Minivan leaf spring upgrades?

[Matt86]

My 94' has the very baseline suspension, including the rear leafs. I replaced the front base springs with those from a Town and Country which has raised it up a bit and given it a better ride. Now my rear end is sagging . My leaf's are falling apart too, the drivers side shackles are very loose and I've pretty much got the entire spring wrapped in duct tape to stop the annoying rattle.

I want to raise the rear up as I often load this van down and tow with it (class three hitch).

Is there a specific trim I should upgrade to? My van is the short wheel base, I was thinking of using AWD van leaf springs as they seem to carry more weight.

Thanks
Matt

[turbovanman²]

AWD springs won't fit.

How many leafs do you have? I think base are 4, HD are 5, or its 3 and 4, can't remember. If you want to raise the rear, either get new springs made up or put in adjustable shackles or decent used ones. PB has a nice set of rear poly bushings for the hangers, they work awesome.

[Matt86]

I think they are just 3 leafs.

Am I just stuck with using short wheel base springs? I noticed a lot of the Grand vans have a one layer spring.

[turbovanman²]

I think they are just 3 leafs.

Am I just stuck with using short wheel base springs? I noticed a lot of the Grand vans have a one layer spring.

You can use any leaf spring setup from first and 2nd gens-short or long wb. You might be able to somehow make 3 gen+ fit but I've never looked, not worth it. AWD use's a different setup that's why it won't fit.

[Matt86]

You can use any leaf spring setup from first and 2nd gens-short or long wb. You might be able to somehow make 3 gen+ fit but I've never looked, not worth it. AWD use's a different setup that's why it won't fit.

Great. I'll have to take a look at some Town and Country's and loaded Grand vans...I think the towing package vans got the heavy duty springs. Either way I'll have to upgrade from the crummy base springs.

Looking on Car-Part I found out there's two different leafs used in the LWB vans, except AWD

3 leafs + 1 helper
single leaf

I know my 99' Grand Voyager seems to have much better springs, loaded down it dosn't sag nearly as bad as the 94. I'll stick with 2nd gen springs for the ease of installation.

[turbovanman²]

I'll stick with 2nd gen springs for the ease of installation.

Same as 1st gen so doesn't matter.

[A.J.]

PB has a nice set of rear poly bushings for the hangers, they work awesome.

I agree on Johnny's poly shackle bushings.

A.J.

[Matt86]

I know my current shackle bushings are toast, I was cheap and filled what was left of the bushings with heater hose and 3M window weld silicone.

I've got the 3 leaf units...with duct tape


I'm going to look for a 4 leaf setup as well as considering upgrading the shocks to this type


However, there isn't a set designed for 2nd gen vans, the above is for 3rd gen. I may be able to adapt such a set.


I prefer to tow with this van as it has the proper hitch and better brakes. My 3rd gen van has the 3.3, but also has a lot more weight and crappy 3rd gen brakes.

[turbovanman²]

Get air shocks.

[Dodge Aries K]

Air shocks and some rear springs from a Grand Caravan with a tow package would probably be your best bet.