Rear Suspension Upgrade
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Rear Suspension Upgrade
I bought my 1991 club wagon XLT a while back. The PO had installed stiffer springs up front and bigger wheels and tires. Its not really lifted, per se, but it sits kinda tall. At the same time, he put Bilstien 5100s all around, but he chose a custom length that was way too long. At rest, they were compressed about 5 inches. No suprise, but they wore out really fast.
I replaced the front shocks with some KYBs that are the right length, and that has helped a lot. I also put heavy duty springs in the back so the ride is more level, and removed the leaking air assist that he had in there.
l'm now looking for rear shocks. I want something with very firm damping to start with. I like the handling to be fairly stiff. I also put a 300 pound motorcycle on the trailer hitch, so I want some adjustability for heavy loads.
How good are those Monroe shocks with the coil springs over them? Can you compare them to the air assisted ones that you can manually adjust? How will they work with my KYBs up front?
Experts please weigh in. Thanks
I replaced the front shocks with some KYBs that are the right length, and that has helped a lot. I also put heavy duty springs in the back so the ride is more level, and removed the leaking air assist that he had in there.
l'm now looking for rear shocks. I want something with very firm damping to start with. I like the handling to be fairly stiff. I also put a 300 pound motorcycle on the trailer hitch, so I want some adjustability for heavy loads.
How good are those Monroe shocks with the coil springs over them? Can you compare them to the air assisted ones that you can manually adjust? How will they work with my KYBs up front?
Experts please weigh in. Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
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From: NE Tennessee
What are we talking about E150 250 350? How loaded down is the van usually with that motorcycle on the hitch? Hows the rear sitting with it loaded? I have spring assisted on my wifes van and its not too bad of a ride. Empty they may be a bit harsh. An E350 with new rear springs shouldn't need any spring assist shocks.
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Its an E150 clubwagon. Dirt bike weighs around 300 pounds including the trailer hitch carrier etc....
The point is to get opinion/comparison between air assisted shocks and spring assist. Im sure the comparison would be valid on other similar vehicles.
The point is to get opinion/comparison between air assisted shocks and spring assist. Im sure the comparison would be valid on other similar vehicles.
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big dee
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
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Mar 24, 2007 11:42 AM
