Rear Shocks/Springs (Full Version)

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Rear Shocks/Springs

  

djripper -> Rear Shocks/Springs (9/7/2007 8:48:30 PM)

Just curious if anyone has had to raise the back of their Freestar up and how did they do it. I use my 04' for service work and carry alot of weight in the back, so the rear sags (looks awful). Was hoping to put a set of air shocks in but can't find anyone who makes them for the van. Any ideas as to what you've done that works is greatly appreciated.

  
FordNutz -> RE: Rear Shocks/Springs (9/8/2007 7:40:50 AM)

Does it have leaf or coil springs in the rear?

Use Common Sense -> RE: Rear Shocks/Springs (9/8/2007 9:30:55 PM)

Try a set of Monroe SENSA-TRAC LOAD ADJUSTING shock absorbers.  Part # 58624.  They are not listed for the Freestar only thru 03 for the Windstar.  However, the Windstar and Freestar uses the exact same shocks.  I will be ordering a set of these for my 04 Limited in couple of weeks as I run a full size spare.  I have bottomed the tire out 2 times, but that was with a pretty good load on it.  I still want to lift the van a 2-3 inches.  The lowest price that I have found on the WEB ir from ROCKAUTO.  Link to the shocks is below.

https://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/prt,904,58624

djripper -> RE: Rear Shocks/Springs (9/11/2007 9:08:32 PM)

The van is a coil spring set up FordNutz, and I will wait till you Use Common Sense get your shocks in and installed, and you could let me know if you are satisfied with the lift or not. Thanks for the replies.

Use Common Sense -> RE: Rear Shocks/Springs (9/13/2007 8:23:39 AM)

UPDATE: After looking at the shocks on the Freestar, I was thinking about going with a set of Coil-Rite air springs for the rear coils.  Main reason is that the shocks mount on about a 45 degree plane.  With this in mind, it doesn't seem that much lift would be provided, just an increase in load capacity from stock height.  The air springs also would only provide an increase in load capacity from stock height.  They may do the trick by slowing down the vans vertical motion when going over dips in the road.  Am also looking at possibly adding a set of variable rate coils that will add addition starting height with increased capacity.  Looking to gather spring diameter, height and capacity for an Aerostar, Lincoln and Expedition for possible use.  This may take a while, so don't anyone hold their breath.

tomb1269 -> RE: Rear Shocks/Springs (9/13/2007 11:26:09 AM)

Gents, I have Airlift 1000 bags installed in my coils. They will add about an inch at most 2 to the rear ride height with no load at 30-35 psi however the ride becomes a little harsh. I have them installed due to the fact that my Jayco 806 popup (due to axle placement on trailer) when loaded has about 250lb tongue weight and the large #ss to the 4 seats, coolers, clothes, and nearly the kitchen sink when packed to the van and she wants to sit down. Just to give you an idea of the effect the bags have had. I installed the hitch (van purchased with tow package but Ford does not include the hitch) and the recommended draw-bar was a 2in lift, which kept the trailer at well below level when connected. Add air bags and I had to go to a 3/4in lift bar to keep the trailer at level to just under using 30psi. (PS: CAT Scales with trailer and loaded: Van-5300lbs trailer-1560lbs, Combo- 6860lbs Trailer dry-1450lbs, Van dry-4000+/-, GVW Van-5800 Trailer -2000, GCW-8300lbs) This is the second Ford mini-van I have installed them on, they work great. I have just the bags no add-ons, however the instructions are incorrect for the Freestar install. The bags should be mounted with the filler pointed up. Run the air line behind the spring plate and back into the center of the spring.  And the price..........just under $100 for the bags.

djripper -> RE: Rear Shocks/Springs (9/21/2007 8:23:56 PM)

Well tomorrow morning Saturday Sept. 22 I have my van booked in to get a set of cargo coils installed to replace the original springs. Tired of looking at the saggy rear of the van, so I went to the local automobile spring  specialist and they said that there is a set of cargo coils available for my van, so I will know better tomorrow if I am satisfied or not.

Use Common Sense -> RE: Rear Shocks/Springs (9/24/2007 5:27:02 AM)

djripper, Did you get these on?  If you did, could you provide some pre and post installation height measurements.  Also part MFG and numbers.

djripper -> RE: Rear Shocks/Springs (9/28/2007 9:54:08 PM)

Well the cargo coils were a no go as the van actually sat lower than with stock springs. They tried a couple of other springs that they had in stock and to no avail did I get any satisfaction. They measured up my spring height and diameter and said they were going to order in a couple of different pairs to see if we could get something that works. I am re booked again tomorrow (Saturday Sept 28) to have another go at this. I will keep you up dated.

djripper -> RE: Rear Shocks/Springs (9/29/2007 8:24:42 PM)

Well I have the ride height I was looking for. Had new springs installed and must say that I am happy. FYI the springs that were used were a variable rate coil part# RV820 (cc820). The part number may not do you any good but the springs fit (front coil) 1990-1996 Ford Bronco, 1975-1991 E150 Van, or 1980-1996 F100/150. I took a couple of pics after the springs were installed. My van is loaded down in the rear with about 500lbs. The rear height of the vehicle (road to top of wheelwell) is actually only 3/4 of an inch higher in the back. The ride is still smooth, a little stiff over rough roads, but the vehicle is much more stable when turning. All in all I am very happy!! If you want to see the pics send me your email.

  

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