Sprinter for 12
Mercedes, Freightliner, Dodge Sprinter
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Daimler invests in expansion of Sprinter production
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Sprinter NGT: The Sprinter really steps on the gas
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165,900 Sprinters sold in 2007
Sprinters reached a new record in 2007, and almost all markets
contributed to it.
The large increase - by 179% to 165,900 units - was achieved by the new
Sprinter, which is produced in the plants in Düsseldorf and
Ludwigsfelde. The reasons for this large increase were a high level of
demand and the achievement of full production capacity following the model
changeover in 2006. In 2008 a new variant of the Sprinter with environmentally
friendly natural gas drive will be launched.
January 15, 2008
| Sprinters' Popularity and Diversity Keep Growing at CMI
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Winnebago Introduces New 2008 Itasca Navion iQ
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Becker Automotive Design: Sprinter Jetvan® Luxury Coach
Exclusive luxury van conversion manufacturer Becker Automotive Design in
Oxnard California updated their website and included several animated
shots of their amazing Sprinter Jetvan corporate luxury coach, based
on several different layouts and many available custom options, like custom
contured full recliner Maybach leather chairs, heated and ventilated,
with lumbar and back massage systems, Nappa leather wrapped, fully electric
leg extensions, Becker armouring options, video, satellite TV,
entertainment and audiophile sound systems with speakers from Dynaudio
in Denmark, McIntosh amplifiers and Kimber Kable audio wiring tuned to
individual client's preferences.
"The Sprinter is a very exciting vehicle for us", said Cole Crockwell,
director of Becker Automotive Design, Research and Development, "and we
are having a lot of fun working with it. It has such great engineering
that went into it and it is revolutionary on so many levels. The safety
features it combines, etc...make it a truly better choice when compared
with the competition..."
Becker Automotive Design Sprinter Jetvan® Luxury Coach
July 25, 2007
Van joint venture in China finally receives license
Fujian Daimler Automotive finally received a business license from
the Fujian Provincial Administration for Industry & Commerce.
It is a joint venture founded by Fujian Motor, DaimlerChrysler and
China Motors. With total investment of around Euro 200 million,
the initial product portfolio includes the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter,
Vito and Viano for the local market. The factory is planned in
Fuzhou with an annual capacity of 40,000 and an expected start mid 2009.
June 13, 2007
The new Winnebago View®
Experience motorhoming at a new level in the 2008 Winnebago View®,
featuring the new Dodge® Sprinter chassis with the 3.0 liter V6 diesel
and load adaptive ESP. Winnebago seems to be out first with the new
Sprinter chassis.
2008 Winnebago View
April 11, 2007
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New Sprinter four cylinder diesel with twin-turbos
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Sprinter Maintenance Manuals
07 Freightliner Sprinter Maintenance Manual (pdf)
06 & Prior Freightliner Sprinter Maintenance Manual (pdf)
© 2007 DaimlerChrysler Vans, LLC.
DaimlerChrysler Opens Sprinter Assembly Plant in Charleston, SC
DaimlerChrysler today officially kicked off the production of
the new Sprinter under the Dodge and Freightliner brands at the
new assembly plant in Ladson near Charleston, South Carolina. The inauguration
ceremonies took place with South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford.
The Sprinter has been assembled and sold in the U.S. since 2001.
The former plant in Gaffney, annual capacity around 22,000 units,
no longer could cope with the growing sales. A production capacity
of 32,000 units now is available at the new plant where 180 employees
are working to reassemble the Sprinter on a 42,780 square meter
(460,000 sq. ft.) site. $35 million was invested in the plant.
The all-new Sprinter goes on sale this spring.
March 27, 2007
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Daimler Expands Plug-in Hybrid Program to New Sprinter
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Chevron Delo 400 LE 15W-40 Gains Mercedes Benz Approval
Chevron Delo 400 LE 15W-40 has received approval for Mercedes Benz
diesel engine oil specification 228.31, covering commercial Mercedes-Benz
diesel engines using diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and is thus suitable
for the new 2007 Sprinter. It was approved without reformulation.
