want shock absorbers for class B

[THEBRAIN]

hello I have a 05 plearsureway Lexor RD chevy 3500 same as road trek190.

I think the chevy 3500 is 155" wheel base however I've sean truck stores advertising shocks for a chevy 3500 w/ 159" wheel base, so I can't confirm WB untill I mearsure myself.

I now want new front & rear shock absorbers. I like a soft smooth ride.
I do plan the firestone rear helper air bags in future, want to first see if new shocks will suffice.

also I tow a 3500-4KLBs boat usally 200-250mile one way trip.
this is why I want the helper springs close to 400LBs tongue weight on a already low van.
please recommend a soft type shocks please include manufactor w/model #,
link would be good to thanks

[mkguitar]

I've posted on the bilstein 4600's on my van


the fronts take 30 minutes


the rears are a little tougher requiring adapters to reach the top fasteners. the entire van in the air- this is also the time to do that genny fuel line work you were thinking about


I don't tow so can't offer experience with that

[booster]

Originally Posted by THEBRAIN

hello I have a 05 plearsureway Lexor RD chevy 3500 same as road trek190.

I think the chevy 3500 is 155" wheel base however I've sean truck stores advertising shocks for a chevy 3500 w/ 159" wheel base, so I can't confirm WB untill I mearsure myself.

I now want new front & rear shock absorbers. I like a soft smooth ride.
I do plan the firestone rear helper air bags in future, want to first see if new shocks will suffice.

also I tow a 3500-4KLBs boat usally 200-250mile one way trip.
this is why I want the helper springs close to 400LBs tongue weight on a already low van.
please recommend a soft type shocks please include manufactor w/model #,
link would be good to thanks

I don't think there is a 159" wheelbase in the 3500 Express vans. AFAIK.



Standard length van is 135"


Extended length van is 155"


Cutaway cab chassis is 139"

[THEBRAIN]

I know bilstiens for cars make the cars ride stiff/harsh teeth jarring maybe that just for preformance cars.

how is the ride w/ bilstiens?

yes I was surprised chevy made the remove & replace shocks relatively easy.

yes the truck store must have been a typo.

another yes I resolved the generators fuel line so now I have the generator supplying house power so I'm pleased.

what I'm bummed about is the water intrusion either it's coming though the AC seal gasket or though the AC itself since I don't have a cover or both.
plan a temporary cover I'll proballey remove AC & seal hole.thanks

[booster]

Originally Posted by THEBRAIN

I know bilstiens for cars make the cars ride stiff/harsh teeth jarring maybe that just for preformance cars.

how is the ride w/ bilstiens?

yes I was surprised chevy made the remove & replace shocks relatively easy.

yes the truck store must have been a typo.

another yes I resolved the generators fuel line so now I have the generator supplying house power so I'm pleased.

what I'm bummed about is the water intrusion either it's coming though the AC seal gasket or though the AC itself since I don't have a cover or both.
plan a temporary cover I'll proballey remove AC & seal hole.thanks

We have found the Bilsteins to ride fine. IMO they are a bit softer than the stock ones (as they are new) on small bumps, but stiffen up quickly on the larger ones to control the motion of the van, which you really need to have.


You need something in the rear to carry even the base weight of the van in Class b trim so with a big trailer you really need it. I much prefer the Airlift bags to the Firestones and we have had both.


Also with the trailer, I big rear swaybar will really help out.

[THEBRAIN]

Originally Posted by booster

We have found the Bilsteins to ride fine. IMO they are a bit softer than the stock ones (as they are new) on small bumps, but stiffen up quickly on the larger ones to control the motion of the van, which you really need to have.


You need something in the rear to carry even the base weight of the van in Class b trim so with a big trailer you really need it. I much prefer the Airlift bags to the Firestones and we have had both.


Also with the trailer, I big rear swaybar will really help out.

where did you get the Airlift bags?
I believe the PW rvs w/ generators had the rear sway bars removed.

didn't you install roadmaster rear sway bar? if yes was this sway bar made for a buick roadmaster?
for right now shocks are the priority. I read alot use the monroes.

