Blackberry Life

[Papa Bear]

Just taken my headlining out. Still surprises me how big the back of the maxi life is. Going to dye the headlining next week. Running the av and power cables while it’s out and fitting lights etc. Going to diy a screen in. I have converters from RCA to vga and hdmi so have a a good choice of screens to use but not got one yet, still deciding on size and how to mount.

[Crustyrat]

Hi, fanatastic information , cheers for sharing.
I have the same colour caddy and am taking the plunge on the suspension, just wondered if you would do anything differently looking back, is it still handling the same? How are the front shock coping with the reduced ride height , it looks spot on you must be real proud of your effort!
Cheers

[mark1a]

Hello @Crustyrat, and welcome to caddy2k.com.

The ride height is fairly conservative, as it’s a daily and so while it looked like a monster truck as standard, any lower would be totally impractical for speed bumps, ramps, etc.

Front suspension is absolutely fine, as the H&R kit is a complete replacement spring pair. I didn’t replace the shocks at the time as the van was fairly new and lowish mileage, but when the time comes I will probably go with an upgraded shock, just for the sake of upgrade rather than necessity. As it is, it turns in nicely and is not too hard. It’s never going to handle like the cars I’ve had anyway, so no point in trying.

Rear suspension, I think is fine with the flip kit and standard leaf springs. Only issue possibly is that I think I may have slightly softer springs and shocks due to it being a Life model, and so it’s probably a little more compliant than I’d like and can bottom out sometimes. Not a massive issue as most of the time the only load over the back is a pedal cycle or two. However when I look at the front I may also look at upgraded shocks at the back and investigate a higher rated leaf spring set.

Only other consideration with a Maxi (LWB) is that you need to watch how low you go - I think the 60mm I’ve done is about as much as I’m comfortable with, in terms of “beaching” the middle of it over ramps and driveways. It’s very close to the ground in a multi-storey on the ramp or on my sloped driveway, due to the fact that a lot of the 470mm extra length on a Maxi is between the axles.

All that said, you can’t go wrong with the H&R front and Darkside flip kit. There are a number of better and more expensive options, all of which are installed on numerous vans on this forum, but for me, this is fine.

[Ste_J]

Well reading through this build thread has helped with the Maxi conversion vs life brain debate

Lovely build

[mark1a]

Thanks for reading, much appreciated.

Depending on what it’s used for, the Life makes sense over panel van and subsequently retro-fitting seats, glass, carpet, trim, etc. if it’s going to be less commercial and more car replacement family/dogs/bikes/camping wagon. Plus not getting nicked at 70mph on NSL A roads...

[Pritchard182]

Loving the colour. Where did you find the carbon fibre badges?

[mark1a]

They were just cheap eBay specials, don’t think the original listing is there anymore but a quick search should reveal many options.

[Npr_nath]

Honestly love this build! One of my favourite caddy’s

[mark1a]

@Npr_nath thanks for reading and commenting. Hoping to get my van mojo back soon to carry on with it.

[Vag wag]

just read all of this thread,
nice work..

has inspired be to polish mine...

[mark1a]

Cheers @Vag wag!

[Benj87]

Read this from start to finish last night.

What a build! It’s been done so well, looks awesome.

Definitely given me some inspiration.

[mark1a]

Thanks @Benj87

[Hello]

Great build ideas ! Have just bought the same colour life

[Moon3door]

stunning van what a lovely colour