Are my Front Coil Springs Shot??

stopngo · February 09, 2016, 02:51 PM

Ohhh what a difference.

BrianB · February 09, 2016, 10:16 PM

I highly recommend Stengel Bros. I just bought rear leafs for my 86 Chief from them. They were real helpful in making sure I had the correct parts I needed.

The price for the front springs is for the pair. Any questions just email them and they will respond quickly.

stopngo · February 09, 2016, 11:49 PM

So this is what I need to get http://www.stengelbros.net/350-6560SDM-P303500-MotorhomeFront-Coil-Springs-4289-lb-Spring-Rating_p_100.html

Guess Ill just order it. In CDN $ it works out 125 less than what I can buy them for here but I have no idea how much import duty they will nail me with.

Oh well as long as they ding me under 100 bucks I wont be any worse off.

Rickf1985 · February 10, 2016, 09:31 AM

Don't just call and say I need these springs, Tell them what you are working on and you can mention that we have suggested them since we have used them but by all means go with what they say to use. They have been doing this for a long time and they know their springs.

stopngo · February 10, 2016, 12:24 PM

OK Thanks. I was under the impression that these are the springs you used and that your chassis is the same as mine 14500 GVW.
Will check.

Rickf1985 · February 10, 2016, 06:48 PM

They are the heaviest springs you can get for the P30 without going special order.

bluebird · February 11, 2016, 02:54 PM

Rick, how much room do you have between the bump stop and the A frame? You mentioned how my coach looks like a low rider, but when working on it, it doesn't seem like it is any lower than my old Challenger was. Well the front bumper is lower, but the suspension doesn't appear to much if any lower. All the Daybreaks that look like mine, look like they set pretty low. The air bags are shot, but so was my other ones. When I replaced them on the Challenger and aired them up the coach raised up a couple inches. I don't want to replace the springs unless I have too. It doesn't hit the bump stops now, even with bad air bags, and shocks. I replaced the leaking steering damper last week, that's when I noticed the height.

Rickf1985 · February 11, 2016, 07:22 PM

Go here, page 14 and it will give you the exact procedure foe checking the ride height. If it is not hitting the snubbers then you should be alright with just new air bags.

http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/Pages_HTML/FreeManuals/Chevy%20P30%20Chassis%20Service%20and%20Maint/PChassisAlignmentProcess.pdf

Getting under mine is not an option right now.

bluebird · February 11, 2016, 08:36 PM

Glad I don't live where you do.

It's cold here but we only have a skif of snow.

bluebird · March 29, 2016, 06:50 PM

Replaced the old air bags today, NO blood shed today, that's a first putting in these disgusting things. Put 75 psi in them and it raised the front about 3". I know that's too much air, for my coach, will probably end up some where around 50 psi. About 3 1/2 hours getting the old ones out and the new ones in. But I'm an old man, just don't move as fast anymore.

Not going with new springs in mine. Next, new shocks all the way around. Finally getting warm enough to get some work done on her.

stopngo · March 30, 2016, 12:32 AM

Quote from: bluebird on March 29, 2016, 06:50 PM
Replaced the old air bags today, NO blood shed today, that's a first putting in these disgusting things. Put 75 psi in them and it raised the front about 3". I know that's too much air, for my coach, will probably end up some where around 50 psi. About 3 1/2 hours getting the old ones out and the new ones in. But I'm an old man, just don't move as fast anymore.

Not going with new springs in mine. Next, new shocks all the way around. Finally getting warm enough to get some work done on her.

My New Springs arrived today. I guess Im gonna go the new spring route unlike yourself and Im not going back to Air Bags because I was advised I don't need with the proper springs. Jury is out I guess.........hope it all works for you.....hope it all works for me....who knows?

And RICK 1985...........Your Mail Box is FULL

tiinytina · March 30, 2016, 07:02 AM

I heard the heavier springs are the way to go and when this round of air bags goes.. that's probably what I will do on Gone. I also did Bilstiens all the way around (note tops are welded on bottoms bolted) right after I did the new airbags back in 2007/8 or whenever I did them.. such a painful memory I do not want to think about it.. took me 6+ hrs total but there was no guidance at that point here on how to's etc.

stopngo · March 30, 2016, 10:35 AM

Last year just before I went on my trip I noticed both my air bags were flat. Concerned that it might be a safety issue I called up three suspension
places and asked regarding safety aspect. All said no safety issue and that air bags are simply an added support. It only makes sense then that heavier springs are the real answer. When GM supplies Winnebago with P30 Chassis......they don't know the size of house that they plan on putting on it and Winnebago puts Air Bags in the hope of compensating the overweight..........IMO

bluebird · March 30, 2016, 07:14 PM

Every P30 I have seen had or has bags regardless of brand. The thing about the bags you can adjust them for the load you have.

M & J · March 30, 2016, 08:14 PM

When we bought our coach the body roll was scarey bad. I found the bags deflated. Our first trip out with around 70 lbs in them and the body roll was all but gone. The ride was still comfortable and not too firm. When these go I will be replacing regardless of the pain involved.
A member named Stripe did a full write up with pictures on replacing his springs and bags. When I order bags I'll pull up his thread and use his supplier and part numbers.

Here's his thread - picture rich: http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,7759.msg36431.html#msg36431

stopngo · March 30, 2016, 09:22 PM

Well I guess Ill find out. If I find I should have put new bags as well at least Ill be an expert at what to take apart.

I do know that the air bags and springs were shot on my entire 3,000 mile round trip last fall yet I had no complaints about any handling issues.

My sole reason for replacing the springs is because I ruined the front tires due to a negative camber that wore the tread off the inside tire completely
with 80% left on outside. If that were not a problem I would still be happily pluggin down the road.What truly amazed me was that despite all that I got the best gas mileage ever.........7.8 mpg.

stopngo · May 06, 2016, 06:30 PM

Springs Replaced. Did it Myself. Easy Job

Here is the perfect Utube for those inclined to do it themselves. Everything just the way the man says.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMQG1II-XK8