1986 Chev 1/2 Van - Lower 2-3 inches?

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Noozer - 22 Jul 2006 10:23 GMT

I have a 1986 Chevy 1/2 van with only 51,000Kms on it. I'm going to be
rebuilding the suspension. I'd like to lower the van 2-3 inches for the sake
of handling.

Does anyone know where I can get new coil and leaf springs for my van to
acheive this? What other vehicles can I use springs from?

Thanks!

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Kevin - 22 Jul 2006 12:15 GMT

>I have a 1986 Chevy 1/2 van with only 51,000Kms on it. I'm going to be
>rebuilding the suspension. I'd like to lower the van 2-3 inches for the
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Thanks!

I'm curious. How is lowering the she suspension going to improve handling? I
can see that it might decrease the tendency to rollover by lowering the
center of gravity, but I thought the engineers already designed the
suspension for the best possible handling. Wouldn't changing the suspension
angles decrease the handling characteristics? I know that is usually the
case when lowering other types of vehicles beyond what the factory has
designed. What sort of advantages would be gained in the case of lowering a
van? Are you talking about better cornering, easier steering, or improved
steering response etc. or is it just tipping and rollover you are concerned
about? I know there are many aftermarket parts that are supposed to improve
ride and handling without lowering the suspension, but I don't see the
advantage of lowering the ride height. I must admit I am no expert on the
subject of suspension design, and I would like to learn more. Do you know of
any sources for good information about improving the handling of vans by
lowering the suspension? I found that searching Google for "lowering the
suspension on a Chevy van" turned up many resources for kits and components
to accomplish the task, but nothing about how or what advantages would be
gained. I got the impression it is done just for looks.

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Kevin Mouton
Automotive Technology Instructor
"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy"
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Noozer - 22 Jul 2006 15:09 GMT

>>I have a 1986 Chevy 1/2 van with only 51,000Kms on it. I'm going to be
>>rebuilding the suspension. I'd like to lower the van 2-3 inches for the
>>sake of handling.
>>
>> Does anyone know where I can get new coil and leaf springs for my van to
>> acheive this? What other vehicles can I use springs from?

> I'm curious. How is lowering the she suspension going to improve handling?
> I can see that it might decrease the tendency to rollover by lowering the
> center of gravity, but I thought the engineers already designed the
> suspension for the best possible handling.

That is what I'm hoping for. The van really feels top heavy. I know that
there needs to be some work on the suspension so I figure I'd do what I can
to lower the center of gravity.

As for looks, it might help out, but not the reason I want to do it. The van
does seem to sit higher than normal though. I'll try and get a photo posted
to show how high it sits.

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