Air bags or air shocks?

[rotor]

To start of with, I have a 2003 awd Astro with 3 1/2" lift in the front and about 4" in the rear. I have 30" AT's on 16" stock wheels and new Procomp shocks.

80% of the time I drive my van with little or no load and it handles beautifully on and off-road. But, the other 20% of the time the rear of the van is full of gear, and the van rides like a brick down stairs. The ride seems to be at its worst going up steep bumpy hills.

My question for all the van guru's is, should I go with air shocks on the rear or maybe all four corners, or install a set of airbags in the rear? And why each one is better or worse?

On a side note, I have all the major parts for an on-board air setup (compressor and tank) I just have not gotten around to installing it.

Thank you,
Rotor

 

[rotor]

The three options I am looking at for my Astro are in this order.

Firestone ride-rite http://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Chevrolet/Astro/2003/F2361.html?vehicleid=20031007152

Air-lift ride control http://www.jcwhitney.com/ride-control-load-assisting-adjustable-air-springs/p2005933.jcwx?filterid=c11299d236y2003j1

Or a pair of air shocks for the rear.

I was only able to find 2 kits for airbags compatible with the Astro van. I have read a few reviews and installs of the Air-lift kit on Astro's, but I have not read much on the Firestone kit. With the 4" of lift in the rear I'm sure I would need some sort of bag spacer. I have been able to find spacers for the Firestone type bags, but am not sure if they would be compatible with the smaller Air-lift bag.

Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated before I go and spend any cash.

Rotor

 

[ihatemybike]

What about some Timbrens? Essentially, load carrying bump stops/springs that only come into play when the vehicle is loaded.
http://www.timbren.com/

 

[rotor]

Aaron thank you for the suggestion, I actually had not considered Timbrens. This actually seems like simple and most likely cheaper solution to my problem. It seems like the kit comes with everything needed for install, including spacers. And, I have read good reviews over at the Astro sites. I just wonder how much they would affect rear flex, unloaded, off-road.

Rotor

 

[ihatemybike]

They would probably reduce wheel stuff like extended bump stops do, but wheel drop would not be affected.

With a lifted van spacers will probably need to be used for them to be affective. Maybe something that could be removed quickly for off-road outings.

 

[rotor]

I ended up contacting Timbren directly. Once I gave them my vehicle information and height between frame and the bump stop perch, they gave me a part # for a custom kit to use on my van. I will most likely order the kit when I get back home.

 

[ihatemybike]

Seeing that there are many Astros with similar lift, please post that information.

 

[rotor]

The part number I was given for my setup was GMRASTBP2. The distance between my bump stop perches and point of contact on frame was just shy of eight inches. That is the important piece of information that is needed in determining a kit, so I would recommend contacting Timbren directly to make sure you get the right setup for your application. The customer service rep at Timbren has responded to all my emails very quickly and been easy to work with(always appreciated). I can't wait to get this kit and get it installed.

Rotor

 

[ihatemybike]

Sounds good. Of course you know a full write up with pictures is now required.

 

[rotor]

I ended up ordering the Timbren kit from Truckspring.com. The kit will be drop shipped from Timbren tomorrow since it is a custom kit for my application, and hopefully it should be here next week. I will try and put together a write up and off road review when I get some extra time.

Rotor