General Rear suspension upgrade for a Fiat Ducato?

[wayfarer]

The kit should definitely help with a trade in, unless you are trading in with the dealer you bought it from. I didn't use a jack as mine was not on the stops. I would recommend a trolley jack and axle stand for safety. No need to remove wheel, work inside it, it will be safer.

 

[lebesset]

I had a similar problem with a volvo which I used as a tow car ; after some investigation I changed the shock absorbers to a pair with extra springs fitted around them [ monroe as it happened ] ; this worked wonderfully , helping to support the load and improving the ride quality

I am aware that other models are available now , variable air pressure etc

any suggestions as to the availability of such items ....I am aware they are common in the USA , but haven't seen them advertised for ducato's

 

[wayfarer]

google DriveRite.

 

[lebesset]

??
driverite don't sell shock absorbers

 

[PeterM]

?? driverite don't sell shock absorbers

What is being talked about here is at:
http://www.driveriteltd.com/info_driverite-air-over-leaf.php

They have a long list for different Fiat Ducato's: http://www.driveriteltd.com/Fiat/european/model_springs.php

They cost a bomb in Australia from a small dealer in Cranbourne (Vic).

PeterM

 

[wayfarer]

??
driverite don't sell shock absorbers

Sorry lebesset, I must have misread your post. I don't know anything about where to get spring assisted shocks, but I don't think it will help a camper which is resting on the stops.

 

[Granvilleb]

I just been on a site and have spoken to a Motorhome owner that has taken his rear springs to Jones to have an additional leaf fitted. The new leaf is thicker than the original leaves and lifts the rear of the vehicle above the normal loaded travelling height. This is totally irrisponsible and dangerous. What is the new setting for the Load Sencing Valve? How much stopping force are the rear brakes now applying? In my opinion the only cheap way is to replace the normal bump stops with Aeron type rubber springs. But the real answer is to load the vehicle and go to a weightbridge and check the axle loads and move the weight around to get the correct loads. If you cannot get the correct loads you will have to reduce the amount of gear you take away. Us caravan users know this as we have a nose weight to consider and we are give the payload that we can carry and this can be a selling point for various models. Motorhome manufactures are stuck with the 3500kg limit and don't like to show the low payloads.

 

[lebesset]

must say I tend to sgree with granville ......although my rear springs are more or less flat and almost touching the bump stops the rear is ALREADY fractionally higher than the front and I certainly don't want to raise it further !!!
as I mentioned in an earlier post I was seeking a solution from my caravanning days ......shocks with coil spring assistance ...no joy I fear

HOWEVER , am now pursuing another path which wouldn't involve a level change

http://www.truckspring.com/category.aspx?categoryID=285

currently awaiting a reply ...if anyone is interested will report progress

 

[Granvilleb]

Sorry lebesset I have just got round to looking at your link. This is the type of "Helper" spring as the Aeron. Aeron is a make that has been around for a long time and being an oldy there must be copies about now.

 

[lebesset]

well , aeon air springs have been about in n.america for more years than I care to remember , but aeron I have never heard of .....the chairs , yes