Chevy A-arm stop

[Moot]

Yesterday while changing oil I noticed both A-arms were making contact with the rubber stop block thingies while the wheels were flat on the ground. I have been on my back under this van about 75 times contemplating expediting, life, corrosion and ladder frames while the oil drained and never noticed if the A-arms touched the rubber stop block thingies or if there should be a gap between them.

It would seem to me that there should be a gap allowing for some travel of the A-arm before topping out against the block. Any thoughts on this? Is this normal or are my coil springs fatigued and compressed? Neither appears broken.

Leo, could you look at your nice new van to see if there is clearance between the A-arm and the stop block?

 

[greg334]

Moot,

I'm not Leo but I know there is a gap there on the 2003 - 2009 vans. I haven't looked at the 2010 models just yet.

The front suspension should have at least three inches of travel so get one of them fat straight truck drivers to stand on the bumper and see if it moves more than an inch or so.

 

[LDB]

Beyond the drain plug and dipsticks I am not mechanical so I don't know an A arm from an A list. I'll defer to comments already given and those that may follow.

 

[piper1]

Moot, there should be an inch of space there. It is not an end of the world condition though, so you can plan for new springs when the time suits you. The geometry of the arm to the bump stop is about 4 to 1 so it is OK for a while. So keep contemplating life and corrosion for a while yet, the Moot is safe.

 

[highway star]

If you need a fat, straight, truck driver, I'm ready to help. You'll just have to wait 'til the Masters is over.

 

[Moot]

Thanks Greg and Piper. I was planning on new shocks in the very near future. I guess I will be adding two coil springs also. Ouch!

Kim, cut back on the ribs.

 

[RLENT]

I was planning on new shocks in the very near future. I guess I will be adding two coil springs also. Ouch!

It's only "Ouch" until you get the new ones installed .... if you go with aftermarket parts like say, a set of Moog coil springs (Moogs for Moot !!), the parts cost shouldn't be all that bad (around $125 or so maybe ?) .... although I have no idea how involved it is to install them on that particular vehicle - could be a piece of cake or a PITA.

 

[stamp11127]

It's not hard to change the springs, should be covered in the Haynes manual. It can be dangerous though since you'll be dealing with a compressed spring. You'll need a ball joint separator, coil spring compressor and a length of chain to secure the spring and keep it from flying away. Make sure you use the chain!!! A good long pry bar will come in handy to help ease it out.
Probably a good idea to change the ball joints at this time also. What shape are the rear springs in? I would have expected those to sag first.

 

[Moot]

I will probably go with springs and shocks from NAPA and have my local mechanic install them. I would like to get another year out of this van before we part ways.

 

[Moot]

Yesterday I had the front coil springs replaced, 4 new shocks and new front wheel bearings. With the new springs there is about ½" clearance between the A-arm and the stop block.

Currently sitting at the tire shop getting the front end aligned.