Upgrading Our VW Crafter Suspension to 5 Ton

Are you a van life enthusiast or someone who's interested in converting vans into camper vans in the UK? Then this video is for you! In this episode, we tackle a challenging but essential job in van conversion: upgrading the front suspension of our VW Crafter LWB van.
Watch as we remove the whole front suspension and replace it with upgraded 5 ton dampers and a 5 ton leaf spring. This was no easy task, but with some hard work and determination, we got the job done! Now, we can proudly say that our van is replated from 3.5 ton to 4.3 ton, which means we can carry more weight without worrying about being overweight and getting fined.
If you're planning a van conversion or just love seeing the transformation of a van, this video is a must-watch. Learn from our experience and get inspired to tackle your own van conversion project. Don't forget to subscribe for more van conversion content and stay tuned for our next video!"
#vansuspention #vwcrafterconversion #urbanvanlife
The part numeber for the 3 front leaf soronf rubbers
MA907 322 02 00
MA907 322 03 00
MA907 322 04 00
The company we got the koni dampers website
And damper part number are bellow
87-2657: Koni Special front dampers
www.potn.co.uk
🔸 SUBSCRIBE FOR WEEKLY VIDEOS / @urbanvanlife
🔸 MERCH urbanvanlife.myspreadshop.co.uk/
🔸 OFFICIAL WEBSITE www.urbanvanlife.co.uk
🔹 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT US ON THE ROAD
🔹 www.buymeacoffee.com/urbanvan...
Check Out All The Gear We Use To Create Videos Below
▫️Main camera Sony Alpha ZV-E10 amzn.to/3MGfgAb
▫️Main sense Sony 11mm amzn.to/3SEQfJK
▫️Camera grip amzn.to/3FWv1iP
▫️Extra camera batteries amzn.to/46923ac
▫️ULANZI Zero Y Tripod amzn.to/3QwLW0l
▫️Camera Gimbal amzn.to/3QDoGOg
▫️DJI Wireless Microphones amzn.to/47aA0IB
▫️DJI Mini 4 Drone amzn.to/3FVJcEN
▫️DJI Drone controler amzn.to/3su7mmM
▫️DJI osmo 3 camera amzn.to/3FU8MtF
▫️McKinnon Backpack amzn.to/3ueB5R9
▫️Aputure Video Light amzn.to/3MBDpYI
🔹emmas ripped jeans amzn.to/3MDy1V3
CHECK OUT MY AMAZON STORE
where you'll find all the van gear, upgrades, and all the stuff we use in the van
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/urbanex...
🔹EPIDEMIC SOUND MUSIC www.epidemicsound.com/referral/0sqaby/
🔹DOWNLOAD TUBE BUDDY FREE www.Tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=u...
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram - / urban_vanlife
Facebook - / urbanvanlife
⚠️ Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Also as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases also at no extra cost to you.⚠️

[@Sue.242]

My goodness Neil you have a lot more patience and determination than me. That would of broke me. Well done young man. You save so much money being talented as you are, your van is beautiful, and so are you all.. you should be very proud.. love the new pupper too. Xxxx

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks Sue it was some thing that tried to beat us but wasn’t letting it . Also one of them jobs which once started you have to carry on with . And pickles a little mad man . The girls are putting him in his place daily lol

[@jaymcnaught6204]

Neil good job, Van looks hoofing 👍🏽 I’ve thought about doing mine. Not a chance now.

[@LeisureBit]

Great job - I would have procrastinated far more before starting it - well done as great outcome as looked like it was a pain to do but you cracked it- all the best, David 👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Oh mate it was a total pain and battled me on every nut and bolt . Thanks for watching David

[@mcnaughtsontour]

Good job Neil. Felt your pain during this and good to see it all ended well. The van looks great!

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks guys it was a slog but got there in the end

[@BRM101]

Fair play Neil nicely done job that and respect to dad for helping you finish it off 👍.

