Mini VAN Rear Shocks and Coil Overs

[Spider]

Just a couple of questions on what's out there if anyone can help.

The Vans and Travelers used a slightly longer shock than the Sedans. As far as I can see, it appears Spax are the only current manufacturer's of Van length shocks, but does anyone know of any others?

Also, in regards to Coil Overs, are those that seem popular (Spax, GAZ etc) on the market intended as a replacement for the rubber cones or can they be used in conjunction with the rubber cones?

I have someone who'd like to retain the rubber cones in the rear but just up the rate a bit by way of coil over shocks, if anyone can steer us to what might be available off the shelf these days.

Cheers

[1071 S]

Can't see that "doubling up" on springs (cones + coil overs) would just up the rate "a bit". Maybe try some comp spec cones if you feel things are a bit soft...?? I think the question as to "why" should be explored.

WRT shock "length"... I've been running the spare Spax adjustables off my S on my Traveller (along with the matching arms/cones/hubs/ HiLos etc) for the last ten years or so and no one has ever told me there'd be a problem

Cheers, Ian

[Spider]

Yeah 1071S, looking to up the rate and take some stress off the subframe (as we crack them) and stop broken trailing arm pins. Tried up-rated Cones long ago and while it was heading in the right direction, they caused us other problems. This is for a mate, he's short and he's short on time otherwise we'd fit air bags (as I have in my own). When the vehicles get loaded up with 4 weeks of camping gear, fuel, water, food and beer, then driven over less than great roads (tracks) the stock rear end doesn't hold up too good;-



I have done some poking about and it does appear that most off the shelf units are a replacement for the rubber cone, not really suitable to be used in tandem.

[Tupers]

I'd be tempted to find a small manufacturer for industrial springs. I'd imagine they would be able to make you a loosely coiled spring set that would fit the GAZ or Spax dampers and not be too stiff.

[Spider]

Cheers tuppers, looks like that's the route we'll be taking. Spax quoted 6 weeks before they could even look at it! We need them in about 2 weeks!