs upgrade - '74 B200 Campervan
SFP #736834 May 31st 2018 11:27 am
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Moog doesn't do rears. Rock Auto lists a couple, depending on shackle design! Have seen Eaton Springs and others mentioned here. Do you have any local suspension shops? Shipping might get costly!!

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