[@UrbanVanlife]

He’s a legend mate . TOTALY my life hero and still goes the gym 5 days a week

[@jakeblake_vwt4dub]

Big job that dude, well in👍 inspired I am🤪🤪🤪

[@UrbanVanlife]

Inspired my self mate to be honest . Not some thing I was looking forward to and was TOTALY going in to it blind as welll but just thought have a go and give it a try . Thanks for the kind words buddy

[@red9zero]

Excellent work ! Van looks tough as f**k 💪

[@UrbanVanlife]

Cheers buddy . She’s got some meaty ness about her now that’s for sure

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

Flippin eck, Neil. That was some heavy duty mechanic-ing. I'd dread to have had to do that myself. I'm impressed with the Crafter engineering though.I did not know the front gear had a leaf spring! You and your Dad fought admirably fitting the new kit.Great job!!!! I said before to you I'd love a Crafter... wouldnt like to do this on it though. If I do ever get one and need a new leaf spring I'll book you and your Dad to fit it for me as you both are the A-Team! Great job, good on you both seeing it through. Bessy regs-Kenny

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks Kenny , it was one of them jobs that fought us on every bloody bolt . But it’s fine now and all done . But man what a job that was .

[@Aco747lyte]

I'm from your bro Rob's channel, so I automatically twigged you and Emma have done so much for him, so clever you are and Emma's cooking must be terrific! 😊 I'm former armed forces and converted a knackered vintage Airstream and done very similar to Rob's, but I've no time to be a YT'er because I'm a doctor in helicopter ER and work long hours. I'm so glad for finding you, and look forward to watching your previous vids up to the present when time allows. ...In this vid you've done a terrific job ikn mechanics - All the best to both of you from Wendi and my 4 wonderful teen daughters. 🌻

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks for the very kind words Wendi and wow what a job you have . Total respect for saving lives well done you for being a superhuman . Sending all out love Neil and emma and the puppers

[@theellmersadventures]

Hello to you lovely pair and the dogos loving the vids as always and wow your van is like a beast I love it shouldn't have any bother with the different terrains bet you can't wait to get out and about in it well you take care all the best

[@UrbanVanlife]

Roll on getting out out . Thanks for watching

[@theellmersadventures]

@@UrbanVanlife can't wait and your welcome

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

What a donkey of a job! proper hard work every bolt is a stubborn one Glad to see it's done mate 👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Mate I was praying that nothing broke . Honestly I was bricking every bolt . And yes TOTALY a donkey of a job . But mate we did it

[@Alivefrom45]

Nice work, well done.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Cheers buddy

[@chrisntrina6]

Nicely done

[@whippetsadventuresandoneman]

Totally amazing job bud ❤ really like to do all this to mine one day. Just finding someone to do it for me as I definitely have no confidence to take that on my self and don’t want to be ripped off by a garage 😊

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer I’m not happy with paying for stuff mate . But I’m all for have in a go but I’m sure one day I’ll TOTALY cock some thing up lol

[@whippetsadventuresandoneman]

@@UrbanVanlife 🤗🤗💙

[@neillh]

Great job,l heard from Australia that someone was hammering & swearing very loudly 😂

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer I did have to cut quite a lot of that out mate there was a lot of F F F F AND a lot more . But we have some kids watch us so got to be careful . Thanks for watching buddy

[@johnharris6691]

I've got a feeling I chamber not do it myself,but you strut with it cool!

[@UrbanVanlife]

Lol it’s a dog of a job mate . But it can be done by the uneducated I hope I showed that cos I’m no mechanic

[@jamesdavison9483]

Amazing didn't whack your thumb well done

[@UrbanVanlife]

For the first time in a while I actually didn’t hurt my self which is shocking

[@letsgetawayadventures8534]

Wow guys they look good

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks buddy

[@jonathanp4u]

Think I spotted you joining the M6 today at Standish, I was heading southbound in a big yellow crafter. If it was you, you weren’t wrong about the height making a massive difference, it looked great.

