.

We have a 2001 AWD Safari (bought it in spring of 2005). We use it for our family of 5, to pull a 4x6 utility trailer (axle rated at 3,600 lbs), pull a 6x12 Utility trailer (axle rated at 3,200 lbs) and a 19ft camper (with WD system) which is rated 4,200 lbs. With rear cargo and average load in our camper, we're at its 5,000 lbs "max towing limit". We also drive on snowy / icy roads, on rough county roads and the odd rough old logging trails.

Last spring, we installed a +1 leaf spring in the rear (which raised our van's rear by 2"), we raised its front torsion bars to bring the front up 1.5" and got a front end alingment to save its front wheels. From a visual, its sits higher off the ground (which we wanted) and its stance is what we want. For a picture, surf: http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/j_papple/detail?.dir=1815&.dnm=b3ff.jpg&.src=ph

The rear of our van is much more firm (which we wanted) but the front of our van feels "too mushy" to me. When we slam on its brakes or hit deep pot holes, its front easly dives 3" to 4". Two auto shops in my area investigated its front shocks and told me its current shocks will last until summer 2006. In other words, no double bounce or rebound. It's just a "suspension mush" front end.

For the front of our 2001 AWD, I was thinking of installing a set of Timbrens (rubber stoppers). With its front end 1.5 higher then factory, I'm thinking the Timbrens on the front will "firm up" the front end for our deep bumps and sometimes fast sharp corners. For info on Astro/Safari Timbrens, surf:
http://www.stengelbros.com/TimbrenKitsforGMVan.htm#Vans

Has anyone tried Timbrens on the front and if so, what is your "lessons learned"? With a 1.0-1.5" higher then stock front end, would you install them again?

thanks.

.

.

The front of our van's height can easily be adjusted via its front torsion bars. Actually, the height of the front of our van is perfect - for my needs / wants.

Unknown the many, the factory suspension on the AWD Safari is what I call "factory mush". Expensive front shocks will reduce front dives but I'm looking for a little more firmness. The Timbrens are installed in the front suspension when one wants to mount a snow plow in the winter. The Timbren rubber stoppers allow more weight on the front without replacing the expensive torsion bars (re: going to higher weight rated bars) or if one does NOT want to pay the high price of front air shocks or expensive coil over spring shocks. With each product (air shock, coil over spring shock and timbren), I've been told it will dramatcially reduce front end nose dives during the deep bumps and/or brake slams.

I'm hoping that if I eliminate front end suspension "mush", it will also create even suspension ride across the entire vehicle (since we already installed +1 leaf spring in the rear), eliminate more weight on the front brake rotors (which will reduce warping) and allow better traction control.

Every time I think of the Timbrens rubber stoppers on the front of our AWD (that has an average 1.5" lift above factory), the more I like the idea. From a white board perspective, my inner voice stating that it will work....

Just wanted to validate my "inner voice" before running out and buying these non return Timbrens.

thanks.

.

We were going to install Timbrens on out 2500 light duty before the Myers plow was installed but the plow happened to go on first. We were pleasantly surprised that it didn't need the Timbrens. In my research before buying them, I got the impression that they just prevent the hard crash when you bottom out. They only stiffen up the ride at the end of travel. It doesn't sound like that would help your situation. Good quality HD shocks should do what you want.