March 7, 2007
Midway's Sprinter - Bar & Cafe On Wheels
Custom upfitter Midway Specialties sent in some pictures of their
new Sprinter Bar & Cafe on Wheels showing two windows which can be
folded upwards on the side, a large foldable roof attaches above it,
a roof mounted cooling unit and in the interior installed bar and cafe
hardware. Also shown is a site plan of their facility
in Ladson, SC near the Sprinter assembly plant. Recently Midway
launched an Online Message Board to enable their customers to ask
questions and post comments online.
Midway Specialties Vehicles LLC
Mar 1, 2007
Dodge Introduces All-new 2007 Sprinter
Some of the features of the new Sprinter:
--'Super-sized' Sprinter is Longer, Wider and taller; Offers More Space, Choices, Features and Innovations
--Increase in maximum width (two inches), interior height (11 inches), exterior height (13 inches), door opening height (5 inches), cargo area length (19 inches), vehicle length (30 inches), cargo volume (127 cu. ft.), and towing capacity (2,500 lbs.)
--Three vehicle lengths (233, 273 and 289 inches)
--Two new wheelbases: 144 inches, 170 inches or 170 inches extended with 15-inch longer rear overhang
--Three interior roof height options: standard (65 inches), high (76 inches) and new mega (84 inches)
--Choice of two all-new engines: new 3.0-liter V-6 diesel or 3.5-liter V-6 gas engine
--Three Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) configurations include new higher maximum (11,030 lbs.)
--All-new ADAPTIVE ESP(R) takes electronic stability programs to the next level
Read the full press release here:
Chrysler Group press release
Feb 14, 2007
U.S. Is Second-Largest Market for Sprinter
The Sprinter gained a loyal following in the last few years
in the North American commercial market.
The Chrysler Group announced this morning: "With its 2003
introduction, Dodge Sprinter marked the return
of the Dodge brand to the commercial vehicle market. Domestic sales
in the U.S. have increased ten-fold to 21,961 units in 2006 and the
United States now ranks as the world's second-largest market for
Sprinter vans, second only to Germany." Read the full press release
here:
Chrysler Group press release
Feb 14, 2007
Dodge announces pricing of All-New 2007 Sprinter
The Chrysler Group announced the pricing for the all new
2007 Sprinter this morning starting at $30,950 and including
all-new Adaptive ESP®. As expected gasoline and turbodiesel
versions are offered, and the price difference is $1840. The
3.5 liter V6 produces 254 hp and 250 lb.-ft. and the 3.0 liter
V6 turbodiesel 154 hp and 280 lb.-ft. "As the foundation for
Dodge's commercial vehicle strategy, the all-new 2007 Dodge
Sprinter boasts expanded versatility and offers more choices,
features and value while re-establishing the new commercial
standard for full- size vans," said Tom Loveless, Director --
Dodge Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group.
The full press release is here:
Chrysler Group press release
Feb 14, 2007
Sprinter voted Semperit Irish Van of the Year 2007
The new Sprinter was voted the Irish Van of the Year by
a panel from the Irish Motor Writers Association garnering
more points than the Ford Transit in second place.
full article, Galway Independant
Jan 3, 2007
ADS manufactures SDA Sprinter Diagnostic Assistant V1.0
ADS sent an email announcing their PC based diagnostic system
that offers coverage and features comparable to Star Diagnosis, and
the Dodge DRB/Star Tester for Sprinter vehicles. They use an easy-to-use,
graphical interface that includes
training and help documents for each important feature. They made this
system available to large scale fleet users, for the past few years, and
have about 3000 installations worldwide, with over 1000 in the US with UPS
alone. On December 1, they'll launch an aftermarket version for smaller
fleets and individual users, their SDA - Sprinter Diagnostic Assistant V1.0.
All worldwide versions of Sprinters from 1994-current are covered, and new
2007 models will be added by June '07, they say.
sprintersoft.com
Nov 27, 2006
New 2007 Sprinters can be ordered starting in November
Stephen White, Roanoke Motors, Illinois gave an update
on the much anticipated 2007 Sprinters. They can be ordered
starting in Novemver and the first batch of 1500 to 2000
will be only gasoline engined. Starting in December the Sprinters
with Mercedes-Benz turbodiesels can be ordered. As previously announced
they will be assembled in South Carolina once the Ladson plant is retooled
and are to be sold by both Dodge as well as Freightliner. Deliveries
are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2007.
