>>I bought a used 2001 Savana 12 passenger slt last summer. During the
>>test drive, I didn't notice just how hard and harse the suspension
>>was. (The test road was very smooth).
>>\
>>In the next few weeks the hard jarring and jostling, gave me a neck
>>whiplash, and the pains that go with it. In face this vehicle cannot
>>be driven over any uneven roads unless it is fully loaded. With 6
>>grown men in it, the ride is still harsh.
>>
>>A suspension specialist, here offered a solution. He suggested that
>>the overload (3/4" thick tapered leaf) spring is in contact when the
>>van is empty. He said that he could invert it, and would make the
>>ride much better. Ok, for $150 he removed the leaf rear springs ,
>>dixmantled them, and reassembled with the overload upside down.
>>He did add xtra normal leaf in each in order to maintain the height. >>
>>The test run, what a difference. No more harshness and tossing from
>>the back springs. The front coils , are the mid stiff factories. I'd
>>hate to ride in a van with the stiff ones. May still switch out the
>>fronts for the soft ones, but happy so far with just the backs done. >>
>>He said the only disadvantage, is that with a full load the rear will
>>sag down until overloads contact, ( app 3"). So far, I've loaded it
>>with 6 adult males, (app 1100 pounds, and it's still level.
>>
>>I also changed out the stock shocks for aftermarket control shocks, to
>>achieve good handling and less roll. Installed the monroe top of the >>line ones.
>>
>>
>>Anyone else with this kind of trouble?