Vannin' Home Forums Chevy Troubleshooting leaf spring helpers or air bags

What is the best way to raise the rear of my van 2-3" ('79 G30). Will leaf spring helpers do this?

If you have the original Springs on there, new springs will probably do the trick. they tend to sag a bit after 40 years.

Yeah the problem there is I'm in Ireland so shipping on something heavy like leaf springs will cost a whole lot. Helper springs would be cheaper and even airbags would be a cheaper option as drive rite airbags actually have a factory over here.

IF your springs are in good shape ... put a block in the rear

New leaf's are the best way to go .... the block is the cheapest way

When i pump up my firestone riderite airbags to a high enough presssure to raise the rear height 2-3 inches, it rides very stiffly back there.

100 PSi max in both bags rasises the rear abour 4.5 inches and the suspension barely moves going over a speed bump, and there is very little leaning in turns, but the steering feels all weird due to the caster adjustment and the headlights point too close to the van to be helpful for speeds over 30mph.

Best handling is when PSI is adjusted so all tires have same clearance in wheel wells, though driver's side front always sits 1/4" lower, without me in it.

I went with a set of add a leaf style leafspring helpers should help fight the sag.

That's similar to what we installed on our '95 G20 for towing.
Hellwig 2500 series helpers. They're one of the best buys we've made in a while.