The Hidden Danger of Factory Spring Settings: Are You Bottoming Out?

If you’ve ever felt a harsh jolt or a "thud" while driving your Vanderhall over a bump, you might be experiencing a dangerous and often overlooked issue: bottoming out. While it may seem like a minor annoyance, this condition can lead to serious performance problems and safety risks. And in many cases, it all starts with factory spring settings that simply aren’t right for real-world use.

What Is Bottoming Out?

Bottoming out occurs when your suspension compresses fully—so much so that the components physically contact each other or the chassis. This results in a hard hit that feels like your spine just absorbed the impact. Over time, this repeated impact can damage shocks, bump stops, wear out bushings, and even deform critical components like ball joints. It also drastically reduces traction and control, especially during evasive maneuvers.

Vanderhalls are especially prone to bottoming out because of their short wheelbase, unique front suspension geometry, and weight distribution. Most come from the factory with overly stiff springs, one-size-fits-all (incorrect) spring preload, or underdamped shocks—leading to a ride that feels harsh, unpredictable, or downright unsafe on rough roads.

What Causes Bottoming Out on your Vanderhall?

Several conditions can contribute to bottoming out:

• Overtightened springs that restrict travel (coil stacking)

• Uneven loading or overloading for the cargo capacity of the platform

• Worn or under-greased bushings (often completely DRY)

• Incorrect ride height (spring preload) for the average weight of the driver and passenger

At The VanderSpa, we’ve inspected dozens of Vanderhalls that show clear signs of bottoming out within the first 2,000 to 3,000 miles. In some cases, the issue is subtle—a jarring bump here or there. In others, it has caused premature wear or fatigue on upper control arms, bump stops, cracked bushings, or misaligned chassis parts.

The Danger of Ignoring It

Driving a vehicle that bottoms out doesn’t just reduce comfort—it compromises safety. Every time the suspension compresses with force beyond its limit, the reaction reduces the tire’s contact with the road. This decreases braking performance (grip), increases stopping distance (grip), and makes high-speed cornering unpredictable (grip).

One client’s wife had a close call when she hit the brakes around a blind curve. The Vanderhall darted off the road, landing in a ditch. Post-inspection revealed a combination of weak springs, improperly torqued components, uneven tire pressures, and—yes—spring settings that allowed the suspension to bottom out under sudden load.

Diagnosing the Problem

Here are a few common signs your Vanderhall might be bottoming out:

• Jarring or harsh slam over bumps

• Stress cracks in the powder-coating at the base of your rear shock absorber

• Ground clearance below 4"

• Frequently feeling like the rear end “slaps” during compression

• Declining ride comfort despite relatively low mileage

• Witness marks or wear on bump stop mating surfaces (where applicable) or control arm top sides contacting the frame

If you’ve experienced any of these, it’s time for a full suspension evaluation. At The VanderSpa, we start with measuring ride height under YOUR real-world load, evaluating spring preload settings, verifying general suspension torque specs, and inspecting shock condition visually. Often, preload needs to be raised or springs upgraded.

The Upgrade Path

Many owners are surprised to learn that simply adjusting preload and replacing worn components can drastically improve ride quality, but what's the "Gold standard" solution? Upgrading to high performance adjustable damping-rate shocks like the premium coil-overs from JRi Shocks, Inc - which we CAN either install and tune in-house, or can guide you or your local tech to do the same. These allow for precise control over both compression and rebound speed, giving you a ride customized to your preference, whether you’re solo cruising or carrying a passenger, looking for a luxury ride, or race-bred performance.

We also provide:

• Radial Thrust Washers to aid in spring preload adjustment

• Mounting hardware to secure remote reservoirs to the chassis

• Multiple spring color options to personalize or accent your performance statement

Because it's all interconnected—when one component is out of spec, your whole ride suffers.

Is There A Shop With The Expertise To Care Properly For Your Vanderhall?

At The VanderSpa (just outside of Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX), we specialize in Vanderhall service and upgrades, and we live and breathe enhancing these machines. Our team includes ASE Certified Master Techs and automotive performance enthusiasts with decades of motorsports experience. We’ve helped owners from across the country eliminate bottoming out, improve safety, and restore confidence in their ride.

We don’t just fix your issues — we explain them. When you visit us, we walk you through what’s wrong, show you the affected parts, and invite you to test-drive both before and after adjustments. That way, you don’t just feel the difference—you understand why it's different.

If your ride feels harsh, unstable, or just “off,” book a free consultation with The VanderSpa. We’ll talk through your symptoms, review your setup, and help you decide the best next steps.

The Bottom Line

Bottoming out isn’t just annoying—it’s a red flag that your suspension isn’t doing its job. Left unchecked, it can compromise your safety and ruin your driving experience. But with the right diagnosis, adjustments, or upgraded system, your Vanderhall will ride better than when it was new: smooth, stable, and precise.

Let The VanderSpa help you get there. Book your free consultation today, and take the first step toward a better, safer ride.