Swamper v Caravelle ride height?

[FerrisBFW]

So i have a 5.1 Caravelle 4motion currently on VW steel 17” wheels and Falken Wildthingy tyres 235/65 17.

I am about to order some KONI special shock rear shocks from CRS. I have completely rebuilt the front suspension and the brakes last summer, new struts, bushes etc.

My question is i was thinking on increasing the ride height a bit. I am led to believe Caravelles are all -20~30mm as std, so thinking bringing it close to standard would be enough.

Any thoughts out there, is this something i shouldn’t do for x reason? Is it a rubbish ride etc?

What do higher ground clearance Swampers ride like?

 

[The Bear78]

@FerrisBFW I am led to believe that only some Caravelles came lowered, possibly just the Executive. Is yours definitely lower than a standard (panel) van?
The 235/65/17's will give you about a 23mm ride height gain and close the arch gap by the same amount. The image above still looks to have a decent gap which makes me wonder what height you are already at?

 

[Chris Sherwood]

What do higher ground clearance Swampers ride like?

Mine is lifted 35mm and it rides fine.

 

[The Bear78]

@Chris Sherwood I love the AT tyres with the arch trim. If I didn't have a black van I think I'd do the same.

 

[FerrisBFW]

@FerrisBFW I am led to believe that only some Caravelles came lowered, possibly just the Executive. Is yours definitely lower than a standard (panel) van?
The 235/65/17's will give you about a 23mm ride height gain and close the arch gap by the same amount. The image above still looks to have a decent gap which makes me wonder what height you are already at?

there is a shuttle round the corner and a 72 plate Caravelle in my street, I will measure and compare

 

[BenBeen]

I installed a billstein/Eibach T30 lift kit with 35mm lift. I have similar size larger tires 235/70R16 on standard steel rims. Ride height increased by 70mm from standard 205/60R16 and standard springs. The ride is very comfy, with 2,8 bar pressure all around. I have more leaning during cornering. Not a problem with a camper. I love the extra ground clearance in rougher dirt roads. The 35 mm lift works well with 35 mm larger radius tires.
Here is a foto

See for more information my posting on this forum:
Post in thread 'Ride Height Survey'
Ride Height Survey

 

[Mark_4]

Well.. I never thought I'd be writing about RAISING my van height, but here I am.

I ordered a set of what were described as, 50mm lowering springs on eBay. Turns out they're MAD reinforced raised springs! I never in a million years thought I'd want my van raised but after I fitted the drivers front and stepped back I thought.. this looks abit mad - no pun intended.

I've listed them for sale on eBay under their correct description but I'm kinda coming around to the idea of having the extra ground clearance!

Has anyone fitted this brand of springs and if so, how did they find them?

Thanks, Mark

I

 

[FerrisBFW]

2014 high miles Caravelle Exec here. I wanted a slighly raised ride height and bigger tyres. On std springs and was lead to believe that my van will be -20mm. I replaced the std alloys with same size std steels with 235/65 semi all terrain snow Falken tyres.

The back looked a little low and was worse when loaded. Before the wheels i replaced the front struts for OEM, Polly-bushes on the good condition std springs. The rear i added greyx3 std T32 hd springs and Koni shocks. Ride is high enough and almost std, i am concerned if i jacked up further i would be putting stress on old cv joints

 

[FerrisBFW]

It feels quite a drop getting in and out, and I seem to be sat higher than most 4x4's on the road. One day I might go a bit higher but this does work for me.

Front springs are std grey/grey/green and rears as mentioned above are 3x grey

 

[Sasquatch]

Mine is lifted 35mm and it rides fine.

View attachment 230788

Had to change my underwear after seeing your van Chris.