I recently installed monroes on my v8 trailblazor it had air bags I installed springs an shocks nice riding suspension.

[THEBRAIN]

Originally Posted by mkguitar

I've posted on the bilstein 4600's on my van


the fronts take 30 minutes


the rears are a little tougher requiring adapters to reach the top fasteners. the entire van in the air- this is also the time to do that genny fuel line work you were thinking about


I don't tow so can't offer experience with that

Mike don't wanta take a chance on bilstiens they maybe to harsh for me.
plus there twice the cost or the compotetion. where is a place to buy clas B rv shocks?
I can't just go to rock auto and type in year make & model mainly bc of the extra weight of this RV. thanks Mike

[TX-Trek]

I'm using GM heavy duty gas shocks front and rear (Rockauto) but will replace w Bilsteins as they wear out - any shock will take a beating on these vans.

I suggest you read all of this to get a feel for the relationship of front to rear weight bias and related suspension changes....thanks again to Booster for his input. Very pleased with the overall ride now thousands of miles down the road.

https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f...des-13041.html

[mkguitar]

Originally Posted by THEBRAIN

Mike don't wanta take a chance on bilstiens they maybe to harsh for me.

I'm happy with them.


I for years I drove big cars- 60's~70's Cadillacs & Lincolns that's the type of ride i like.


I have also posted on the sumo springs I use.


https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f...ont-12901.html





note that TX trek is on a R/T 210 & has a different rear section of the van than we do.

[booster]

Originally Posted by THEBRAIN

where did you get the Airlift bags?
I believe the PW rvs w/ generators had the rear sway bars removed.

didn't you install roadmaster rear sway bar? if yes was this sway bar made for a buick roadmaster?
for right now shocks are the priority. I read alot use the monroes.

I recently installed monroes on my v8 trailblazor it had air bags I installed springs an shocks nice riding suspension.

The Airlift bags came from Amazon.


Roadmaster is and aftermarket suspension company that makes a rear facing swaybar for the vans that fits even with a generator there.


My rear bar is a homemade one that is put together with off the shelf circle track quick change bar parts. All I had to make special were the attachment point brackets.


Of the lower price shocks, we probably have heard the most positive about the KYB brand. I have used quite a few of their shocks and they are good, but quite fixed rate where the Bilsteins do a better job on the big bumps and aren't as harsh on the small ones, IMO. I have had both on the my Buick Roadmaster and the Bilsteins win hands down on that car. I have only had OEM and Bilstein on the van, though.

[SteveJ]

I put a set of KYB Mono Max shocks on our (now sold) 2000 Chevy RT with the cut away chassis. We only did one 1500 mile trip but really liked how they worked. They are designed for loaded vehicles.

Edit to add: Just look them up on Amazon or go to a parts store.

[TX-Trek]

Mike, thanks , yes our 210 has a much different bias .... But I did want to point out that suspension should be balanced front to rear, side to side regardless of vehicle.

For TBrain, I would suggest that airbags would be of benefit if he's going to pull a boat. Not too difficult to install.

[THEBRAIN]

Originally Posted by TX-Trek

I'm using GM heavy duty gas shocks front and rear (Rockauto) but will replace w Bilsteins as they wear out - any shock will take a beating on these vans.

I suggest you read all of this to get a feel for the relationship of front to rear weight bias and related suspension changes....thanks again to Booster for his input. Very pleased with the overall ride now thousands of miles down the road.

https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f...des-13041.html

is GM heavey duty AC delco? would you happen to know the part # thanks

Originally Posted by mkguitar

I'm happy with them.


I for years I drove big cars- 60's~70's Cadillacs & Lincolns that's the type of ride i like.


I have also posted on the sumo springs I use.


https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f...ont-12901.htmlso you prefer a soft luxury ride.





note that TX trek is on a R/T 210 & has a different rear section of the van than we do.

so you prefer a soft luxury ride.

Originally Posted by booster

The Airlift bags came from Amazon.


Roadmaster is and aftermarket suspension company that makes a rear facing swaybar for the vans that fits even with a generator there.


