Helper Springs for 98 Minivan

Jul 25, 2006 1 Replies

One thing I didn't like about my 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager was the soft rear suspension. With a full load of passengers it didn't sag, but would bottom easily on a bump. So I installed some Hellwig helper springs, model EZ-550, $60 plus shipping. A couple of problems- the shackles they give you are too long, so I used some large nuts to add



3/4 " of additional spacing so I could properly clamp the front of the helper springs to the original springs.. Also, the kit comes with a warning which they don't mention anywhere else, that it can throw off your proportioning valve. So I didn't clamp the rear of the helper springs down all the way, just as far as the too-long shackles would go.

This raised the rear about 3/4" with no load. It definitely helps with the bottoming out, but didn't make a huge difference.



Here's their application catalog:

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Here's a dealer to buy 'em from:
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I had the rear springs in my 1994 beaffed up. I found that with a full load of passengers or camping gear, it sagged and would bottom out WAY too easily.

A local spring shop added a helper leaf. That did the trick. It sort of looked like my van had been jacked up, but it was level under full load, and it improved the handling as well.

If you are actually go>One thing I didn't like about my 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager was the

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