Replacing Shocks and Adding Helper Springs

Here is information and instructions for adding helper coil springs,
and replacing the shock absorbers on a 1984 LeSharo Turbo Diesel.

1 -  From AutoZone purchase a pair of Gabriel #G63387 shock absorbers
(Gas Ryder LT, premium, truck shocks), $19.95 w/ lifetime guarantee.

2 – From AutoZone purchase a pair of "Extra Load Coil Springs" by
Suspension Solutions / Motormite.

1000 lb model = #81250
1500 lb model = #81260 ($25 at)
2000 lb model = #81270

3 – With the rear dinette seats in their upright position, lift the
front edge of the seat. Half way up the black wheel well, remove the
small silver screw, the cover it holds, the black rubber cap, and the
nut atop the shock using a 17mm socket. (If the nut turns but won't
loosen, have someone hold the top of the shock for resistance.) All
these items can be discarded if desired.

4 – Jack up one rear side of the coach until the tire is off the
ground. (Then block the frame up for safety.) Using a 19mm socket,
remove the nut that holds the lower shock in place. (Keep this nut
and washer.) Pull the shock off the bolt and discard the shock.

5 – Remove the keeper from the Gabriel G63387 shock and aim the
threaded end into the wheel well area. Start the lower end over the
bolt. Using a hammer and block of wood, tap the sleeve onto the bolt
as far as you can. Then, tap then end of a 15mm socket with a long
extension until it seats fully. (The "split" sleeve will expand
slightly and slip over the bolt.) Replace the original nut and washer
using a 19mm socket.

6 – Insert a screwdriver into the center hole of the rubber stop
mounted above the axle. Pull down and remove the rubber stop and
discard it. Using a hammer, pound all the flanges that held the
rubber stop in place outward to about a 45 degree angle. Center the
top of the new coil helper spring between these angled flanges and
bolt onto the axle using a 13mm wrench. When tight, cut off some of
the extra bolt length with a hacksaw so they won't hang down and snag
road debris.

7 – Pull down on the upper half of the shock absorber and release the
threaded end into its hole in the wheel well.

8 – Back inside the coach, put the provided rubber grommet (bump side
down), washer and nut onto the white threaded bolt and tighten with a
15mm socket. (Someone will need to hold onto the top of the shock in
order to tighten this nut.)

9 - Repeat this process for installing the other shock and helper
spring.

A photo of the completed project can be seen at

http://www.ucgcincinnati.org/coilspring.html

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in UK;

Auxiliary spring set (Renault Trafic) - bolts to rear axle and attaches to chassis in place of rubber bump-stop.
Grayston Engineering number is now 0208 974 1122 and the price (December 2002) was £114 inc VAT & p&p.
The Graystone part number is/was 32A03H

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I have a note back from "3-T's RV Products" on what model air bags would fit my 1988 Lesharo's rear leaf springs.  
http://3tsrv.com/T-9.htm 

I am looking to improve the smoothness of the ride, not for heavier load carrying capacity per se' (which may be the same thing). 
It's very hard on big bumps, and speed bumps are awful.  
I added overload springs (extra leaf spring under the original set) on my old Chevy work van and that smoothed it out on rough road surfaces.  

I notice their placement is not directly with the axle to frame, but to locate the air bag along the length of spring to the frame.  Not sure of the logic or results with that design.  
Not sure why the price quoted $280.95 is higher in their email, than the price for this same model on the website $238.95 

Their response;
"Yes, we have a air bag kit for your motorhome.  It is a T-9R.  The cost of this kit is $280.95 plus freight.  
The installation of this kit takes @ 2 hours.  
We will ship to residential customers and we do accept MasterCard, Visa & Discover.  
Please let me know if you need more information or wish to order."

I think I read somewhere that a stock Realta of some year, came with an air bag.

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