My rear bar is a homemade one that is put together with off the shelf circle track quick change bar parts. All I had to make special were the attachment point brackets.


Of the lower price shocks, we probably have heard the most positive about the KYB brand. I have used quite a few of their shocks and they are good, but quite fixed rate where the Bilsteins do a better job on the big bumps and aren't as harsh on the small ones, IMO. I have had both on the my Buick Roadmaster and the Bilsteins win hands down on that car. I have only had OEM and Bilstein on the van, though.

wierd the ppl at kyb told me they don't have a shock for my van.

why don't the orginal GM rear sway bars work on the RV vans? is the generator in the way? thanks

Originally Posted by SteveJ

I put a set of KYB Mono Max shocks on our (now sold) 2000 Chevy RT with the cut away chassis. We only did one 1500 mile trip but really liked how they worked. They are designed for loaded vehicles.

Edit to add: Just look them up on Amazon or go to a parts store.

wierd the ppl at kyb told me they don't have a shock for my van.
happen to have a link or part # thanks

[TX-Trek]

Yes these are oem ac delco shocks related to the correct RPO code for our van. Check the codes on yours.

Front 560673 (19355577)
Rear 560675 (84020665)

As mentioned I plan to go with the Bilsteins when these need replacement. IMO a car-smooth ride with stiff springs and 10 ply tires at 65/80 psi isn't achievable. But for all that it's a decent ride quality after modifications.

Airbags:
Airlift AL88205 w bumpers
Used with Airlift 25812 controller

[booster]

Originally Posted by THEBRAIN

is GM heavey duty AC delco? would you happen to know the part # thanks

so you prefer a soft luxury ride.

wierd the ppl at kyb told me they don't have a shock for my van.

why don't the orginal GM rear sway bars work on the RV vans? is the generator in the way? thanks


wierd the ppl at kyb told me they don't have a shock for my van.
happen to have a link or part # thanks

The don't put rear sway bars in the vans because they need to be safe when traveling empty. A light tailed van with a rear bar can oversteer dangerously, very easily, causing them to swap ends or spin out.

[SteveJ]

wierd the ppl at kyb told me they don't have a shock for my van.
happen to have a link or part # thanks

I looked them up at their site: https://www.kyb.com/catalog/

They do not carry the Mono Max for the front. They do show Gas a Just in front:

https://www.kyb.com/wp-content/theme...ock%20Absorber

Gas A Just rear:

https://www.kyb.com/wp-content/theme...ock%20Absorber

We have had the KYB's on our Safari Trek(Chevy P30 chassis) for about 25k miles. They are still performing quite nicely. They replaced Koni Gold shocks that were not all that old(previous owner). The KYB shocks were an immediate and very pleasant improvement in bounce control and smoothing out bumps along with noise reduction from not slamming on pavement seams and bridge deck ski jumps. And relatively speaking, KYB's are quite frugal.

Interesting that you were told that none are available.

[THEBRAIN]

Originally Posted by TX-Trek

Yes these are oem ac delco shocks related to the correct RPO code for our van. Check the codes on yours.

Front 560673 (19355577)
Rear 560675 (84020665)

As mentioned I plan to go with the Bilsteins when these need replacement. IMO a car-smooth ride with stiff springs and 10 ply tires at 65/80 psi isn't achievable. But for all that it's a decent ride quality after modifications.

Airbags:
Airlift AL88205 w bumpers
Used with Airlift 25812 controller

I didn't see either of these AC delco Front 560673 (19355577)
Rear 560675 (84020665). yes the air lifts look nice. so you have a controller do you stand back to side and watch the back elevate then stop when your level?
I was wanting to keep it simple and have air ports under bumper.
not sure how to decode the codes on the rpo I've attached mine if you know what the orginal shocks where. like do the RV co.s order vans w/ good enough suspension even after they pile on the weight?
thanks

Originally Posted by booster

The don't put rear sway bars in the vans because they need to be safe when traveling empty. A light tailed van with a rear bar can oversteer dangerously, very easily, causing them to swap ends or spin out.

didn't know this. are you saying no GM vans had rear sway bars. what about trucks aren't they sharing the same frame as vans? thanks

