Suspension Modifications

[btouchstone]

I purchased a 2013 Interstate for use as a mobile office. So far the experiment has been a great success. 11 months and 50,000 miles later I am happy to report that TSA is a distant memory.

The only complaint with my new setup was the rear suspension "bounce" and body sway. After extensive research I opted to replace the rear spring system with a quad airbag setup and aftermarket anti-sway bars. Tampa Spring in Tampa, FL is a company specializing in heavy truck suspensions. They agreed to work with a group from Oregon to perform the install. The setup required a few custom fabricated brackets to accommodate the generator install. Otherwise, it was seamless.

I drove to South Dakota from Florida shortly after the install and the change is remarkable. Less sway and NO BOUNCE!

If anyone is considering a similar conversion I recommend that you call J.D. at Tampa Spring.

[wayneskid]

I'm guessing the "group from Oregon" you refer to is Upscale Automotive/The Sprinter Store. See Home They are located in Tualatin, OR.

For anyone in the west, these folks do a whole array of suspension upgrades and will sell you the parts if you want to do it yourself. John Bendit knows his stuff! I've had service work done there and wouldn't hesitate to go back. I hope to do some suspension mods to my van sometime soon. I will be taking it to John.

Wayne

[btouchstone]

Yes, you are correct. The Sprinter Store supplied the parts and guidance to Tampa Spring. They worked really well together and it is great to have someone in Florida capable of making the mods.

[73shark]

Did you keep the OEM shocks?

[btouchstone]

No, the original shocks and leaf springs were removed (I.e. cut off) to make room for the 4 air bags, air compressor, computer control, etc.

[73shark]

So no shocks?

[btouchstone]

Koni shocks were installed in the new system

[73shark]

Thanks.

[Jeff64]

What was the cost for the conversion?

[MILATV]

My ford dealership (JacksonCars.com) did the upgrade for me; bought all the goods from The Sprinter Store - they talked my tech through the job; and even helped when he couldn't figure out how to make it fit with the generator.

My shop doesn't normally work on these types of vans so the labor may be more than normal truck place would charge - I didn't do the AIR BAGS, just the shocks, springs and swaybars.

Koni Shocks (front and rear) $430 + $240 = $670
Upgraded Sway Bar = $420
Spring Assist Kit = $650
TOTAL = $1,740 + Install
Install of $1032 = $1,772 (including relocate the generator to allow fit on my 2014)

Only driven around town so far but the rock & roll of turning in and out of the drive is gone; and it feels much better going down the road.

[btouchstone]

The airbag conversion is expensive but so is the Airstream. The Sprinter store website lists a cost of $10k which is the same cost Tampa Spring charges

[David M]

MILATV,

Which component required the relocation of the generator? TIA
David

[btouchstone]

The generator does not need to be relocated. It is removed during the suspension install and then replaced in its original location. I believe that Tampa Spring fabricated a custom bracket to avoid a conflict with the generator but I am not sure of the details.