rear suspension issue
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2010
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rear suspension issue
Hi all
To keep it short: I accidently ran my van off the road the other day and ended up jumping across the desert. Now my rear suspension is all jacked-up and cockeyed. The best way to try to describe it is that it appears like the left rear shock (recently replaced KYB) is overextended and incompressible. That's just a description of the appearance (the left rear riding at least an inch higher than the rest of the van) and not a diagnosis as I haven't been able to crawl under and assess the situation yet. Anyone have suggestions on what else could be wrong and to look for?
To keep it short: I accidently ran my van off the road the other day and ended up jumping across the desert. Now my rear suspension is all jacked-up and cockeyed. The best way to try to describe it is that it appears like the left rear shock (recently replaced KYB) is overextended and incompressible. That's just a description of the appearance (the left rear riding at least an inch higher than the rest of the van) and not a diagnosis as I haven't been able to crawl under and assess the situation yet. Anyone have suggestions on what else could be wrong and to look for?
Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 617
Likes: 1
Hey there Evel Knievel, welcome to the forum! 
I'd begin by removing both shocks and then take some measurements to see if there are any differences between the right rear and the left rear wheel geometry. No real science here, just use common sense and be careful to exactly replicate the measurements as you move from left to right.
I would say some small disrepancies should be normal, but anything over 1/4" should be cause for concern.
Any way around it I'd say you probably need a new set of rear shocks.
I'd begin by removing both shocks and then take some measurements to see if there are any differences between the right rear and the left rear wheel geometry. No real science here, just use common sense and be careful to exactly replicate the measurements as you move from left to right.
I would say some small disrepancies should be normal, but anything over 1/4" should be cause for concern.
Any way around it I'd say you probably need a new set of rear shocks.
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 2
From: Nashville
Once you get the shock issue sorted out, look into a RoadMaster Active Suspension Kit for the rear leaf springs of the van. If you would have had them on at the time of the off roading, the problem would not have occurred.
Hey, don't feel too bad, I whacked the front suspension of the wife's Caravan driving over a trench in the road for some sort of sewer line. It nearly bottomed out the minivan down to the frame rails.
Hey, don't feel too bad, I whacked the front suspension of the wife's Caravan driving over a trench in the road for some sort of sewer line. It nearly bottomed out the minivan down to the frame rails.
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2010
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Thanks, but I was nowhere near the Grand Canyon. Just call me Ivan Stewart.
Was the Caravan OK? Easy to do around there (I moved here from Franklin).
How long have you had the Roadmaster? I've looked into it a bit and read on this forum a couple favorable reviews, but am a bit gun shy wondering if my 11 year old van is worth spending the money on.
Anyways, I finally got the time and weather to have a look. Turns out that the suspension flexed and moved around enough for the driver's side shackle to have flipped and get stuck in the down position. I'm surprised I didn't see it earlier
I'm just glad it was an easy and cheap (free!) fix.
Once you get the shock issue sorted out, look into a RoadMaster Active Suspension Kit for the rear leaf springs of the van. If you would have had them on at the time of the off roading, the problem would not have occurred.
Hey, don't feel too bad, I whacked the front suspension of the wife's Caravan driving over a trench in the road for some sort of sewer line. It nearly bottomed out the minivan down to the frame rails.
Hey, don't feel too bad, I whacked the front suspension of the wife's Caravan driving over a trench in the road for some sort of sewer line. It nearly bottomed out the minivan down to the frame rails.
How long have you had the Roadmaster? I've looked into it a bit and read on this forum a couple favorable reviews, but am a bit gun shy wondering if my 11 year old van is worth spending the money on.
Anyways, I finally got the time and weather to have a look. Turns out that the suspension flexed and moved around enough for the driver's side shackle to have flipped and get stuck in the down position. I'm surprised I didn't see it earlier
I'm just glad it was an easy and cheap (free!) fix.
Amateur
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 47
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From: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000188795062
Is the difference in handling noticeable, and is the installation really as easy as it appears.?