Upgrade suspension or not

[henry10]

I just acquired a 1999 Venture Base Extended, 99,500 miles. The intended usage is 35% with an additional 600 lb load (passengers+cargo), 45% with 1000 lb, and 20% with 1350 lbs. The average is about 900 lbs. No towing.

Based on the vehicle specs, the maximum additional weight is about 1300 lbs.

Would you advise to upgrade the OEM suspension? If so, how and what components should be upgraded? I could upgrade coil springs, shocks, stabilizer bars, etc, but my biggest concern are the axles. I will maintain the same load distribution, 58% front and 42% rear.

BTW, as a matter of practice, I always add a aftermarket transmission fluid cooler to my vehicles. It is probably the best $ 50 insurance I have ever gotten.

[kornjulio]

Tough one to answer - in particular because I'm not sure how much "heavy duty" parts are out there, if any at all. I say replace it as it breaks - which given the history of these things, should happen often.

[henry10]

Very good advice, makes a lot of sense.

Please read the following message for more information on where I am coming from...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=972918

[MagicRat]

Try these:
http://www.airliftcompany.com/online_catalog.html
Also, possibly some light truck tires??

[henry10]

Great advice on both coil-spring airbags and light truck tires. I have never used coil-spring airbags myself, but they seem pretty inexpensive and fairly easy to install.

My concern is with the load path -- frame to subframe to axle (some diverted into the sway bar) then to hub, to wheel bearing and to tire. Especially connection points are the most troublesome.

I did some more research and it appears that some people are using them as work vehicles (I do see contractors in New York as well) and load Ventures with 1500 - 2000 lbs routinely for their jobs. In this case, airbags would help with squatting. If it is good enough for them who pretty much abuse their vehicles, it should be ok for me.