micah202
05-29-2016, 06:37 PM
...here's some deets and hopefully some pictures of my recent project of doubling rear springs on a 2wd.
This is not an experiment, I had done this once before on my 490k 2wd,, including a Baja adventure.
First of course, a 2nd set of matching springs is needed,,2wd and 4wd are different.
Raise the van from the frame, so that the axle hangs, disconnect the shocks, disengage the springs with a little help, I simply used the standard jack and some blocks between the body and the wheel drum, there's a minimal push needed here. At this point the existing rear spring slides out, slide the 2nd spring into the first,, and reassemble. That's it!
..Appearance...jacked up! before my 215 70r14's would rub in the wheelwell with standard loads in turns, now there's 2 to 2 1/2'' more clearance and a much stiffer rear end for load carrying.
DRIVING... The first thing I notice is the 'punch' off the startline... there's definitely no spring-slump on acceleration. This enhanced acceleration is accentuated by the 215 70 tires, slightly smaller than the norm. Cornering and handling definitely feel tighter as well :yes: Of course there's also a much enhanced capacity for load carrying as well.
Pictures... a 'before' picture is below, taken last year. For 'after',, you'll have to look at my Flikr album....https://www.flickr.com/photos/59103003@N05/albums/72157668653501582
I realize the angles of the after-shots don't really show the raise that well,, will add another soon.
......the 'before' picture.....
This is not an experiment, I had done this once before on my 490k 2wd,, including a Baja adventure.
First of course, a 2nd set of matching springs is needed,,2wd and 4wd are different.
Raise the van from the frame, so that the axle hangs, disconnect the shocks, disengage the springs with a little help, I simply used the standard jack and some blocks between the body and the wheel drum, there's a minimal push needed here. At this point the existing rear spring slides out, slide the 2nd spring into the first,, and reassemble. That's it!
..Appearance...jacked up! before my 215 70r14's would rub in the wheelwell with standard loads in turns, now there's 2 to 2 1/2'' more clearance and a much stiffer rear end for load carrying.
DRIVING... The first thing I notice is the 'punch' off the startline... there's definitely no spring-slump on acceleration. This enhanced acceleration is accentuated by the 215 70 tires, slightly smaller than the norm. Cornering and handling definitely feel tighter as well :yes: Of course there's also a much enhanced capacity for load carrying as well.
Pictures... a 'before' picture is below, taken last year. For 'after',, you'll have to look at my Flikr album....https://www.flickr.com/photos/59103003@N05/albums/72157668653501582
I realize the angles of the after-shots don't really show the raise that well,, will add another soon.
......the 'before' picture.....