[Howler_115]

Where can I find leaf spring plates for the sport suspension package? Leaf spring plates failed on me and the stock astro top plates will not work.

 

[CopperFiremist]

Dude you need a new Van.

 

[Howler_115]

Dude you need a new Van.

Not wrong, but that's the only bad rust spot on it. Already got the accessories working and the engine/Trans is good.

 

[markmitch]

The rear axle and all that is the same, the only difference is the sway bar and it's parts. I have an 89 Astro RS. I swapped the rear springs to steel from a 2000 Astro. The pictures look like you need the top plate, which may be different from 1st gen to 2nd gen due to the fiberglass to the steel. My suggestion is if you can find a newer Astro or Safari get the springs, and all the brackets from a salvage yard and put them in yours. You will love the feel of the steel over the old fiberglass, I promise.

 

[Howler_115]

The rear axle and all that is the same, the only difference is the sway bar and it's parts. I have an 89 Astro RS. I swapped the rear springs to steel from a 2000 Astro. The pictures look like you need the top plate, which may be different from 1st gen to 2nd gen due to the fiberglass to the steel. My suggestion is if you can find a newer Astro or Safari get the springs, and all the brackets from a salvage yard and put them in yours. You will love the feel of the steel over the old fiberglass, I promise.

I'm highly considering that, but for now I'm going to get it back on the road. Later down the road it's getting a suspension overhaul and that is most definitely going to happen. The plan is to get it running and drive it though winter, then I'll have some time to save and blow money on it in the summer next year.

 

[Howler_115]

The rear axle and all that is the same, the only difference is the sway bar and it's parts. I have an 89 Astro RS. I swapped the rear springs to steel from a 2000 Astro. The pictures look like you need the top plate, which may be different from 1st gen to 2nd gen due to the fiberglass to the steel. My suggestion is if you can find a newer Astro or Safari get the springs, and all the brackets from a salvage yard and put them in yours. You will love the feel of the steel over the old fiberglass, I promise.

Also, I need to talk to someone like you who has worked on these a lot. I need some advice on the different systems used in the vehicle. In the long run, this will be a performance street van. But for now, I just want it back on the road. In time, I am going to attempt to put in a 350.

 

[markmitch]

Feel free to ask questions If I don't have the answer, I'm sure someone else here does.

 

[MechBob]

I've discovered this thing called the net, along with google, and found this-

Leaf Spring Hanger For 1985-1995 Chevrolet Astro Gmc Safari 722-014 | eBay

85-94 Astro Plate Anchor. 95 Astro Plate Anchor, Fiberglass Rear Springs. 85-94 Safari Plate Anchor. 95 Safari Plate Anchor, Fiberglass Rear Springs. Front Left&Right Fender Trim Driver & Passenger Side For 2011-2018 Dodge Durango.

www.ebay.com

 

[WoodButcher]

Lol Bob, I didn't know they were still available.
I never looked when those on the '93 started getting crunchy I got another rear end with a 3:73, put a tru-trac, 11" drums and new steel springs all in one shot.

 

[tinworm]

Invest in the steel springs instead of getting parts to make the fiberglass work for a bit longer. It will be a dramatic difference, and springs for these vans are not particularly expensive.

That rusted fiberglass front sandwich bracket thing is not far behind the axle tube mounts in failure rate. When i swapped to steel on my 89 the same hangar broke, and the front mount fell apart when i removed the spring. Steel springs brought all new life to the van.

This is an ideal time for an easy upgrade

 

[Howler_115]

Feel free to ask questions If I don't have the answer, I'm sure someone else here does.

I'll be more than happy to. Also, just figured out the plates I got will work. When the plate broke, the plate thats part of the axle bent. Got both of them on last night after some serious persuasion. Gotta do a Trans service then its back on the road. I used Dorman part 722-014

 

[Vulcan707]

The rear axle and all that is the same, the only difference is the sway bar and it's parts. I have an 89 Astro RS. I swapped the rear springs to steel from a 2000 Astro. The pictures look like you need the top plate, which may be different from 1st gen to 2nd gen due to the fiberglass to the steel. My suggestion is if you can find a newer Astro or Safari get the springs, and all the brackets from a salvage yard and put them in yours. You will love the feel of the steel over the old fiberglass, I promise.

I also have an '89 and am looking to swap my leaf springs. If I am able to get a 2000's pair with brackets, is it a pretty easey bolt on swap?

Thanks!