Lowered Suspension

[jason.lang]

Hi,

I've noticed since I've had my bongo that it frequently bottoms out on ramp and speed bumps. Its not overloaded, and has standard wheels and tyres.

I was parked next to another Bongo the other day and noticed that my chassis sits a good 3-4 inches lower than theirs. I suspect my suspension has been lowered by a previous owner.

Does anyone know if this is easy to reverse, and if so how much its likely to cost to do? All help and suggestions appreciated.

Cheers,

J

[Timnz]

you'll need to find a wrecked Bongo, and get the original springs.. not hard to get them fitted.. You'll find new shocks will improve the ride also..

[Timnz]

I lowered mine for a few months, only 30mm lower, and the ride quality suffered too much.. and if you have a AFT bongo, you blow through lots of travel just with everyday driving..

[missfixit70]

You could look at fitting some air spring assistors if you want to keep the lowered look but avoid the bottoming out - http://www.mattsavage.com/acatalog/copy ... rings.html - factsheet on fitting them in the members area.

[jason.lang]

Thanks folks.

I'm not sure if the air spring assisters will help as its not bottoming out a speed, just gets hung over ramps etc. Do you think they would be helpful here? I guess I just need to raise the ride height about 5-6cm or so. Would air spring assisters do that does anyone know?

On another note, does anyone know of anyone with a spare set of springs then??

Many thanks...

J

[Triple/R]

Thanks folks.

I'm not sure if the air spring assisters will help as its not bottoming out a speed, just gets hung over ramps etc. Do you think they would be helpful here? I guess I just need to raise the ride height about 5-6cm or so. Would air spring assisters do that does anyone know?

On another note, does anyone know of anyone with a spare set of springs then??

Many thanks...

J

Eyup Jason ~theres these on ebay~he's also got the fronts.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-FORD- ... 2eae1a6ffe

[georgey]

I had exactly the same dilema...owned my lowered Tintop for 3 years and going crazy with it bottoming out...considered original springs but like the lowered look. Opted for the spring assistors. Easy to fit approx 2hrs on my own and aroound £90, great have not bottomed out since they were fitted approx 6 months now. Regards Geoff.

[jason.lang]

Thanks folks. Much appreciated. Think I'll try the assistors and see how I get on. Seems an easier job!

J

[teenmal]

Thanks folks. Much appreciated. Think I'll try the assistors and see how I get on. Seems an easier job!

J

Hi, If your vehicle has been lowered and as you say (it bottoms out on ramps and speed bumps).

I doubt very much if spring assistors will cure the problem,you need to lift the vehicle, not stiffen the rear springs.

Cheers Mal..

[dinny66]

Hi,
I'm a noobie here, prospective bongo owner in the making (VW T4 the other possibility at this time) and the suspension thing is clearly a big topic from what I've read on here.
My overall aim if lowering would be to give an overall height of 2m tops, for obvious reasons. Is there a particular spring/ wheel/ tyre combo that works well to achieve this does anyone know?

My prospective purchase will be either a 2.0 petrol or 2.5 diesel (preferably 2WD) with an AFT, being, if not already, converted to a kitchen conversion, with rock'n'roll bed. Something for me and the kids to go touring in. It will be carrying a 3 bike rack too (may fit a towbar of that works better). Will also be daily transport.

Thanks. It seemed a bit silly to start another thread on the same subject and thought it better to combine it with the same subject. Hope that's OK

Mike

[The Great Pretender]

'Bottoming out' isn't a spring problem as such, lowering a Bongo 25 to 30mm isn't much what it does show up is the standard damper is close to the limit of its movement in its standard configuration and your new springs are to soft.

[dandywarhol]

Also bear in mind that significant lowering could affect the position of the body relative to the axle as the panhard rod is a fixed length

Part 28-650 in the diagram below

http://www.lushprojects.com/bongopartsm ... f02.html#9

[Timnz]

Also bear in mind that significant lowering could affect the position of the body relative to the axle as the panhard rod is a fixed length

Part 28-650 in the diagram below

http://www.lushprojects.com/bongopartsm ... f02.html#9

true, you get wear on the inside of your rear tires as a result..