Rear End

[badtazboy]

Have just picked up a 99 Bravada and have noticed that the rear end sits low.
Is this a common thing or should I be looking at replacing the shocks/springs?
Also would like to know about a little more support in the back. I deliver papers and come the heavy days the back sits almost to the ground (actually I scrape on a lot of driveways).

[Leeann94astro]

It's common. The rear leaf springs might be dying or might actually be cracked. iirc, they're fiberglass (dumb idea) - maybe not on your year, but they are on my '93 Bravada.

I put Monroe loadleveler shocks on the back of my Astro; it's currently holding the replacement engine in the rear with only an inch or two of sag. They're great. When it's time, I'll put them on the Bravada, too.

[old_master]

If the rear ride height is low, the springs need replacement. 4WD T body vehicles use torsion bars on the front and they are adjustable. The sole purpose of shocks is to dampen the action of the springs, they do nothing for ride height. Air shocks and spring assist shocks, (load levelers) will raise the rear end slightly, but they are only a temporary band-aid for the root cause. If you want it repaired correctly, have a spring shop check front and rear ride height, repair/adjust as necessary, and align the front end. Note: If front or rear ride height is incorrect, it directly affects the front wheel alignment and the tires will wear out prematurely.