[1070]

I'm throwing this problem out to all of you cause no one locally has been able to help us.

My father-in-law is a disabled vet who's recieved a medical retirement from the Air Force due to major respiratory and heart problems... long story short, he was confined to home for the most part until medicare recently paid for a scooter/Jazzy/electric wheelchair. We've build a ramp for him to get out of the house on his own and my in-laws paid a fortune for the installation of a hydraulic lift on the back of their 1998 Buick LaSabre to haul his new wheels around.

Problem: The lift and scooter are too heavy for the suspension in the rear... the class 2 reciever actually bottoms out on bumps and inclines.

The obvious solution: Beef up the springs and or shocks to make up for the added weight. Unfortunately, strut suspension can not be modified safely according to every shop around here.

Question: Has anyone had a similar situation or done a suspension mod with struts to fix this type of problem? The lift company says they put them on the Buick LaSabre all the time.... not according anyone we've talked to however. Other than buying a new vehicle to fit the chair, what can be done safely?

Thanks

 

[pbmcauliffe]

I am not familiar with the exact rear suspension on the car, but could a air adjustable helper spring be installed to incerease load capability only when needed.
These guys may have more info for you
web page

Or their general prodcut site web page

 

[1070]

Thanks, I've called a couple of these "air" companies in the last few days and the coil bags may be my best option. I'm looking at one that has a manual fill kit like an air shock. I may even insert some spacers in the coils to get a little extra lift.