[@UrbanVanlife]

That wasn’t us buddy we have not been out today mate . And her the hight is whipping

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

Fair play Neil. I hate working on motors/vans now...did plenty when younger and hated it then too. I think I would be happier if indoors in a garage with a lift ramp and all tools at my disposal, working outside with UK weather (unless summer) can be rotten 👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer I fell you there mate it was a little chilly . But while I can I will . Still don’t make it any easier tho dose it lol . Thanks mate

[@RoaminRob]

Banging job lad 👍👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Cheers fella

[@RoaminRob]

@@UrbanVanlife just a thought... Do you know much about solar controllers? 🤔😊

[@billy140572]

Next job change the single step to a double for your better half, great video and I can only imagine the amount of swearing involved😁

[@UrbanVanlife]

She’s asked for a lift

[@dbcooper7326]

Fair play to you for taking on those big jobs. I would be running scared of things like brakes and suspension.

[@UrbanVanlife]

I do like to have a go to be honest mate . But I’m going to bite off more than I can chew one day

[@ng2361]

Great job there Neil. Have been watching your channel from day one absolutely brilliant. I no that you have great knowledge on solar panels etc. I want to fit a 150w solar to my caravan roof swift. The panel that is on there now I will leave on which is 80w so I disconnect it and fit 150w because the switch regulator inside the caravan says maximum 150w. Saves charging this because swift commands system. What makes of solar panel would you recommend for best wattage etc . I could fit a flat one but someone said it has to breathe and you need air gaps underneath. Be grateful for your advice I don’t live far away from you whiston area. Thanks any advice is helpful 👍

[@NorthWalesCampers]

Great video Neil, always if possible put the gun on the nut, not the bolt. And don’t use an extension bar on the gun. You lose torque. In the end same result but more and more swearing. I was with you on the insta chat 👍🏻👍🏻

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hahahahaha that insta was emotional . And mate it was one of them days where nothing that came out my mouth made any sense

[@johnallen148]

Well I never knew you had a leaf spring on the front that’s a new one for me ,so you haft to inform DVLD so you are now five tones from ? Well done nice to see you have a bit of help good of him ,John

[@UrbanVanlife]

Once alll the paper work has gone in to the dvla then they will change all the ratings and send out a new weight plate mate . Still a few bits to do before all that happens tho .

[@DJJENKO]

Awesome

[@tazmarkuk]

Well done Neil for persevering. Looks awesome. Would be nice to have an update to see how the suspension has settled and what you think of the koni dampers and your thoughts on the ride quality.

[@Basilbrush207]

Hi Mark We fitted the Koni Special Actives all round on our MWB crafter a year ago as they are specifically for camper vans and motor homes and they have been great although as Neal says not cheap. (Not sure if his are special actives or just actives)We’ve done 10,000 miles on them so far on all surfaces even down to the Sahara Desert with no problems. I’ve just added a rear anti-roll bar (which is not standard on the medium wheel base) just to make it drive even more like a car. Easy fit as the fittings are there. Hope this helps

[@UrbanVanlife]

We drove a few hundred miles this week mate over to Sheffield and Leeds and man it’s a different ride . Smooth and steady also firm but with great cushion . Not hard but just nice and non of that lean we use to get round corners

[@jetw1518]

@@Basilbrush207 where did you get the rear anti roll bar from?

[@Basilbrush207]

It was from the breakers off a long wheel base single rear wheel and came with the drop-links. I just replaced the rubbers and fitted it @@jetw1518

[@kevinhampson1371]

Dad to the rescue

[@UrbanVanlife]

Allwsys

[@davesdaze]

Hi Neil and Emma. Wow those dampers are just the job. Always like your videos. Hope u both well. Do u ever come to Norfolk on your tours away. Take care love to Emma. Best wishes David and Beverley

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks guys . And no we have never been but it is on our list of places to go to

[@dougmackie4833]

If at first it don’t move whack it with a hammer if it still don’t move get a bigger hammer great job there Neil well done mate

[@UrbanVanlife]

That mallet saved my day lol

[@andrewdundon5298]

Wow great job that's my next step love the shocks were did you get them pt

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks mate . Iv now put all the links to where we got them in the country

