2008 Roadtrek (2007 Express 3500 Chassis) Rear Shock Replacement

[youngnretired]

I'm looking at Bilstein Shocks for the rear of our 2008 Roadtrek 210 and have a question. The Bilstein number that comes up is a 24221948, but this is for a 0" lifted application. There is an approximate 2" lift block between the spring and axle. Is this a factory GM lift block or did Roadtrek lift the rears of these and should a different rear shock be used? If it's a Roadtrek modification, anyone have a different Bilstein number that should be used?

 

[booster]

I'm looking at Bilstein Shocks for the rear of our 2008 Roadtrek 210 and have a question. The Bilstein number that comes up is a 24221948, but this is for a 0" lifted application. There is an approximate 2" lift block between the spring and axle. Is this a factory GM lift block or did Roadtrek lift the rears of these and should a different rear shock be used? If it's a Roadtrek modification, anyone have a different Bilstein number that should be used?

The 2" blocks are in there to try to get enough ride height with all the weight and extension they put on the back. It still doesn't get to factory ride height so standard shocks are the right ones. Are you doing the fronts also?

 

[youngnretired]

I wondered if after adding the blocks the height was about where a factory van would be with all the weight on it. Thanks.

I'm not doing the fronts this year. Next year for those and I'd like to add a 1-2" spacer to raise the front while I'm in there.

 

[booster]

I wondered if after adding the blocks the height was about where a factory van would be with all the weight on it. Thanks.

I'm not doing the fronts this year. Next year for those and I'd like to add a 1-2" spacer to raise the front while I'm in there.

Sounds like a plan, but you may notice a bit more understeer with the Bilsteins only in the rear. May not be noticeable.

I am not a big fan of the front spacer, but some folks like them. They don't change the too low of a springrate for the weight problem, just raise it up. Bilsteins in the front will reduce the issue, but you still may get a bit of porpoising.

You will need to get a big spring compressor to do the spacers, however. The OTC is the go to, but it may be discontinued so I would have to confirm that rumor.

There is a method that MAY let you not need the compressor with stock height springs, but I haven't personally confirmed it by doing it. It involves wiring the spacer in the very top of the spring tower to hold it there so the normal tilt in of stock length spring works as always.

 

[GroupB]

For a little more height in the front, an option is to try SumoSprings from SuperSprings. They make 2 stiffnesses of front bump stops that are taller than the OEMs so are in contact with the suspension at rest. Only need to unload the front suspension and replace the existing bump stops. No first hand knowledge of ride height change. Others on this forum have used them.

 

[youngnretired]

I probably should have said I'd let our mechanic do the front springs/spacer. I did front springs in a 71 Impala some 30 years ago and when I was done, I said I'd never do another again. The Roadtrek springs are much larger than on the Impala. I'm going to hold to that thought from long ago, because I've not gotten any younger. I'd do the shock myself, but would just let our mechanic handle the job since this is what he does.

What would part numbers be for extra height springs or for that sumosprings? I'm not looking to level the van, just looking to raise the front a bit so it's not bounding off the stops. Any thought with going with stock springs for the 6.6L diesel engine as that should raise it a bit from the weight difference with a 6.0L gas?

 

[booster]

I probably should have said I'd let our mechanic do the front springs/spacer. I did front springs in a 71 Impala some 30 years ago and when I was done, I said I'd never do another again. The Roadtrek springs are much larger than on the Impala. I'm going to hold to that thought from long ago, because I've not gotten any younger. I'd do the shock myself, but would just let our mechanic handle the job since this is what he does.

What would part numbers be for extra height springs or for that sumosprings? I'm not looking to level the van, just looking to raise the front a bit so it's not bounding off the stops. Any thought with going with stock springs for the 6.6L diesel engine as that should raise it a bit from the weight difference with a 6.0L gas?

IMO, leveling the van just happens by itself from getting better clearance.. For part numbers for higher rate springs, it is probably best to check the latest post on the subject as MOOG changed their springs and they used to be the go to spring.

I think you will find that while Sumo springs have a bit of a following, the higher rate spring lift give the best height and ride quality. Others may disagree with that assessment, though.

Most successful lift/clearance improvement projects on here have been springs in the front and either air bags (my choice) or new springs in the rear.