Towing a Boat

[InWI]

Hi All,

I have an 03 AWD Safari and put on the Bilsteins to repace the worn out factory shocks. While the ride is much improved the rear end still sags more than I would like and there is still some serious bouncing with pavement transisitions. I would think rear springs would be the next move. Anyone have any suggestions? Boat and trailer are about 3800-4000#.
Thanks

[astroturf]

Timbrens. That would be my next move. What is your current ride height front and back measured at the top of the inner fender lip?
The Timbrens come in two strengths, 2000 lb and 6000 lb. They replace your factory bump stops. the 2000 lb version measure 3 3/4 inch in height. Crawl under and measure at the current bump stop to axle to see where you are currently sitting. I am not sure of the height of the 6000 lb model, but I believe they when installed are always in contact at both points. They are also available for the front of your vehicle. How do you like the Bilsteins? They are going to be my next purchase. At 121000 miles my 05 is like a drunken sailor. Welcome to the Forum, Snap some pix, and keep us posted. Thanks, Jim

[Mr_Bowtie]

If you Van is squating while parked it sounds like your leafsprings are shot or someone jacked the torsion bars up in the front. My '96 sits fine when parked, but once you start driving it squats bad in the back from worn out shocks.

There is always air shocks or coil overs that will make up for worn out leaf springs. I got air shocks in my '92 and they make up for the worn out leaf springs very good.

[Leeann_93]

Head to the junkyard and pick up a set of steel springs from a van not sagging in the rear, I think it's 96+ that has the steelies.

What's your tongue weight?

[Big_kid]

I've not tried them, but I've read good things about Timbrens also.

Welcome aboard!

[Mr_Bowtie]

Head to the junkyard and pick up a set of steel springs from a van not sagging in the rear, I think it's 96+ that has the steelies.

What's your tongue weight?

'96+ has them I think some '95 Vans might have them too.........transition year.

[InWI]

Thanks for your responses. I'll measure the ride hieght tonight and find out about the tongue weight. Can't believe the springs are shot it's '03 with only 66k miles and rarely loaded down. It appears that the Timbrens are a supplimental rubber spring that helps share the load with the leaf springs. That sounds like a simple fix. So far I like the Bilsteins, I think they need a 100 mile or so break-in seems to ride a little firmer now than when I first installed them.

Dave

[astroturf]

Dave, I agree at 66,000 miles I highly doubt your spring are worn out. From what I understand about the Timbrens the 2000 lb model do not affect unloaded ride comfort and only engage when loaded. The 6000 lb model will be felt, loaded or not. Jim

[Mr_Bowtie]

Got a link to these Timbrens? Can you get them locally?

[InWI]

Ride height to the top of outside fender openings are 30" front 30 3/8" rear so that looks good. I like a firmer ride so maybe the 6000# rated springs would be best although it might be overkill. Mr Bowtie you can do a search for the Timbrens, they are available both online and retail.

[astroturf]

Here you go Bowtie... http://www.timbren.com/

[Mr_Bowtie]

Here you go Bowtie... http://www.timbren.com/

$230 list price for the regular ones and the HD ones they do not recommend for passenger Vans as they can be a real ruff ride. I just talked to them on the phone.

For $230 I would rather buy some better steel springs and put some nice shocks on there. Thats just me.

[astroturf]

I already have nice springs, and that's what my Bilsteins are gonna cost for the rear only... Ya wanna Play, Ya gotta Pay.

[Mr_Bowtie]

You got stock steel springs right? I was thinking new steel spring with about 1" or so more arch in them.

Let face it....I'm cheap I will be getting air shocks or coil overs for my '96 when the time comes.

[astroturf]

Buy the Bilsteins and never look back. But that's just my 23,000 cents.