Oct 27, 2006
What Van reviewed new Sprinter
What Van Online over in the UK reviewed the new Sprinter
after it was introduced there recently - and strangely with the steering
wheel on the "wrong" side. Doug Hetrick sent in the info.
They like the emphasis on safety with load adaptive ESP including ASR
skid control supplied
by Bosch, the new 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel, the larger load and space
capacity and versatility and the 5 speed transmission. Their verdict:
"Sprinter is undoubtedly a
winner — in fact it's staggeringly good — and we can only applaud
the stress the Three Pointed Star has placed on safety. Unfortunately
for Mercedes, however, virtually all of its competitors have raised
their game over the past few months and have unveiled a steady stream
of excellent products; Ford's new Transit and Fiat's latest Ducato are
two prime examples. As a consequence the latest Sprinter, impressive
though it is, may face an even tougher struggle than its predecessor
if it's to make headway in a hard-fought market."
Continue reading: "What Van Online: New Vans, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter July 2006"
9/10/2006
Sprinter hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid-electric drive
Inner-city delivery vans do most of their work in areas where emissions are a major issue, therefore DaimlerChrysler is intensively developing alternative drive systems. Top right: ZF Sachs produces the strong Sprinter electric motor with 70 kW placed between combustion engine and transmission.
hybrid info page
9/10/2006
More and more business Sprinter turbodiesels on the road
In the last few days I noticed a number of Sprinter turbodiesels
used by businesses. Down at Laguna Seca the famed Skipp Barber racing
school shuttles students with their Dodge Sprinter passenger van. On the
airport run the red and white Bayshore Ambulance number 328 Freightliner
Sprinter MedicMaster passed us on the highway, looking
similar to the photo above,
and an OfficeMax Sprinter delivery van didn't
trail much behind. And then a Sprinter outfitted with a complete
mobile kitchen design studio passed through here recently.
Both Freightliner and Dodge will offer the new Sprinter, once the
plant expansion near Ladson, South Carolina, is completed next year.
In phase I the capacity is to expand to 32000 per year.
9/1/2006
New Sprinter Westfalia wins prestigious design prize
At Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2006 a jury including experts
from Motor Presse Stuttgart and the Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen
awarded the Caravanning design award: best practice to the Sprinter
Westfalia for its meticulous design and innovative approach.
Sprinter Westfalia by Airstream
8/8/2006
Sprinter wins commercial vehicle prize
The new Sprinter won the prestigious best commercial vehicle award.
It was tested by 12 experienced tradesmen (Meister) all with fleets of
their own. Nine different vehicles all in the range of 3 to 3.5 tons were
tested extensively, including interior loading compartments, driving tests,
operating costs etc. The prize will be awarded at the IAA commercial
vehicle show in September in Hannover.
7/27/2006
Sprinter price up $650
The Chrysler group raised the sticker prices of the Sprinter
by $650 for all models. The Sprinter CKD kits are assembled in the
Gaffney South Carolina Freightliner Custom Chassis facility which
is maxed out.
6/12/2006
Harold's Airstream Interstate Sprinter
One of the first M-Class enthusiasts and website builder drives
a turbodiesel now, an Airstream Interstate Sprinter.
Check out his new site with reviews, electric diagrams,
water filter addition, convenience switches etc.
Harold's Airstream Interstate Sprinter Page
6/2/2006
CMI presents four beautifully customized Sprinters
Recently Creative Mobile Interiors, the creators of the original
Sea of Glass Sprinter, completed four customized Sprinters. They
are very proud and sent some photos and information to showcase them:
The Sprinter for a dogshow, the Sprinter PLV for handicapped with
wheelchair access, the business and family travel Sprinter and the
Cross Country Luxury Sprinter. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.
