I've removed the bench seat of my b250 conversion van to fit my band's music gear in the back (about 2500 lbs worth of gear) which causes the back of the van and tires to sag. What sort of upgrades should I look at for hauling this equipment? Should I replace the leaf springs or get aftermarket shocks? Is there a particular brand people like for these vans? Insight would be appreciated. Thanks!
Michael
Mazdax605
08-10-2007, 07:58 PM
I can't really answer your question,but my bet with that sort of weight you will need atleast a set of 1-ton springs.2500lbs is quite a load even in a 1 ton van let alone a 3/4 ton 2500.Does the van have 8 lug wheels,or 5 lug wheels? If it is a 5 lug van then I would suggest getting new axle as well.The 5-lug axle isn't up to the task of hauling that much weight,and it will fail. Also 2500lbs plus band mates,and other such variable stuff will put the overall load very high in this van. Getting the springs upgraded will be the best thing to do,but with a load like that you may want to upgrade brake pads,and such.Others on here can answer your questions better,but this is a start.
Chris
01 Ram Wagon 2500 HD 8 passenger
van-nut
08-10-2007, 10:22 PM
I'm affraid I can't offer much as far as springs and axles go, but I will say this - make sure you've got a quality set of tires in good condition and with an adequit load rating and set the pressure accordingly (on the high end). This is very important, and doubley so if your trips will be at higher speeds and/or long distances on the interstate.
Pete
koihito
08-10-2007, 10:31 PM
What Chris has suggested is the best way, but if you want the cheap drive it till it breaks way...
get some good quality 6+ ply truck tires ($200) and inflate them to max. and get a set of air adjustable shocks ($50). The breaks should be fine if maintained, just don't tail gait.
You would be amazed at the kind of abuse some vehicles will take, BUT you've gotta be prepared to fix stuff if it breaks, I've had some vehicles that were near indestructible and others that seem to have been assembled on Friday at 4:59.
Of course, I'm insane and don't mind a 4000 lb. pallet of tile in my 1/2 ton pick up, it's kinda fun!
Mad Joe
08-11-2007, 03:01 PM
Sounds like I need to chime in on this one. I'm a mobile DJ and bought my 1986 3/4 ton maxie back in 1993. In the past, I carried lots of sound gear, but don't carry as much weight these days. My rear springs use to sag a lot until I went to a spring shop with the van fully loaded. They added enough springs for it to sit level when full, which it is 99% of the time it is driven. For good measure, I also had them add 1 ton springs to the front. I still use this van today and have not had any major problems that I can pin point to the added weight on the vehicle. I did go through a lot of U joints until I had a longer drive shaft made.
As mentioned above, stopping can be a big problem with the added weight. I did no break upgrade and this van does not stop near as well as my previous 1 ton Maxie.
I weighed the van a couple of times when it was loaded on truck scales. If I remember right (it's been a long time), it weighed in between 6500 and 7000 lbs. Don't remember what she weighs empty, but I was hauling lots of weight.
Since we are sorta in the same type of business, feel free to check out my website.
Good luck with your van.