Originally Posted by SteveJ

I looked them up at their site: https://www.kyb.com/catalog/

They do not carry the Mono Max for the front. They do show Gas a Just in front:

https://www.kyb.com/wp-content/theme...ock%20Absorber

Gas A Just rear:

https://www.kyb.com/wp-content/theme...ock%20Absorber

We have had the KYB's on our Safari Trek(Chevy P30 chassis) for about 25k miles. They are still performing quite nicely. They replaced Koni Gold shocks that were not all that old(previous owner). The KYB shocks were an immediate and very pleasant improvement in bounce control and smoothing out bumps along with noise reduction from not slamming on pavement seams and bridge deck ski jumps. And relatively speaking, KYB's are quite frugal.

Interesting that you were told that none are available.

Steve here's the response I think she or he is confused
Hello,

We currently only offer units for the 2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 not the van.

Thank you.

*

Tori

Sales Support Specialist

KYB AMERICAS CORPORATION

I sent another message previous message went to sales & I carbon copied tech surport never heard back from tech just confused sales.

tech was quick to get back to me about installing shocks on my car.

weird again they sell rears for the van but not fronts, I'm losing confidence in KYB.thanks

[THEBRAIN]

Originally Posted by mkguitar

I've posted on the bilstein 4600's on my van


the fronts take 30 minutes


the rears are a little tougher requiring adapters to reach the top fasteners. the entire van in the air- this is also the time to do that genny fuel line work you were thinking about


I don't tow so can't offer experience with that

Mike are these 4600 the part # for front & rear?
are you saying a long extension is required to reach the top fasteners?how long longer than a shock.
I'll have to read up on those bump stops didn't know they improve handleing thought they where there so when suspension ever does bottom out (mainly for off roaders) is protects the frame from damaging suspension.

also I resolved the generators fuel filter jammed up on the breaker forcing it off, so now I have generator house 120V AC power, at least gfi in bathroom haven't tested the other outlets yet.
solveing stuff a little at a time.
thanks Mike

[mkguitar]

4600 series

Bilstein 24-187435 front
Bilstein 24-221948 rear

I think in the end I paid $360 for all 4 at tire rack shipped- 2017

The top mounts I need angles, crowfoots, universal joints, extenders ...some combination of every drive adapter I owned it seemed. I spent more time crawling out to get another thing out of the tool box ... I ended up with more tools scattered under the van than in the rollaway

on the Chev the front bumpstops are an active part of the suspension, the van is always on them.
on the rear the sumos provide a gentle progressing resistance to body sway on twisty coast roads or crosswinds
( I use "black") I've posted on them, you can advance search with my username

the gfci in your head also controls other outlets- galley and outside


with my limited experience I didn't think I could fit a sway bar between the diff and the genny- it's maybe 3 1/2 inches clearance. If you do figure that out let me know, a sway bar would be a good addition to the rear

[booster]

Originally Posted by THEBRAIN

I didn't see either of these AC delco Front 560673 (19355577)
Rear 560675 (84020665). yes the air lifts look nice. so you have a controller do you stand back to side and watch the back elevate then stop when your level?
I was wanting to keep it simple and have air ports under bumper.
not sure how to decode the codes on the rpo I've attached mine if you know what the orginal shocks where. like do the RV co.s order vans w/ good enough suspension even after they pile on the weight?
thanks

didn't know this. are you saying no GM vans had rear sway bars. what about trucks aren't they sharing the same frame as vans? thanks

Steve here's the response I think she or he is confused
Hello,

We currently only offer units for the 2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 not the van.

Thank you.

As I said, the vans do not come with rear swaybars. They do not share any chassis parts with the pickups or other light trucks except the van cutaways where the cab is basically the same. I don't think pickups come with rear sway bars either, for the same safety reasons.


The Airlift bags come with a single bumper fill port, but you can spit to fill individually with bump fills. We use a manual distribution valve fed from an onboard compressor, but that is not needed and most use the bumper fill. I am not sure if they offer full auto leveling but if the did it would be very expensive, I think.