Photog's Lifted Suspension 2009 Roadtrek 190V

[booster]

Originally Posted by peteco

How did he get the new springs in?

Same way the old ones come out. They just push into the supports on the lower and upper control arms. The tech said they were pretty tight to push in because they were stiffer (same height however) but not enough to require them to be compressed.

I think Photog did his this way also, so he may have some better details of how it went.

[peteco]

Originally Posted by booster

Same way the old ones come out. They just push into the supports on the lower and upper control arms. The tech said they were pretty tight to push in because they were stiffer (same height however) but not enough to require them to be compressed.

I think Photog did his this way also, so he may have some better details of how it went.

That would be great if it was that simple. I hope Photog checks back on this discussion soon.

[Photog]

Sorry for the delay.

I put the van on jack stands, removed wheel and brake caliper, disc and shock. This gives you plenty of room to work.

I placed a floor jack under the lower control arm, and separated the lower ball joint. Then just lower the jack, until the spring is loose.

Transfer the rubber parts onto the new spring, and install in reverse order. The rubber parts don't go on easily, since the spring wire diameter is larger. You may want to order a set of isolators designed for the springs on a diesel-engine van. They should be a better fit on these new coils.

The weight of the van is used to compress the spring, as the jack pushes the lower control arm back towards the spindle.

Get the ball joint/knuckle back together and tight. And the spring is in. Put the rest of the parts back on, and do the other side.

Edited to add clarification info about the isolators.

[peteco]

Originally Posted by Photog

Sorry for the delay.

I put the van on jack stands, removed wheel and brake caliper, disc and shock. This gives you plenty of room to work.

I placed a floor jack under the lower control arm, and separated the lower ball joint. Then just lower the jack, until the spring is loose.

Transfer the rubber parts onto the new spring, and install in reverse order. The rubber parts don't go on easily, since the spring wire diameter is larger.

The weight of the van is used to compress the spring, as the jack pushes the lower control arm back towards the spindle.

Get the ball joint back together and tight. And the spring is in. Put the rest of the parts back on, and do the other side.

Thanks Brian, I think I will go that route.

Now I need to figure out how to do the in-cab controls for the rear air bags. The Firestone and Air-Lift systems are expensive so I am trying to figure out a cheaper system.

[firehawk335]

Booster,
Did you find a location to mount both the compressor and a small tank?
I'm getting ready to place my order.
Thanks,
-Chip

[firehawk335]

Also, any specific recommendation on shocks or will the stockers be fine?
Thanks,
-Chip

[booster]

Originally Posted by firehawk335

Booster,
Did you find a location to mount both the compressor and a small tank?
I'm getting ready to place my order.
Thanks,
-Chip

I used Firestone compressor an tank and mounted it under the van on the driver side frame rail, cotrol is in the side storage.

Here is link to a thread that has some pics and description.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...g/1/page/1.cfm

[booster]

Originally Posted by firehawk335

Also, any specific recommendation on shocks or will the stockers be fine?
Thanks,
-Chip

The OEM shocks aren't terrible, but do wear out pretty quickly. We put on Bilsteins and found them to be very good.

[firehawk335]

What size air tank did you use?
Did you make your own custom mounting plate?

I think I'm pretty much copying your setup.
Thanks,
-Chip

[booster]

Originally Posted by firehawk335

What size air tank did you use?
Did you make your own custom mounting plate?

I think I'm pretty much copying your setup.
Thanks,
-Chip

I bought the compressor kit that came with the tank and control. 1/2 gallon tank, I think. ( edit kit # 216

I did make the mounting plate, not totally necessary, but makes it much, much, easier. I used a piece of 3/8" thick aluminum I had around.

[firehawk335]

Ok, I pulled the trigger, ouch!
TuffTruck Front springs, Air Lift Wireless dual controller and compressor, 3 gallon air tank, Air Lift 5000lb air springs, Hellwig rear sway bar, Bilsteins

Now the waiting begins...

-Chip

[booster]

Originally Posted by firehawk335

Ok, I pulled the trigger, ouch!
TuffTruck Front springs, Air Lift Wireless dual controller and compressor, 3 gallon air tank, Air Lift 5000lb air springs, Hellwig rear sway bar, Bilsteins

Now the waiting begins...