5/22/2006
living area behind driver cabin cargo area behind living area storage available under bed inner spring mattress
Midway's Expediter Sprinter Vans Gaining Momentum
Midway sent in several shots of their Expediter vans with a living
area slotted between driver cabin in the front and rear cargo area. They say:
"Sprinter vans make great vehicles for the Expediter market. If you have not
thought about this market, it might be the time to investigate. The cost of the
interior makes it an excellent van to stock at the dealership. The reaction
from customers that are in the Expediter Delivery Service is, "This is what
I wanted and I wondered where to get it." The best part is when the
customer says, "I'll take it."
5/19/2006
Freightliner to offer Sprinters beyond 2006
Freightliner will not drop the Sprinter next year. Due to the
Sprinters popularity with some Freightliner commercial truck dealers
DaimlerChrysler reversed an earlier decision and the new Sprinter
expected next year will now be sold both as Freightliner Sprinter
and Dodge Sprinter like the present model.
5/18/2006
New "Corp Unit" Sprinter
Midwest Automotive Designs introduced the new Corp Unit Sprinter.
4/27/2006
Automatic Transmission - Diagnostic Tear-Down Procedure service bulletin
Chrysler issued a service bulletin for automatic transmissions.
For the NAG1 Sprinter 5 speed transmission they recommend a fluid
change interval of 60,000 miles and ATF with Mopar part number 05127382AB.
Mercedes-Benz also sells an ATF suitable for this transmission with part
number 001 989 450310 with a list price of $7.50 per liter.
issued 4/8/2006
Windshield Wiper Blade and Chrome Wheel Maintenance Hints
Chrysler issued a service bulletin addressing wiper blade streaking.
If properly maintained frequent blade replacements may be unnecessary.
Read the wiper blade TSB here
Read the chrome wheel cleaning TSB here
issued 3/8/2006
2002-2006 Sprinters can use B2 biodiesel
according to a recently issued technical service bulletin
issued by the Chrysler Group.
Read the Biodiesel TSB here
issued 2/14/2006
More new Sprinter pictures released
New Sprinter from the side
New Sprinter from the rear
New Sprinter rear closeup (showing a Mercedes star now).
Last year 28,100 Sprinters were sold in North America, 49% more
than in 2004. The optional BiXenons support curve swivelling
and corner lighting. Dürr AG built an innovative RoDip paint system
for the Sprinter plant in Ludwigsfelde which rotates the vehicle during
the cathodic electrophoretic bath thus ensuring corrosion protection
on surfaces, edges and inside cavities. The new Sprinter will be
introduced in early 2007 after the new production site near Charleston
is retooled. It will be offered with gas and diesel engines although
nearly 100% of all buyers in Europe where both engine options are offered
buy diesels.
movie: Making the NCV3 - The new Sprinter
DaimlerChrysler tv.media
1/30/2006
Midway Specialty Vehicles custom designed Sprinters
Midway designs several custom packages for the Sprinter, and also for
the Dodge Caravan. Check out these new shots of their Executive Commuter
shown above left and center, the Contractor to the right, the Hotel Shuttler
with electrically operated bus door and rear cargo/wheelchair loader, the
Refrigeration Van or their Epediter.
"We have always worked with the customer to develop solutions to specific
transportation needs in lieu of trying to make the customer needs fit our
existing product line."
Midway Specialty Vehicles, LLC
1/12/2006
Sprinter drives 22 times around the world without repair
Klaus Schade drove his newspaper courier Sprinter 900,000 km
without repairs in the 10 years he owned it. Only regular maintenance
was necessary, of course.
That's 559,234 miles, the equivalent of driving 22 times around the world.
Since the introduction in 1995 more than one million Sprinters were sold
while also receiving multiple "Transporter of the Year" awards.
(from MB press release)
12/22/2005
2007 Sprinter: new model and new assembly plant in USA
DaimlerChrysler will spend $35 million to retool a plant in Ladson near
Charleston in South Carolina and hire 220 workers to build the new model 2007
Sprinter cargo vans. The new Sprinter
comes with a large number of body variants, with three wheelbases,
four body lengths and three roof heights: normal roof, high roof and the new
super high roof. The new range includes
variants between 3.0 and 5.0 t gross vehicle weight and, as a panel
van with a load capacity of 7 to 17 m³ for example, meets almost
every conceivable requirement. The new Sprinter features engines up
to 258 hp (190 kW) based on the Mercedes-Benz M272 3.5 liter gasoline
V6, load ADAPTIVE ESP® with
extended functionality for all models, hill start assist (HSA), a new
Mercedes-Benz V6 diesel engine based on the OM642 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel
with 184 hp (135 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque from 1600 to 2400 rpm,
bi-xenon headlamps, Super Single tires and Keyless Entry & Slide.