[@alunsion5486]

I've been looking at doing this to my MWB for years, I'll been keen to hear an honest review on ride quality and how frim it is - I don't want end up with a bone rattler ! Thanks

[@UrbanVanlife]

Honest review - it feels like a super car , pure luxury compaired to the previous ones . Steady and firm also feels great when on the road

[@UrbanVanlife]

LINKS FOR PARTS ARE IN THE VIDEO DESCRIPTION watch this video here and see how we upgraded the rear dampers to Koni 5 ton dampers kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5vXd613rr2emqs and watch this video to see how we changed the rear leaf springs to 5 ton ones kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6jWm6uXlLOJd9E

[@powderpuff1964]

whated both videos does that mean you have 1500kg payload not sure

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

Good video

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks lee

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Go dad go 👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Dads do rule

[@soreeyesuk]

Don't forget to add to the cost of uprating the tyres to suit the new maximum axle weights on the vin plate when it is changed .

[@UrbanVanlife]

Whole new video that buddy . There is still work to do . I’d say Half way there . Have you seen the price of rubber now . It’s gone trough the roof

[@kimdeabill8540]

@Urban Vanlife amount of energy used in making the stuff. 2nd mortgage.

[@eddy2heavy]

Thank you for uploading this video it’s absolutely invaluable! Looking to do the same thing with our LWB crafter that is touching the weight limit and really wallowing in the bends. Have you noticed the ride quality becoming harsher at all? My mechanic has said this could be a downside to fitting 5tonne springs and shocks all round. I think he’s trying to push for air bags alone at the back which he’s fitted before with success Thanks again! Subscribed!

[@UrbanVanlife]

Lol I think you need a new mechanic buddy in all honesty . With the upgrades to the suspension it’s a lovely ride . Less lean or pull in corners and bends and a much smother and firmer not harsh at all the ride and feels great and works with you now . Air bags are good but lots over do the pressure and cause them selves issues . But it’s a job any one can do you don’t need a mechanic for that one bud . There an easy fix as it’s 4 bolts and there fitted . But it’s really made the van feel great doing the whole suspension .

[@eddy2heavy]

Nice one thanks for the feedback… I’ll get it started asap.. looking forward to a smoother less stressful ride!

[@UrbanVanlife]

Man ours use to drift all over the place and motorway winds . Well good job we have a toilet

[@eddy2heavy]

Thanks Neil one last question mate, how much did you get your rubbers for? Mercedes near me want £90 for them!

[@treebandido2447]

​@@UrbanVanlife hello master guru sir 🙏 how's tricks. I've been looking for a front end leaf spring forever and vw want 650 quid for it. Where did you get yours?? Have you got a link?? Ta muchly and thanks for all the inspiration and know how. I couldn't do it without you 😂

[@outdoorjunky1]

You do love playing 😂

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hahaha I can’t help it . Iv allwsys been the same . Take things Appart to see how they work

[@davidsunderland3478]

Good job well done, quick question. I know you have not actual increased the vehicle total weight "well maybe a little" but you have done that upgrade so that you can carry extra weight should you need to. therefore should you possibly think about an upgrade the braking system?

[@UrbanVanlife]

Weirdly enough no . The vans breaking system can handle a full van 3.5 ton . Plus a trailer with the same weight so it’s quite capable off factory standard brakes . Even the brakes on the bigger one are the same . BUT!!! It’s something Iv been looking in to and dose coke at a big cost . The same cost as the sus upgrade . Madness . I’m thinking of changing the brake pipes to the callipers from the crappy standard rubber ones to braded pipes cos we think that will help a lot . But yet to go down that avenue . There will be more to come on this as I do want better brakes . But not required for the upgrade .

[@ProjectCamper]

Done this to a few van now, still yet to do mine, and yeah it can be a bitch of a job, Fair play mate 👍👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Cheers buddy . It was a bit of a dog of a job but got there

[@lukesancasciani]

Hi Neil, could you of kept the original 3.5-t dampers in to save on cash, or is it essential to have 5-t dampers to go with the 5-t leaf spring? Thanks in advance you've been a great help with everything!

