New springs / shocks ?

[scanner]

In the second picture they are coilbound which is the technical term for "shagged". In normal use the coils shouldn't touch each other.

If those are lowered springs they aren't the right springs for a Bongo.

Whatever springs you fit they should carry the same load without bottoming out lowered ones just start out - lower.

So if you don't want them to bottom out lowered ones really need to be stiffer as well

[mayk19]

lol, thanks scanner. Now thats clear in how my springs are er.. non functional.

ta.

[dandywarhol]

[mayk19]

[dandywarhol]

[mayk19]

[mayk19]

Bongos been in the garage yesterady, fitted a set of second hand coils from Bell Hill Garage and a set of firestone air bags from Marcle Leisure http://www.marcleleisure.co.uk/store/fi ... p-932.html to the back.
All is good now , doesnt look quite as cool but hey, not bottoming and the ride is now fantastic.

Bigger gap over the wheel compared to being only able to just get three fingers between Tyre and arch before

[dandywarhol]

Thats more like it - the gap looks about right - it is a van after all
What pressure do you have in the bags?
Are there seperate air valves or are they linked together? - I hope to fit my Air Rides next week.

[mayk19]

Seperate valves, that pic had 15lbs in and a full tank of Diesel, no water on board.

[dandywarhol]

Thanks simon - enjoy your "new" bongo....................

[mikeonb4c]

Comfort and practicability come first, bling-appeal second so a very good decision in my view. You could always think about some new wheels in the fullness. I've been impressed with the 17" and 215/55/17 Pirellis I just fitted (actually she came with the alloys and 215/50/17 tyres but I bought some 15" steels for comfort). I expected the ride to be less comfortable but couldn't bear to let the alloys go so refurbished them. In fact, the ride feels better and it's certainly a shedload more positive on handing and cornering. Only hint is a (very) little harshness in the steering wheel at 65mph despite the fitters best efforts at balancing. But it's nothing.

The reason I couldn't bear to let them go was (just as you were saying) that they fill the wheels arches so much better than the 15" and this design seems to look just right on the Bongo. Missfixit stole a pair like this off ebay (in need or refurbing) for £74 so keep your eyes peeled.

[dandywarhol]

Don't understand the "arch filling" comment Mike - your tyres are 4mm "taller" from the centre of the wheel to the top of the tyre, hardly distinguishable surely?

[scanner]

Don't understand the "arch filling" comment Mike - your tyres are 4mm "taller" from the centre of the wheel to the top of the tyre, hardly distinguishable surely?

It's the visual effect of the actual rim being bigger, so making the whole wheel/tyre unit "look" bigger.

[mikeonb4c]

Don't understand the "arch filling" comment Mike - your tyres are 4mm "taller" from the centre of the wheel to the top of the tyre, hardly distinguishable surely?

I know, you'd think so, but it doesn't seem to work like that. Firstly (and most importantly) I think the solid 17" alloy hubs fill the arch area more in the visual sense than the 15" rims would (more shiny stuff, less dark stuff that gets lost against the wheel arch). Secondly, when I put a 17" wheel and tyre against the 15" one it seemed noticeably taller, though I didn't check it carefully so not sure about that.

So I think what I'm saying is these 17" alloys with their 55 tyres seem to provide really good visual punctuation marks for the wheel arch areas.

Here's a 17" 'held against' the car when the 15" was fitted (shame you can't see the 15" wheel but...)


Here's the car with 15" wheels on (which I actually think look pretty good with Halfords gunmetal grey wheeltrims)




I'm a bad combination of anorak and National Trust blinger.....I'll fetch me coat

[mayk19]

those big wheels do fill the gap better, I think 16's would look good. But as I spent £200 quid on four alloys only last month think will stick with my 15's for a good while... Im just chuffed that scooby is running fine and feeling fine after a few nightmare niggles. Big south coast trip coming up in three weeks.... can't wait.