rear air bag / leaf spring quesitons

FROM FIBERGLASS MONOLEAFS TO AIR BAGS, STOCK HEIGHT TO BODY SLAMMED, EVERYTHING EXCEPT LIFTS GO HERE.
Post Reply
User avatar

Topic author
crash
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1289
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am
Location: Woodstock, Ontario

rear air bag / leaf spring quesitons

Post by crash »

I was considering installing a relatively inexpensive air bag levelling kit in my 94 with the mono leafs.

the composite leafs are horrible when there is ANY weight in the back end. throw a person or two in the back row of seating and there goes the ride. my shocks are only a few months old (belltech). they seem fine. it's merely the load issue.
for something like a universal kit if there is such a thing. i've heard of air lift but it seems a bit pricey for what you get. the one i've seen before came with a little gauge and compressor etc.. everything needed and it was around $150

any questions input comments advice? lol

editL read further down.. i've changed topic to leaf springs.. LOL ](*,)

thanks!
rob
Rob Image

current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd

vans owned: Image
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*
User avatar

Topic author
crash
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1289
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am
Location: Woodstock, Ontario

Post by crash »

ok.. well I've looked all over and can't find any full info, only bits and pieces.

composite to steel leafs on a 94 ext WITH a flip kit

what all is required for this swap? apprarently socali had this documented on as.com but after the corruption it's either gone.. or really well hidden.
pm's get hacked off over there so that's useless .. you get a reply with no info except your question back in a quote box ](*,)

some say springs only are needed, some say hangers, shackles and springs.. some say just springs and longer bolts for the flip kit.. some say more new hardware is needed for the flip kit and others say you need a difffrent flip kit ](*,)


.. can anyone help?

thanks
rob
Rob Image

current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd

vans owned: Image
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*

Someone
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 317
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:07 am
Location: Mississauga, On CANADA

Post by Someone »

I dont think it is worth your time... The stock steel springs are just as soft and bouncy as your composites... I guess you could at least add a leaf though
'98 Mercedes E300 Turbo Diesel
'89 4Runner SAS'ed, 38.5SX's, Mercedes OM617 Turbo Diesel
'98 Suburban K2500, Cummins 24Valve, 5spd 4x4
'03 VW Jetta TDI
'78 Vette 350 4spd

www.vehiclefleetsolutions.ca

Image
User avatar

Topic author
crash
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1289
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am
Location: Woodstock, Ontario

Post by crash »

well that just sucks.. lol

i suppose it's tibrens (expensive for rubber bumpers) ... or airbags

anyone have any experiece with monroe max air shocks?
Image

or

monroe load adjusting shocks (the ones with the coil around them)?
Image
Rob Image

current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd

vans owned: Image
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*
User avatar

Topic author
crash
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1289
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am
Location: Woodstock, Ontario

Post by crash »

I was wondering how long it'd take for someone to notice..

as for the shocks they won't work.. ah well .. looks like airbags are the only way to go.

i'll start saving my pennies
Rob Image

current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd

vans owned: Image
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*
User avatar

justice
I sleep in my van
Posts: 875
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 4:00 pm
Location: Keeping a good eye on all you yahoos

Post by justice »

I have a ban hammer and I ain't fraid to use it!


Current - 2004 Astro Cargo


Former
95 Safari (money pit - sold)
93 Astro Cargo (totaled)
85 Astro - (Bought for parts and scrapped)
92 Astro Conversion (sold)
87 Safari Shorty (sold)
User avatar

Topic author
crash
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1289
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am
Location: Woodstock, Ontario

Post by crash »

thanks!

I dunno.. call me cheap but $400 seems a little steep. and that's US funds too .. eek! 8-[
Rob Image

current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd

vans owned: Image
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*

Someone
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 317
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:07 am
Location: Mississauga, On CANADA

Post by Someone »

I have a set of the Max airs for the astroin my garage.... but they are to long... I figure I will find a use for them sometime
'98 Mercedes E300 Turbo Diesel
'89 4Runner SAS'ed, 38.5SX's, Mercedes OM617 Turbo Diesel
'98 Suburban K2500, Cummins 24Valve, 5spd 4x4
'03 VW Jetta TDI
'78 Vette 350 4spd

www.vehiclefleetsolutions.ca

Image

giezy
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2007 6:04 am
Location: cambridge onterio canada

Post by giezy »

When I did the swap I called logals in kichener and told them I needed every thing that bolts to the body for a steel leaf conv and for $100 a side I got everything incuding all the hardwear and iso clamps (they are different) I did the swap from comp. to steal in a day on a hoist at work with air tools. Tha newer cargos have a extra leaf in it if that helps. I am going to do my spring over this summer and install the cargo leaf . I am planing to buy another trailer this summer so I will post how it works
formally aladagie on AS.com but have new adition to the family so changed to new name.

Someone
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 317
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:07 am
Location: Mississauga, On CANADA

Post by Someone »

Rob,

Did you get those Timbren's I sent you installed yet and did they make a difference?
'98 Mercedes E300 Turbo Diesel
'89 4Runner SAS'ed, 38.5SX's, Mercedes OM617 Turbo Diesel
'98 Suburban K2500, Cummins 24Valve, 5spd 4x4
'03 VW Jetta TDI
'78 Vette 350 4spd

www.vehiclefleetsolutions.ca

Image
User avatar

LaGrasta
I sleep in my van
Posts: 724
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:07 pm
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Has thanked: 2 times
Been thanked: 3 times

Post by LaGrasta »

I've got AirLift bags on the back of mine and they were easy to install and work great. I highly recommend them. I got 'em on ebay. Read my sig for all of my set-up details.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
User avatar

Topic author
crash
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1289
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am
Location: Woodstock, Ontario

Post by crash »

Hey Tristan.. I haven't had a chance to install them yet. When I've had the time Jen's had the van.. when the van was here.. I haven't had the time. Ain't that just the way it goes .. LOL

I had a chunk of carbon jammed in the EGR valve after an unexpected trip to Windsor.. thankfully it was right when I got off the highway and was about 3min from my house as opposed to 3hrs.
After fixing that, instaling the EGR gasket with the screen and changing the serpintine belt. I've had to change a heater core in my mom's car. Change the oil in both the dakota and astro. Paint the hallway and dining room in my house.. and get ready to tear apart the livingroom to do the same in there. Oh, and build Jen and I two new pc's... and repaired two for other people. I need more days in a week.

When I do get them installed i'll be sure to post the results.
Rob Image

current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd

vans owned: Image
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*
User avatar

smokinsiggy
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 51
Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 3:56 am

Post by smokinsiggy »

Have steel springs and airbags on my Safari(Has Been)AWD . Rides pretty rough running empty , but if you put a load on her it smooths out . Probably would be better with real rubber instead of low profile crap . Have some 235/75/15's going on real soon . Van came with this set up . Had to replace one bag already and lucked out with an old scrap yard dog buddy selling me 2 complete with brkts , lines and mounting kit for $70 canbuck . Best price seen for pair was $300 canbuck .
Post Reply