[@UrbanVanlife]

It’s not essential but I wanted to change them for much better ones mate

[@Basilbrush207]

Hi Neil We fitted Koni's to our MWB Crafter a year ago and have not been disappointed. Which ones did you buy? We fitted the Koni Special Actives all round as they are specifically for campervans and motorhomes to help with crosswinds. They've done 10,000 miles since without problems from motorway cruising to off roading in the Sahara Desert. Do you have the front leaf spring part number as I've got two Merc part numbers but one comes back to the 2019 onwards 3.5 ton sprinter front axle which I'm a bit dubious about. Seems a cheaper and easier way than buying a lift kit and having to extend steering columns and power assisted steering hoses, especially as we fitted bigger rear springs 5 years ago. Love the shower tray. If I had one would def have same material.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Sounds like the same ones as we fitted mate to be honest the specials . The difference is amazing and it feels much better a ride as well

[@kenmackenzie7338]

Hi guys, just joined your Urban Army 5 mins ago. I have decided to have the van raised. I have a 2015 LWB sprinter. Could you do me a huge favour and let me know the part numbers and quantities of the rubber bits to fit the front axle leaf spring and rear leaf springs, Jones springs are supplying the front 5ton axle leaf spring and rear leaf spring. The Koni part number I have is "Koni Active Shock Absorber Kit ME-SA1118 for Mercedes Sprinter 5 Ton (W906) 2WD (2006 - 2018)" If you have any other part numbers could you give me that to? If I am not mistaken there should be a bigger bump stop for the rear springs? Any that's the begging done LOL. Looking forward to your next vlog guys.

[@UrbanVanlife]

All the part numbers are in the description buddy but these are them The part numeber for the 3 front leaf spring rubbers MA907 322 02 00 MA907 322 03 00 MA907 322 04 00 BUT ONNA SERIOUS NOTE . Check with the weight upgrade people about your front leaf spring cos there has been some massive changes and you need the right one now with the right number for it to be upgraded . Watch this video then watch the one on Sam’s channel we talked about before you order or pay for some thing you may need to change like we had to kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYTWdWWLmt9lr8ksi=jpHaoIRJhCtLAuX3 Anymore info just fire me an email [e-mail]

[@Paulsvanlife]

Our next job😉

[@UrbanVanlife]

Let’s f u c k in do it

[@moonhead911]

Hi guys love your channel I'm currently going to be fiting the same suspension this weekend how did you set up the camber thanks

[@UrbanVanlife]

We did ours off line of site, there’s no real professional way of doing it without taking it to the likes of euro master

[@moonhead911]

hows the van been sins @@UrbanVanlife

[@Memyselfandvan]

Hi Neil, great video mate, I'm about to tackle this job, do you happen to have the part numbers for the two end rubbers at all? The pieces that go under the ends of the leaf. Cheers

[@UrbanVanlife]

Not sure which ones which but here are the 3 part numbers mate MA907 322 02 00 MA907 322 03 00 MA907 322 04 00

[@Memyselfandvan]

@Urban Vanlife thanks mate, odd numbers those, it's as if they are for the 907 sprinter

[@Memyselfandvan]

@Urban Vanlife Google doesn't show any results either. I gave the part numbers already for the upper and lower bushes, it's just the two, one under each end of the leaf I'm missing

[@Memyselfandvan]

@@UrbanVanlife got them Top bush A906 322 03 19 Bottom bush A906 322 04 00 End bushes optional A906 322 03 00

[@omlille]

great video. Du you have the part nr for det part you have used? i need this upgrades fore my van :)

[@UrbanVanlife]

Just added them all to the description buddy as I’d forgotten

[@omlille]

@@UrbanVanlife 👍❤

[@capnsparkle]

You're a star - jobs a bastid - Maybe call Will ;)

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hahshshsh I could have done with will to be honest

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

There’s a simple way to ensure you don’t snap a bolt; and that’s by having a spare available 🤣🤣🤣 Great video as always, thanks for sharing.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Problem with this job is the ones that snap are normaly in the swing arms and that’s a whole replacement arm . Costing close to a grand . It happened to a friend a few weeks ago

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

@@UrbanVanlife Ouch!

