Lowering a 96 Grand Caravan ?

[B2 Addict]

I will give this a shot, who knows? I got a 96 Grand Caravan for free that needed a transmission, got a trans for $600 & me & pops put it in. I know, it's a minivan & I'm a single guy with no kids, but it's sweet. An old couple had it & took excellent care of it!

Anyway, not being one to leave things alone, I want to lower it. Not much "for now", maybe 2" front & 3" rear. Imagine my surprise when I see a mono leaf spring over setup in the rear.

Front end is struts, but what can I do to the rear? It cannot be changed to a spring under due to the design. Any ideas?

http://s678.photobucket.com/albums/vv149/marxel15/?action=view&current=96caravan.jpg

 

[flyingbrick]

Do some google searching in about 3 min I found a lot of info, but I can't seem to put up links with my iPhone.

 

[MountainMike]

I don't have much advice for lowering but even painting the body so it is one colour will make it appear "visually" lower

 

[B2 Addict]

Do some google searching in about 3 min I found a lot of info, but I can't seem to put up links with my iPhone.

I've searched everywhere, I have found kits which are for the Caravan, which apparently have coils in the rear? The links I found mention the Grand Caravan (which have mono leafs in the rear..) but they show nothing for it.....I did find those worthless "spring compressor" lowering things listed for the front at J.C Whitney. ....maybe I could go against my better judgment & use those in the front & load the back down with engine blocks & such!

I guess I'm out of luck without lots of , but that is out of the question.


mntnmike, I suppose that is a decent option for visuals, my problem is I want to reduce the gap between fender & tire

 

[flyingbrick]

I did find a kit with shackels, I'll take another look when I get home and can use a real computer.

Edit: quick search found this.
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Dodge/Caravan/Eibach/Lowering_Kit/1996/E272825130.html?tlc=Brakes%2C+Suspension+%26+Steering

 

[zukirider21]

Lowering a 96 Grand Caravan

im sorry, but,

seriously?

 

[GreatWhite]

if the van is rockin dont com'a knockin

 

[B2 Addict]

I did find a kit with shackels, I'll take another look when I get home and can use a real computer.

Edit: quick search found this.
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Dodge/Caravan/Eibach/Lowering_Kit/1996/E272825130.html?tlc=Brakes%2C+Suspension+%26+Steering

Hey flyingbrick, I appreciate that link. I guess I didn't look hard enough. That takes it down some, not quite as far as I want, but anything will help!

Zuki.....Yep, seriously! Stock suspension doesn't work for me, 4wd=up, 2wd=down! Heck, I'd lower a Yugo if I had one!

GreatWhite....

 

[flyingbrick]

Hey flyingbrick, I appreciate that link. I guess I didn't look hard enough. That takes it down some, not quite as far as I want, but anything will help!

No problem man, when you've been out of work for six months finding things online becomes second natour. You may not think of that kit as much for going low, but if you put wheels and tires on it don’t want to go too low.

 

[zukirider21]

4wd=up, 2wd=down!

alright, i can understand that hahaha.

the rear is spring over axle right?

 

[B2 Addict]

the rear is spring over axle right?

Yep, rear is spring over. My first thought was changing it to a spring under but the way this thing is designed, I see no way it could be done. It looks totally different than anything I have ever seen before.......then again, it is a Dodge!

Why couldn't they make it simple & just use coils?

 

[jaymegriffiths]

question:

Why couldn't they make it simple & just use coils?

Answer:

it is a Dodge!

 

[B2 Addict]

I have a habit of answering my own questions because I don't really like to talk to people.

 

[MAranger]

load it down with soccer balls ruggrats and enough oranges for the home and visiting teams

 

[ozziemo27]

Lol, well, if you do end up doing this, please make a build thread. For the mini-van lowering community on TRS