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Anyone used western chassis lowering leafs? Thinking of getting some 2" lowered leafs. With some Belltech 2" spindles. Can't believe No one responded on the Slam air kit
Western Chassis Lowered Leafs
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most of the members that are still on the site are into the AWD models lately so you may not get an answer. I thought about using some lowering leaf springs for my 89 but I want to be able to toe my small camper so I probably won't lower it.
Yeah, that's what I noticed too. And even then they all seem to want to raise high in the sky.markmitch said:
I was just wanting to find a replacement for the fiberglass spring, that didn't raise the rear more than it already is. I searched the forum (stock suspension) but still kept finding people wanting to raise the rear with S-10 springs. I guess at this point, I'll keep my 30 year old fiberglass springs in place, since I don't pull a trailer that often, and I don't put a heavy load in the rear that often (last heavy load was 16 bundles of shingles for 5 miles). I mostly either carry bulky stuff, or it's empty.
Yeah I went to a pick n pull last year and bought the complete steel springs set up and swapped it onto my 89 in place of the fiberglass springs. It rides approximately 1 inch higher but it rides super nice. I also removed the stock rubber bushings out of the rear of the steel springs and installed poly bushings but I only did that because all my suspension rubber parts are poly. I like to take corners fast sometimes lol.
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260 Posts
I found this thread hoping to find an answer, but found only an unanswered question. Three years later, has anybody tried these Western leaf springs?
I am tempted to lower our Astro a little. I don't want a big drop and would prefer not to go through an axle flip. Mainly, I am thinking of closing the wheel gap a little so that a 225-60-15 tire doesn't look "skateboardish." I have some 15*7 Superior Dynomo wheels to put on in the spring.
I am tempted to lower our Astro a little. I don't want a big drop and would prefer not to go through an axle flip. Mainly, I am thinking of closing the wheel gap a little so that a 225-60-15 tire doesn't look "skateboardish." I have some 15*7 Superior Dynomo wheels to put on in the spring.
Lowering Leaf Springs for Chevy Astro and GMC Safari Vans
westernchassis.com
For those that find this by search, I have done quite a few conversions using stock steel springs using the original steel spring hangers. You will have to change/modify the axle mount though 1990 Chevy Astro Provan Tiger GTv8 Pop-Up Camper
I would avoid the special steel springs that mount in the composite leaf hangers, but that is just me.
A little bit BIGGER rear tire would be one easy solution.
Little tires on lowered vans is an outdated look... IMO.
But hey.. to each his own! Make it yours!
Sorry, no answer on the lowering springs.
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260 Posts
I suppose I could go with a larger rear tire. I'm not so much wanting little tires as I am wanting a little less sidewall flex and a little more tread width.
I think that the raked look is a good effect on many vans, however I am not sure about it on my particular van with the "family" look it has (window van with stripes that scream "dad's van.) On a windowless van such as yours, I think it's a great look. I guess I can play around with a floor jack and estimate how it would look on my van.
I do think of staggered tire size as something one does with staggered wheel size. The wheels I picked up are all 7".
I think that the raked look is a good effect on many vans, however I am not sure about it on my particular van with the "family" look it has (window van with stripes that scream "dad's van.) On a windowless van such as yours, I think it's a great look. I guess I can play around with a floor jack and estimate how it would look on my van.
I do think of staggered tire size as something one does with staggered wheel size. The wheels I picked up are all 7".
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260 Posts
I think that is sensible. I would prefer to convert from one OE system to another OE system, then lower or raise as desired. The Western springs in question are patterned on the late style steel spring, not a replacement for the fiberglass spring. At least that is how I interpret the fact that they are for 1995-onward vans.
No one says you ONLY have to change the rears.
4 matching tires is a good family van look.. a size or two taller may be all that is needed.
If you have "sidewall flex issues".. you may be running tire pressure too low.
On a van.. I've always run "passenger tires" at max pressure with excellent results.
LT tires are an awesome option as well.
None the less.. do what works for you.
I was never a fan of "lowered springs".. yet I cut a coil from my front springs on my 92 to fill the fender gap with my preferred tire size, and give me the raked look I desired. But it's easy to find a nice size that fits too.
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260 Posts
I never run tires underinflated. I am always at or near max pressure. But with this van I am working with almost 3" more sidewall radius than I am used to having.
I did find that by going up to 235-60-15, I would be about 3/4" diameter (3/8" radius, which is what matters in terms of fender gap) smaller than stock 215-70-15.
I did find that by going up to 235-60-15, I would be about 3/4" diameter (3/8" radius, which is what matters in terms of fender gap) smaller than stock 215-70-15.
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1,001 Posts
I'm actually running larger than stock tires. They rub at full lock a little with un-modified wheel wells and if I hit a dip while turning. I haven't had the front bumper on yet to check for interference. 2" drop spindles up front. Worn springs in the back. I put a belltech sway bar in the front and it seems to help a lot. 225/55r18 front 255/55r18 back. Haven't rubbed on the back yet even pulling a car trailer with car on it.
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I don't anticipate rubbing anywhere with my combination, but I will have to fit up the wheels and see where I'm at. I really wish I could get a 17" wheel in the style I want, or any style that I really like on a van. But I can't, so I'm stuck with 15".
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