Chevy & GMC Vans

Hello, Everyone, I am lowering my '87 5-Speed Astro about 2.5 to 3 inches. I have the drop spindles for the front already but had a few questions about lowering the rear because I would like to tow my CRX with my van from time to time and wanted to set up everything right the first time and all at once. Here are some of the things I was hoping to get some input on:

1. I currently have the stock fiberglass leaf springs and I thought I read somewhere that the steel springs were softer or not much improvement. Is this true? If so, which springs should I get and where can I source them (for cheap :-) ) Remember, I'm lowering my van but I would still like to tow with it.

2. I've seen air bags as well as air shocks used to assist the lifting of the rear end under heavier loads...is one better than the other. Does anyone have any recommendations?

3. I was very close to getting wheel spacer to change my bolt pattern to something more common ( I looked into putting Dodge Magnum wheels on my van at one point) I was a little discouraged because I thought that I had heard something about the stress they can put on the ball joints. Is this true and are there heavy duty ball joints ( such as by Moog ) that would remedy this problem?

4. Does anyone recommend a hidden hitch system for the Astro Van and know where I can source one?

5. If there a progressive spring that anyone recommends for the Astro as well as a rear sway bar ( does the front need to be changed?) ?

6. A neighbor of mine lowered his Astro with fiberglass leaf springs without notching the frame. He allowed me to drive it and It drove quite well although I didn't go vary far, fast, or hit any potholes. Is notching the frame a must to be trouble free?

7. Finally, are traction bars or a 4 link system recommended for the modest drop I'm putting on my van?

I'm really interested in referrals of vendors where I can purchase the components I need at the lowest possible price point. Thanks for your help!

I lowered my 89 with spindles and flip kit . I also added sway bars from Belltech which you can purchase from Stillen.com , they really help with cornering and stability . I would put them on the next one I buy , too . The front bar is solid , as the factory is hollow , and it's alot thicker , 1 3/8" and which should help with towing . The rear is 7/8" thick and which should help with towing , most do not come with sway bars from the factory and they are easy to install . I have noticed a big difference , especially when behind a semi , the wind bucking is not near as severe . As far as using air bags/shocks ... the bags will give you better load capacity .... source your local farm and trailer supply stores for a hitch ... such as Tractor Supply Co. ,, I know our local store has one on the shelf ... I have run wheel spacer/adapters on my van ... I wouldn't recommend it for towing . Also ,, I wouldn't worry too much about traction bars or a 4 link . I would recommend adding a posi carrier to the rear end for better pulling capabilities when you get off the pavement , but this isn't a must .

Hope I have been some help to your questions .

Pardon my delay, I thought that I would receive a notice in my email when someone posted to this topic...
Thank you for your response, SS, all very useful information. I was wondering though...where is a good place to get the steel leaf springs and do you think it is worth the expense replacing my perfectly good composite leaf springs with them? Also, I have seen coil-over type shocks used in the rear. Could this perhaps be a way to had additional support and strength to the rear suspension?

Honestly I don't see that changing over to steel leafs would be better . The guy I bought my van from , towed a 66 Chevelle racecar with it and had no problems , although it wasn't lowered . I have hauled lots of lumber , shingles and other heavy things in the van and not had any problems with the composite springs holding the weight . They are stonger than you think . Sorry for the delay in my reply back . The best place to get steel springs would be at a salvage yard . You need both the front and rear hangers , the springs are a different width and you will have to modify your pads on your diff also , or pick up a diff from the donor , that is where the extra cost and work will come in . Hope it's all a bit of help to ya .

Astro-SS-V8 wrote:the factory is hollow.

is that really true on all the vans i've never messed with it so i wanna know if it's worth buying the new front one when getting the rear

All that I have read on the Astro says they are hollow...and for me it was well worth it. I do alot of driving on the freeway and it really helps with the wind buffeting from semi trucks..


also I thought I would pass this along...just found it............

www.customsuspension.com