DaimlerChrysler will also build the new Volkswagen LT3 vans on this platform.
12/1/2005
Midwest Automotive Designs - MadLimo
"is pioneering the future in Limousine, Executive, Private travel,
and Luxury Conversion Vans by introducing the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van.
Under Dodge, Freightliner, and Mercedes-Benz Marquees we can fill your
transportation needs with a European vehicle which far surpasses any
other for versatility, luxury, and low cost of operation."
Most of the pictures above show Midwest Automotive Designs' G-550
Corp/Exec Limo Sprinter. And the tan dual row leather seating is a
G-55 Personal Use Sprinter seating nine. Midwest Automotive Designs
became an approved DaimlerChrysler Body Builder now according
to Timothy R. Gray, president.
Midwest Automotive Designs
4/2/2006 new photos
9/1/2005
Becker's new JetVan
Becker Automotive Design USA introduces the new JetVan, the newest
Sprinter model line they are creating and it is better than a Gulfstream
G550 private jet! The Becker JetVan has the amenities of a jet and all
materials are of the same quality or better and it is ultra exclusive!
For more info click on JetVan on their website. Their Sprinter Luxury
Vans are described below on this page.
Becker Automotive Design
5/17/2005
Battery Management System for Sprinter Conversion Vans
Many demanding applications are placed on Sprinter vans. The increased
electrical load can be met by enhancing the controller, and without increasing
the alternator capacity. The picture above shows a Sprinter ambulance in the
UK fitted with an Adverc designed charging system.
"Adverc USA provides a solution to maintaining charged batteries,
the ability to run various accessories in semi-trucks, RVs, Sprinter
vans, conversion vans, boats, and emergency vehicles, without the need
to idle the engine, or use an auxiliary generator." - Sven A. Norell
Adverc USA
1/23/2006 (updated)
1/31/2005
Multicar ramp for Sprinter
www.multicar-ramps.com
12/19/2004
Great West Vans in Winnipeg, Canada
offers Sprinter conversions now. "The careful blend of luxury,
function and style are brought together with the trademark Great West
Vans innovation to produce a stunning new RV." They have 27 years of
experience in the camper van business and a factory tour is online on
their server.
Great West Vans
10/16/2004
Michelin RV Tire Guide
10/12/04
Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) to be tested in Kansas, California
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in Palo Alto spearheaded
the technology in the recently introduced Dodge Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Drive
together with ZF Sachs. Three units will be manufactured in Mannheim and
tested in 2005 in the USA,
a diesel version by Kansas City Regional Transit and two gasoline versions
at Southern California Edison and the South Coast Air Quality District to
test the technological feasibility and monitor market acceptance. Varta
supplies the NiMH or Li-Ion batteries.
ZF Sachs Sprinter Hybrid info
EPRI: "The Plug_in Hybrid Vehicle"
9/29/2004
Parts lists, NHTSA Sprinter tire valve recall
The parts list for the 2003 and 2004 Dodge Sprinter can be downloaded
from this www.sprinterparts.net.
Separately, the NHTSA investigated tire valve failures in 2003 and
2004 Sprinters since they received 5 reports of tire deflation between
6,000 to 28,000 miles and a recall was issued:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V600000 Recall Date : DEC 16, 2004
Read the letter sent to Sprinter owners here
9/21/2004
Fuelcell Sprinter goes into service at UPS
The nation's first medium-duty commercial delivery truck powered
by a fuel cell that converts hydrogen gas to electricity begins hauling
packages in Los Angeles for United Parcel Service Inc. today. It will
be used on an urban delivery route and is expected to pile up 10,000
miles a year of stop-and-go driving in tough city traffic. Data about
the truck's performance will be used to help DaimlerChrysler further
its fuel cell development program. UPS has 1,800 Sprinters in its
fleet. The truck has the same 1 ton payload and 437 cubic feet cargo
space as conventional diesel engine Sprinters. The fuel cell system,
including storage tanks for the compressed hydrogen gas, is mounted
under the floor and powers an 85 kW (114 hp) electric motor.