-Chip

You are aware that you will have to move the generator, if you have one, to use the Hellwig bar?

Also, with the Airlift, be sue you got the right part number. It should be the one for the box frame, not the c channel frame. Most of the Airlift chars will list the box for passenger vans and the c channel for cargo, but the Roadtreks have the box frame on a cargo van.

[firehawk335]

Wasn't aware of that, Thanks. I'll get those changed before they ship out.
I know you built your own swaybar, but did you find a source before that?

-Chip

[booster]

Originally Posted by firehawk335

Wasn't aware of that, Thanks. I'll get those changed before they ship out.
I know you built your own swaybar, but did you find a source before that?

-Chip

I looked everywhere I could think of for a rear bar, and the Hellwig is the only one, AFAIK. One guy on the Yahoo board put one in, but did have to move the generator back a couple of inches. IIRC, he posted a petty good desription of what was needed. The biggest issue beyond the work , is that it moves weight further behund the axle, which may or may not be an issue.

[peteco]

I just ordered the TuffTruk front springs, Firestone air bags, and Bilstein shocks.

I plan to do my own compressor/controller. I am going to use a small, dedicated compressor with a homemade control panel. I will let you all know how it works out (or if I have to duck my tail between my legs and get a Firestone/Air Lift compressor system). I will eventually get a larger, but portable compressor for tire pressure duty.

One item I am also strongly considering buying: a Tire Pressure Monitor System.
Why am I mentioning it here? Because I would get a couple more sensors and use it to also monitor the airbags.
The system I am looking at is the TST unit, which can handle any number of sensors.

http://www.tsttruck.com/

Spring install. I found this writeup by supercoils that should apply for the TuffTruk install.

http://www.supersprings.com/installatio ... nstall.pdf

And finally, I need new tires. I have the Bridgestone R265 V-Steels. I may go with them again. Am also considering BFG Commercial T/A or Yokohama Geolander H/T-S. Sounds like people have had problems with Michelin LTX M/S2s on their Roadtreks. Any recommendations?

[firehawk335]

Sounds like a Plan!
I'm looking at an air tank and maybe a train horn just for funsies
Nice Tutorial to have. Do you have a source for the torque specs?

-Chip

[firehawk335]

Has anyone considered the SuspensionMAXX aluminum 2 inch spacer with the TT1617 heavy duty springs? This would accomplish a total 4 inch lift over current stock ride I think. What will be the drawback to doing this? Poor handling, bad angles on steering components, high CG ??

-Chip

[peteco]

Originally Posted by firehawk335

Sounds like a Plan!
I'm looking at an air tank and maybe a train horn just for funsies
Nice Tutorial to have. Do you have a source for the torque specs?

-Chip

What torque specs do you need? I have the GM Express Van factory manuals so I can look up whatever you need.

[Photog]

Originally Posted by firehawk335

Has anyone considered the SuspensionMAXX aluminum 2 inch spacer with the TT1617 heavy duty springs? This would accomplish a total 4 inch lift over current stock ride I think. What will be the drawback to doing this? Poor handling, bad angles on steering components, high CG ??

-Chip

That was my plan. I purchased both the springs and spacers. When I tried to assemble the suspension, with the new springs, I could not squeeze in the spacers. The springs were enough of a job.

You would need the Snap-On Spring compressor, sold by Suspension MAXX, to even consider getting the spacers in there.

I believe it would fit, but there would not be much down-travel left in the suspension, and you may notice some suspension noise, coming off of speed bumps. I also think you would be able to get a proper alignment, with the spacers and springs.

I still have the spacers in their box.

[firehawk335]

Been working crazy the last 3 days.

Torques specs for the Upper Ball Joint and Tie Rod end should be sufficient.
And if you have the torque specs for the differential ring gear, bearing caps, and differential cover that would be great; and correct ring gear/pinion backlash; I'm checking into getting a TruTrac limited slip to put in too. So far it looks like about $900 + my labor. Should be a simple pull and replace using the same shims, should not have to mess with the pinion.
Thank You.

I guess I should keep it simple with regards to the lift, as I've never done a suspension lift before. Just getting it back to proper geometry and ride height will help. Guess I'll wait on any further lift until there is better solution.
Thank You.

-Chip