Vannin' Home Forums General Discussion Introduce Yourself..... New Arrival G20 Pop Top

Hi Crew, I’m new to Vanning.com, retired and live in Portland, OR.,

I still need to learn how to create a post and add a photo.

I purchased 1985 G20 Class B, ¾ ton, RV conversion with a pop top, 42k mi. Garage kept and a beauty.

I have replaced the shocks all the way around. The rear leaf springs seem flat and has a sag 4/1, (1605lb capacity) I would like to purchase new leaf springs and trying to decide on whether to purchase the 5/1, (2100lb capacity.) or 7/1, (capacity) There is no such thing as a 6/1.

The van will only be driven for travel and I would like the ability to carry 2 e-bikes or a storage box on the rear hitch. Should I go with 5/1 or 7/1 leaf spring set?

Thanks for recommendations.

We were not born to live to die!

Welcome! Sorry, can't answer your question, maybe someone else will.

to the site from Pittsburgh. I am sure someone can help ya out.

Welcome from Florida.

Unfortunately I have no knowledge to share about suspension. Hopefully someone will chime in soon.

Welcome from San Diego. I'm sure you will get an answer soon. Good Luck.

Welcome to the site .....this is a question for Wedgy since he has a dodge version of what you have ...

Again welcome

Or you could do max springs then bag it on All 4 corners.

A full camper conversion is heavy for a 3/4 ton. So why I suggest a heavy duty 1 ton spring pack. My B350 Xplorer 230 has Hellwig 2500 lb Helper springs added to the rear, from the factory. I added Firestone air bags too. Now it rides well. The front is fine, but it's on 1 ton coils, which is why I suggested air bags all around for you.
If your front end is tight, good bushings, ball joints steering, etc, and you could find bags for your front coils, you could go that way as well. With a new 1 ton rear spring pack, I'd still add the bags, IMO. I ran my lines separately, they flip out from behind license plate. Helps with sway, again, IMO.

So, I'm guessing 350/T350. 42K miles, check your coloing system, Tstat, water pump..fan clutch, all driven components on the front of the motor. I definitely make sure you have good brakes. Make sure you check by pulling wheels, drums. Inspect 36 year old components carefully.

My 88 B250 had new brakes all around including hoses. The Xplorer did too. The B250 couldn't pass smog, lien sale, Score!

Don't be surprised if you see failures in, AC, AC clutch bearing, alternator, water pump, etc. All these have failed on my 1990 454 G30. Get a Factory Service manual. Carry tools. Have a Roadside Service provider, like AAA.

Welcome! and you scored on a nice little Chevy. Good Wrenching!

Thanks Wedgy,
Everything works. I do all my own repairs. Loaded the A/C with R12, replaced shocks, brakes, fluids, all A/T tires, rebuilt carb, plugs, wires dist. cap, cleaned and burped absorption fridge, pulled shag carpet and replaced with LVP, removed the stove and sink & water tank for more room(good thing the water lines were moldy and would never have seen them), its in overall great shape with no faded paint. No leaks.

The van will be getting part-time 3-5 day trip uses, maybe longer trips, maybe x-country trips once per year. And probably no little to no use November- March, unless we head for southern states away from Pacific Northwest. Off road for us would mean dirt roads, nothing gnarly.

It rides nice but has a rear sag I think with some body roll. It weighs in at 6k, 3050 lbs. in front and 3k in the rear with a stored load. At the top of the wheel wells the rear is 1 3/4" (@ 29") lower than the front. I was told the 3k leaf set may make the ride to stiff vs the 2100 lb. leaf set. For right now, the rear leaf decision is my biggest concern and will consider the air bags next year.

What do you think? Thanks again for you input