The fuel-cell Sprinter has a range of about 155 miles before needing
refueling and a top speed of 80 mph.
Mercedes-Benz fuelcell
8/26/2004
Adaptive ESP, Van Safety Concept shown at IAA commercial vehicles 2004
A new version of the Sprinter ESP was shown at the IAA commercial
vehicle show 2004 in Hannover, called ESP with Load Adaptive Control (LAC).
The ESP can sense the cargo load and adapt its algorithm accordingly.
This was developed especially for the Sprinter due to its high cargo
loading capability. Mercedes showed a van safety showcase vehicle,
based on the Sprinter, with adaptive ESP, active roll stabilisation
via electric motors acting on the antiroll bars, bi-xenon headlights
with cornering light function, deep-drawn windows
for better visibility, large turn signal blinkers mounted of the side
rearview mirrors, larger stop lamps (oh_yeah), lane change assistant,
Parktronic, cross-drive steering, tire pressure monitor, composite cargo
load securing system and many other integrated features.
Sprinter crash and dynamic handling tests
ESP
8/17/2004
German commercial vehicle award goes to Mercedes-Benz
Double victory for the Sprinter and Vito/Viano. 19 experienced master
tradesmen (Meister) voted the Sprinter the winner in the class up to
3.5 tons and the Vito/Viano in the class up to 3.0 tons. A total of 20
vehicles were tested.
8/6/2004
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Putting alternatives on the road
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Mercedes introduces Sprinter Diesel Electric Hybrid
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Definitive Sprinter wheel specs and Photos
Danny Stern added pictures of five different wheels which fit the
Sprinter. An Antera Type 323 18" wheel, an AMG wheel
for the Sprinter, a 16" Borbet available from the Tirerack, then
there is a AMG wheel for the G-wagen and an 18" wheel from the G.
Danny Stern is the creator of the Ultimate Windsurfing Van.
Ultimate Windsurfing Sprinter Van: Wheels
5/30/2006 link updated
7/27/2004
Xtreme Design Sprinter body kit
The body kit shown above on a 316 CDI Sprinter comprises 8.5 x 18"
ET 58 mm wheels shod with 255/55 R18 tires with a 109 load rating,
custom front grille,
four exhaust end pipes and rear roof spoiler. There are also plans for
a SLK style grille and hood and 20" rims. The Sprinter body kits are
designed and produced by J. Walker in Germany and may also be offered
in the USA.
Xtreme Design
6/21/2004
The Sea of Glass Sprinter Van Conversion
was a collaboration, it's sublimnity a result of the fine
designing abilities of Owen Connaughton, President of Creative Mobile
Interiors. Mike and his skilled crew of craftsmen at CMI made it work
and got it done. Just have a look at all the fine wood used inside, the
shower with Grohe faucet, the granite countertops, the front seats doing
double duty as dining chairs (pictured above), the circuit breaker and audio panel or the
recessed ceiling and reading lights everywhere. The Sea of Glass belongs
to Eric & Trudi Cooper in Michigan who found CMI through this page. CMI
also works on small projects.
The Sea of Glass Sprinter pictures
Creative Mobile
Interiors
5/30/2004
Sprinter suspension upgrades
are available from Upscale Auto or SMS.
Shown above is the Upscale C2512 spring assist kit installed on a 2003
SHC 2500 with 140" wheelbase. John Bendit, Upscale:
"There are several suspension products that
will cure the mushy handling. Spring kits, up-graded shocks/struts, air bags,
sway bars and more. Some products work better than others. The Koni
shocks and struts that I am currently testing are amazing.
The quality and adjustability of the Koni product stabilizes the
front end and reduces the rear sway. A larger rear sway bar will
help keep the rear flat when cornering. [..]
If you will be carrying 2000 lbs. or 4000 lbs., you should consider a
spring assist kit. If you or anyone would like to call, I would be
glad to answer questions comparing the products that are available."
http://www.upscaleauto.com
http://www.stability-ms.com
4/25/2004
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