Chinook RV

Looks like it was worth the wait in the end!

Those springs are like works of art!

markatherton wrote: August 27th, 2018, 11:14 am Finally after waiting 9 weeks the beautiful new rear 10 pack leaf springs were delivered last week. We installed them on Saturday. They look like the lift is perfect (4 inches) to match the front. The next step is to install the new drive shafts, double check torque values on all nuts and bolts , then take it for wheel alignment and new tires. Will post more pictures after that.DSC_0382.JPG

Where did you order springs from and was there particular model # etc? I am looking at Action Van lift but they use blocks in rear which I really want to avoid. Getting new Power Stop brakes and MorRyde shears installed right now so lift is next.

Are you using MorRyde with new leaf springs?

You would not be able to use lift blocks in the rear. THe lift block would raise the spring plate up 4 inches and the result would be the spring plates will rub on the inside of your dually tires. Some of the Chinooks were built on an e450 chassis which has a slightly wider rear axle, so lift blocks would work on these. I suspect that is why some of the chinook 4x4's were built on an E450 chassis. I spoke with action van and they use Deever Springs in Santa Ana, Ca. They directed me to call Deever directly. Deever told me they have a 2 month turnaround for custom leaf springs. WE have the same situation here in San Diego. There is a reputable spring place in Escondido that told me they can re arch your existing springs to get the desired height you want and can turn them around in a day. Not sure where you live. Hope this helps. Mark in San Diego.

I am not using more ryde. Everythime I see anything about them on this site they are being repaired, so I don't see the need to use them.

markatherton wrote: August 29th, 2018, 7:29 am I am not using more ryde. Everythime I see anything about them on this site they are being repaired, so I don't see the need to use them.

My Concourse didn't come with More-Ryde. Obviously I don't know what I'm missing, but nothing seems terribly amiss and I'm happy not to have a breakable rubber link in there. The one "flaw" I did have to work with is maybe something they are intended to ameliorate, which is a bit of "hop" or sharp bounce activity in the rear suspension when going over bumps. From what I understand, this is an E-350/E-450 common thing.

I had thought about getting Sulastic shackles when I had my suspension work done, but at the time there was some confusion as to which model to get, and also I couldn't find a good way to get them quickly (I was already at the shop). So I put them off until later, and as it turns out my other improvements made it decent (but who knows, maybe Sulastic shackles - or Mor-Ryde - would make it better). I didn't read of a lot of Sulastic breakage, so that may be a point in their favor.

I keep wondering about Sulastic for bumps as well.

However, first I need to take care of my corner leaning in the rear.

I really should first replace the 3-leaf springs with 9-leaf versions and see what that does.

But it's more tempting to start with what I will likely end up with, and that's a rear anti-sway bar. My '94 doesn't have one, so there's no stock bar attachment points. (Otherwise, Blue, I'd have used some stock ones like you did.)

My question is: did you guys who added a rear anti-sway bar have to move your exhaust system around to fit?

Thanks!
Kev

kdarling wrote: August 30th, 2018, 6:27 am ... a rear anti-sway bar. My '94 doesn't have one, so there's no stock bar attachment points. (Otherwise, Blue, I'd have used some stock ones like you did.)

1) No moving of stock exhaust system.
2) I don't remember my Chinook having any stock rear bar. The one I added mounts to points (holes) in the frame and also attaches around the rear axle. Unless I'm losing it (possible).

Mark,

Is that your 1997 Side Entry for sale in So Cal? Did you decide to keep the Premier conversion and sell yours?



https://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/rvs ... 68001.html

I installed a Hellwig swaybar on the rear of mine and didnt have to modify the exhaust. Eventually i removed the the swaybar and installed a panhard bar instead. In my case i experienced better overall handling from the panhard bar than i did from the swaybar, but again as stated in other posts, i have air suspension on the back of mine.