Picking a van

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I don't know what your budget is.

If a vehicle has 100,000 miles and has been loaded to near-max weight or more the whole time, it might be time for new springs.

If you get it set up just the way you want it first, you can take it to a set of vehicle scales and get each wheel weighed separately. Given that info, a spring shop could provide 4 new springs perfectly matched to those weights.

Regards
John

 

[crazy_dave]

Thank you all for the replies and kind words. Now let the fun being!
Do you guys think I should let this thread die and start a build thread?
Anyhow, here are some of my thoughts and questions.
I thinking I’m going to get the suspension and body work taken care of first. I’m going to replace the shocks and springs with the heaviest rate I can find. Any suggestions, should I get them from an auto parts store or a specialty shop? Where can I find a spring shop, what would it be called? Would it be under automotive or just a custom spring shop?
Behind the interior finish there is a thin brownish insulation. Defiantly fiberglass in it from all the itching I’m doing. Should I remove this and put in Reflectix? For now this will be a Spring/summer/fall van. After I get the body work done I’m hoping it will never see salt again as long as I own it.
The pull out awning that came with the van attaches to the rain gutter on the original van roof. But when it’s attached you cannot open the passenger side door. So it’s just laying in the back taking up space. Should I permanently attach it to the hi-top? Will drilling into the hi-top do any structural damage?
Talking about drilling the hi-top. I really need to find a way to put a kayak rack on this thing. Is it possible to mount a racking system on top of a hi-top? Are there custom van/RV shops that can do this and how would I find them in my area?
I will get some more detailed pix over the weekend so you guys/gals can see when I’m getting in to.

Thanx again

 

[GotSmart]

Start a build thread.

First do an internet search of eBay and RockAuto (I posted the link in this thread) for the parts. Just letting you know, I got bad shocks from a seller on eBay, but by filing a complaint I was refunded the money.

And pictures! Lots of pictures!

 

[akrvbob]

I had a 93 F150 that was constantly overloaded and I had to replace the whole spring pack in back. Eventually they just lose their "spring" I paid a shop $500 to do it including an overload spring.

Another idea would be to get something like Firestone airbags. They will do the heavy lifting and are fully adjustable.

Reflectix needs an air-gap to do any good as insulation. You'd be much better off with 1/2 inch of Ployiso styrofoam sheets from Home Depot.

You almost certainly have 15 inch wheels and there is a very limited range of heavy duty tires for them that will go under your wheel wells. You want a 235/75/15 XL. The XL is for Xtra Load.

That's a GREAT motor and a great buy!
Bob