Helper Springs for 98 Minivan

One thing I didn't like about my 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager was the
soft rear suspension. With a full load of passengers it didn't sag, but
would bottom easily on a bump. So I installed some Hellwig helper
springs, model EZ-550, $60 plus shipping. A couple of problems- the
shackles they give you are too long, so I used some large nuts to add
3/4 " of additional spacing so I could properly clamp the front of the
helper springs to the original springs.. Also, the kit comes with a
warning which they don't mention anywhere else, that it can throw off
your proportioning valve. So I didn't clamp the rear of the helper
springs down all the way, just as far as the too-long shackles would
go.

This raised the rear about 3/4" with no load. It definitely helps with
the bottoming out, but didn't make a huge difference.

Here's their application catalog:
http://www.hellwigproducts.com/docs/MediumDuty06.pdf

Here's a dealer to buy 'em from:
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/550DV.html
-Paul

 

I had the rear springs in my 1994 beaffed up. I found that with a full
load of passengers or camping gear, it sagged and would bottom out WAY
too easily.

A local spring shop added a helper leaf. That did the trick. It sort
of looked like my van had been jacked up, but it was level under full
load, and it improved the handling as well.

If you are actually going to pupt 7 of 7 passengers in the van or
carry a lot of stuff, then I highly recommend beaffing up those rear
springs. Some of the best money I ever spent on the van!