Adding leaf springs

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byacey
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
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Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2011 8:39 pm

Adding leaf springs

Post by byacey »

I have a 97 safari AWD that I use for service. I have about 500 pound of cargo in the back at all times, and there is only about 1 inch of clearance between the axle tube and the rubber bumper stops on the frame; the steel springs are just about straight. Can I add and additional leaf or two to beef up the load capacity a little? I would think 500 pounds isn't much heavier than 3 adult passengers in the back, so I'm surprised it's riding this low.

Cobra
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Re: Adding leaf springs

Post by Cobra »

a few people here have added leafs to reduce the sag i bought a Add-A-Leaf kit from overlandvans and had my mechanic install it while he was doing some other work on the van i'm quiet happy with it

Edit: i should mention that i loaded 30? 2x2 patio stones then let them sit for 24 hours then drove and delivered them, my leafs where straight during that little expedition and all the stones were behind the middle bench seat.....
1998 GMC Safari AWD, BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A
Jet performance tuner 91 octane preset, Jet under-drive pulleys
Rancho 999000 series shock, on-board controller to be installed later
DHC rock rails and skid plate Add-A-Leaf
G3500 front calipers
Zexel Torsen Diff
11" drums
180 amp Alternator
Long tru-cool 4590 trans cooler

1997 gone

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Adding leaf springs

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Yeah add another leaf and you'll be happy. The stock springs are very soft.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

Kidhauler
I sleep in my van
Posts: 877
Joined: Wed Sep 13, 2006 5:46 pm
Location: Vancouver B.C.

Re: Adding leaf springs

Post by Kidhauler »

If your always loaded then put in a add a leaf kit. The other option is a set of airbags that sit on the leafspring and bolt to the frame. I put n the set from airlift and have been very happy with them. Most of the time I am running to work and back so I run just enough air to keep the bags inflated. But when I hook up the big travel trailer I run 85-90psi it takes all the sag out and also help with backend sway.
1999 Safari Touring edition.
trailer tow pack with a 3:73 posi
Bucket bench seats, Rear heat, Rear Airconditioning.
teal green
300 000 kms
AirRide air bags in the rear to fix soft stock suspension.
Onboard aircompressor to make it all work nice.
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