turbovanman
09-24-2006, 01:20 AM
Ok, there are numerous ways and I have tried a few, so you can choose which ones to do or not.
First off, I wanted an aprox 2 inch drop as this gave me the best of both worlds, a lowered van but not enough that I can't haul or tow anything.
So, first time around, I had the front stock coil springs squished 2 inches, Gabriel VST struts, cut the rubber jounce stopper 1 inch or so and this lowered it, durr, 2 inchs. The back, I dearched the leaf springs 2 inches and run Rancho 9 spd adjustable shocks. The back worked great but the front would rattle the dash over bumps, hard enough to rattle your teeth. I found this out to be the front struts bottoming out and causing it to act like solid suspension.
I then switched to used KYB Shadow/Daytona/Spirit struts and cut the stock springs, one full coil and 4-8 inches-can't remember how much. This lowered the front 2.5 inches-a bit too much but rides perfectly.
Over time though, the old leaf springs have weaked and now its lower another 1/2-1 inch. This is ok but my load carrying has been comprimised.
I also have a 2nd Gen stock rear roll bar on. I had to weld the brackets on the frame as the van doesn't have the threaded plates, used muffler u-clamps to bolt on the brackets then tacked them on so they wouldn't move.
UPDATE
I've redone the front with Daytona Koni's and cut HD Minivan springs, handles better than its ever done. I did an aprox 2.5 inch drop.
Rear, still waiting for the custom upper leaf spring.
I tried the coil overs but the spring was was too harsh and didn't want to spend the money but they work nicely.
So, to recap on what I have done and others-
FRONT
Daytona struts and springs-3.5 inchs
Mini strut and Daytona springs? Haven't tried that but if it lowers more than 1.5 inches, the strut will bottom out.
Daytona strut and stock minivan spring-aprox 1 inch drop.
Daytona struts and cut mini springs-whatever height you cut them too.
Mini struts and HD Daytona springs-1 inch drop is what I am told.
Coil overs are another option from a Daytona-They work nicely.
REAR
There are two options for leaf springs, 4 and 5 leaf packs, you will find the 5 pack as a HD option on 1st and 2nd gen vans.
Dearch-max drop 2-3 inches
Custom shackles 4-5 inches
Modified shackles-looks like around 1 inch but what would work nicely is Dempseys rear kits then adjustable shackles to bring it back up. I don't know how safe they are though if you carry alot of weight or tow.
I am getting new HD leaf springs done eventually, to cure the age weakening.
Alignment-I am running -3/4 camber and zero toe, no excessive tire wear and handles nicely.
I hope this helps, if you have any other info to add, please PM me.
First off, I wanted an aprox 2 inch drop as this gave me the best of both worlds, a lowered van but not enough that I can't haul or tow anything.
So, first time around, I had the front stock coil springs squished 2 inches, Gabriel VST struts, cut the rubber jounce stopper 1 inch or so and this lowered it, durr, 2 inchs. The back, I dearched the leaf springs 2 inches and run Rancho 9 spd adjustable shocks. The back worked great but the front would rattle the dash over bumps, hard enough to rattle your teeth. I found this out to be the front struts bottoming out and causing it to act like solid suspension.
I then switched to used KYB Shadow/Daytona/Spirit struts and cut the stock springs, one full coil and 4-8 inches-can't remember how much. This lowered the front 2.5 inches-a bit too much but rides perfectly.
Over time though, the old leaf springs have weaked and now its lower another 1/2-1 inch. This is ok but my load carrying has been comprimised.
I also have a 2nd Gen stock rear roll bar on. I had to weld the brackets on the frame as the van doesn't have the threaded plates, used muffler u-clamps to bolt on the brackets then tacked them on so they wouldn't move.
UPDATE
I've redone the front with Daytona Koni's and cut HD Minivan springs, handles better than its ever done. I did an aprox 2.5 inch drop.
Rear, still waiting for the custom upper leaf spring.
I tried the coil overs but the spring was was too harsh and didn't want to spend the money but they work nicely.
So, to recap on what I have done and others-
FRONT
Daytona struts and springs-3.5 inchs
Mini strut and Daytona springs? Haven't tried that but if it lowers more than 1.5 inches, the strut will bottom out.
Daytona strut and stock minivan spring-aprox 1 inch drop.
Daytona struts and cut mini springs-whatever height you cut them too.
Mini struts and HD Daytona springs-1 inch drop is what I am told.
Coil overs are another option from a Daytona-They work nicely.
REAR
There are two options for leaf springs, 4 and 5 leaf packs, you will find the 5 pack as a HD option on 1st and 2nd gen vans.
Dearch-max drop 2-3 inches
Custom shackles 4-5 inches
Modified shackles-looks like around 1 inch but what would work nicely is Dempseys rear kits then adjustable shackles to bring it back up. I don't know how safe they are though if you carry alot of weight or tow.
I am getting new HD leaf springs done eventually, to cure the age weakening.
Alignment-I am running -3/4 camber and zero toe, no excessive tire wear and handles nicely.
I hope this helps, if you have any other info to add, please PM me.