FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Technical Board => General Technical => Topic started by: nelgy on March 02, 2010, 05:50:17 PM



Title: Panlevan not sitting even..
Post by: nelgy on March 02, 2010, 05:50:17 PM
Hi Guys, just a general question that is probably a straight forward one for those people in the know.
When my fc panelvan is sitting on even ground it sags a couple of inches to the right, looking head on.
Any ideas as to what may cause this and how to fix it?
Also, a mechanic who is knowledgable in old holdens has told me the car sits too high at the rear, and should have a spring or 2 taken out.if so, whats the best approach to this, take them out or replace them with eithr wagon or sedan ones as ive seen mentioned in previous posts.
any help would be appreciated
thanks
nelgy


Title: Re: Panlevan not sitting even..
Post by: brads59 on March 02, 2010, 09:32:50 PM
Gday Nelgy,
Not sure if id be leading you astray here or not,but i suspect the lean on your PV is due to years of(if std old or original suspension) the fact that camber on the road, ie parking on the street(left side here in oz) for 50yrs puts fatiuge and general wear and tear from being parked on the lean in the gutter so to speak.You said right side as you lookat it head on.
My FC is original and has a lean also,im guessing this is the cause,some more knowledgeable members may be able to shed some light on this for you if im wrong.
As for the rear springs, commercial vehicles ie,wagons utes and vans,had different load rating or extra leaves for obvious reasons,maybe the previous owner/s put an extra one in to suit there needs.Maybe some sedan ones might suit you (not sure if they fit)
Again the gurus on here maybe able to correct me if im wrong.
Good luck with it and i hope it helped some.
Cheers
Brad


Title: Re: Panlevan not sitting even..
Post by: mcl1959 on March 02, 2010, 10:25:53 PM
I would suspect a weak or broken front spring, take them out and check them. If they are not broken you can have them tested by companies such as Pedders.

If you do not intend to carry any real weight in the van then I would install wagon springs (not sedan springs). They will fit no problems and give you a better ride.

Ken


Title: Re: Panlevan not sitting even..
Post by: nelgy on March 03, 2010, 08:52:51 AM
thanks guys,
would a broken front spring tend to lean the rear aswell??


Title: Re: Panlevan not sitting even..
Post by: pedro on March 03, 2010, 01:40:40 PM
If the front spring has been stuffed for a while it would put weight on the rear spring and drag that side of the car down.
                 Pedro


Title: Re: Panlevan not sitting even..
Post by: nelgy on March 03, 2010, 03:31:48 PM
do u think the leaf spring at the rear would be ruined??


Title: Re: Panlevan not sitting even..
Post by: pedro on March 03, 2010, 03:47:31 PM
Personally I'd do the fronts and see how it went first, It depends on your budget and what you want from your van though, I'm doing new 2' lowered on the front, and reset 2" lower with an extra leaf on the back, mines not exactly stock though.
                            Pedro


Title: Re: Panlevan not sitting even..
Post by: steamman on March 05, 2010, 08:03:22 AM
Maybe your van had a very heavy driver for years and the springs have gone out in sympathy ;)
Ceers
Deano


Title: Re: Panlevan not sitting even..
Post by: nelgy on March 05, 2010, 04:39:17 PM
lol maybe... nah, its been on bricks for most of the last 10 yrs hey..