[@grahamunderwood9353]

knew you would do it ,but will you need an extra step put in now for the boss ?

[@UrbanVanlife]

Well funny you say that we have been looking at stair lifts for little legs

[@grahamunderwood9353]

@@UrbanVanlife lol

[@davidbloomfield4135]

How much was in the swear jar at the end of this vlog mate lol lol

[@UrbanVanlife]

Which jar 😂😂😂😂

[@rosselliott7375]

Hiya do you know where to get upgraded shocks and spring for a mk2 crafter ?

[@UrbanVanlife]

Links are in the description of the video to where we got ours from but not too sure if they do other makes and models but it could be worth a look 👀 👌

[@damianperalta3389]

Great job. share the web did yo purchase this lift

[@UrbanVanlife]

It a not a lift mate it’s upgraded suspension and all the links to what we bought are in the description buddy

[@markpawley9088]

Hi Neil, are the part numbers for the rubbers for a 3.5tonne van or for the harder ones off a 5 tonne van? Cheers for the vvideo

[@UrbanVanlife]

It’s for the 5 tonne ones

[@skogsbosse]

That type of leaf spring is old technology. that's what they had on 1920s cars. it srill works...

[@UrbanVanlife]

And still fitted to new fords . Sprinters , crafters and all kinds of vans . Some things just work and continue to work

[@whetstonen205]

Hi pal, do you have the part numbers for the 5 tonne rubber bushes? Or the website you used those part numbers for. Thanks

[@UrbanVanlife]

In description mate

[@lukesancasciani]

Sorry mate, you said you called Mercedes in the video. Just wanted to double check with you they are the right part numbers as Mercedes wont do a return if they are wrong. 🙏🏽

[@UrbanVanlife]

80% of the parts on a crafter are merc bud

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer mate Vw even tell you to go to merc . It’s weird but is what it is . There all just a sprinter van with a different body on them

[@8BROWNIE8]

should of got will to help you out mate XD,

[@UrbanVanlife]

Could have done with it buddy

[@carldavies4006]

5 ton front leaf springs can be purchased from Motex for around £200

[@alunsion5486]

Have you got a link to this? Thanks

[@carldavies4006]

@@alunsion5486 I havnt it’s just Motex there a vehicle part supply company all around the uk

[@UrbanVanlife]

There are loads of 5 ton springs about to be fair but you do tend to get what you pay for

[@carldavies4006]

@@UrbanVanlife they did say they do a normal 5ton and a 5ton heavy duty for a extra £20

[@andrewgilbride7546]

Should brakes also be upgraded if carrying more weight?

[@swampysprinter5921]

The brakes are the same on the 3.5t and 5t

[@UrbanVanlife]

No mate as the vans capable of carrying full weight and a trailer with full weight as well

[@rickwallace2091]

You may want to reach out to Mazzy from the travel trolls instead of disturbing Dad. She’s much more handy than Dan. Nice job, and I admire your perseverance

[@UrbanVanlife]

We don’t need to reach out to any one buddy we are well capable of doing our own work and we appreciate Everything we do for each other as well so there is 2 bonuses

[@robertstevenson3126]

Why 🤔

[@UrbanVanlife]

Why not

[@powderpuff1964]

whats your payload now many thanks colin

[@UrbanVanlife]

At the moment it’s still 3.5 mate and at a guess fully loaded I’d say 3.7 . But once the paper work has gone trough it will be 4,3

[@powderpuff1964]

@@UrbanVanlife thats one heck of a payload

[@UrbanVanlife]

Will never use it . But I want it so no matter what we are legal I thing the max with all the toys on board would be 4

[@powderpuff1964]

@@UrbanVanlife eat more cake and drink more beer