Club 80-90 Forums

In my personal opinion, adding spacers to springs does not effect, or only very very marginally effects spring preload.

Only adding weight to the van or increasing gravity would effect spring preload. Adding spacers only effects the position of the suspension travel within the given range of travel. The only time when it would be necessary to increase preload on a spring would be to maintain the same (stock) suspension settings with a heavier load exerted upon them.

So, if you have added spacers and the shocks 'top out' what's needed to rectify this is to move the mounting position of the shock relative to the difference created by the spacer (not directly proportionate, as we all know the spacer size isn't the exact amount of extra height gained)
The overall travel has not been increased, the suspension's resting position (or 'sag point') has been changed. So really longer shocks are not required, unless you don't want to start chopping and re-welding shock mounts.

My 2p worth...

The original purpose of my question was, to gain the best understanding I could from those who had gone before, of what my options are, when I come to raising my suspension/body ride height.
Im now a little clearer on how to go about this, springs and spacer, and if going much higher maybe ball joint spacer.
The issue I now have is which springs will best suit my vehicle, will give me an initial height increase without spacers, and cope with a loaded camper. I am prepared to sacrifice a little ride comfort when not loaded.
So all I now need to know is how many spring options do I have, stock, seikle, trail master? any others, any to avoid?

I think I spent my 2p worth

As for springs to avoid,there was a mention here that Go Westy springs can sag after a short period of time. Someone else can confirm that ....

v-lux wrote:longer shocks are not required, unless you don't want to start chopping and re-welding shock mounts.

Mine ALL top out

Not a huge problem but the ride is a bit harsh over potholes/speed humps.

Tell me about relocating these mounts.....