Sumo Springs Did That?
Front SumoSprings on a Sprinter 3500:
A Simple Upgrade That Can Cause Problems If Done Wrong.
If you are looking for extra support on the front of your Sprinter 3500 motorhome or van, front Sumo Springs can be an excellent option. They are simple to install, require no maintenance, and can provide meaningful improvements in ride height and front-end support.
However, there is one critical detail that often gets overlooked. If front Sumo Springs are installed without a follow-up alignment check, you may experience handling issues and premature tire wear.
Let’s walk through what front Sumo Springs actually do, what kind of results you can expect, and the mistake you want to avoid.
What Front Sumo Springs Replace on a Sprinter
From the factory, the front suspension of a Sprinter 3500 uses rubber bump stops. These bump stops act as a safety buffer to prevent metal-to-metal contact when the suspension compresses fully. They are firm, limited in travel, and only engage at the very end of suspension movement.
Front Sumo Springs replace those factory bump stops entirely.
Instead of a hard rubber stop, Sumo Springs are made from a microcellular polyurethane material. This material is designed to be progressively engaged, meaning it starts working earlier in suspension travel and becomes firmer as load increases.
Because of this design, Sumo Springs are always working, not just when the suspension bottoms out.
Understanding the Different Front Sumo Spring Options
Front Sumo Springs are available in different color-coded versions, which indicate different firmness levels. A firmer option provides more front-end support and greater ride height improvement. A softer option offers more compliance and comfort but less lift and load capacity.
Choosing the right one depends on how your Sprinter is built, how it is loaded, and what problems you are trying to solve. Heavier front-end weight and frequent scraping issues typically benefit from the firmer option, while lighter builds may prefer the softer feel.
How Much Ride Height Can You Expect
One of the biggest benefits of front Sumo Springs is the increase in ride height at the front of the coach.
In real-world testing on a Sprinter 3500 dual-rear-wheel motorhome, ride-height measurements were taken before and after installation. The results showed a gain of over half an inch on both sides, with measurements ranging from roughly half an inch to three-quarters of an inch.
That may not sound dramatic, but in real driving conditions, that amount of lift can be the difference between scraping and clearing steep driveways, dips, and uneven terrain.
The Critical Mistake Many Owners Make
Here is where things get serious.
The Sprinter uses an independent front suspension. Anytime you change ride height on an independent front suspension vehicle, you are very likely changing alignment geometry as well.
In this case, the toe angle remained within specification after installing the front Sumo Springs. However, the camber angle changed enough to move outside the manufacturer’s allowable range.
Camber is the angle of a vehicle’s wheel relative to vertical when viewed from the front or rear. Even small changes in camber can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced tire life, and changes in handling and steering feel.
After installation, camber increased beyond factory specification on both sides. Left uncorrected, this would lead to premature tire wear and degraded driving confidence.
Why an Alignment Check Is Not Optional
This is the takeaway that matters most.
Front Sumo Springs can absolutely be a smart upgrade for a Sprinter 3500. They can improve ride height, reduce front-end sag, and help the coach feel more supported.
But anytime you change ride height on an independent front suspension, you must have the alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.
Skipping this step can quietly cost you thousands of miles of tire life and undo the very stability improvements you were trying to achieve.
Are Front Sumo Springs Worth It
Yes, when done correctly.
Front Sumo Springs are one of the simplest suspension upgrades available. Installation is straightforward, requiring the removal of the factory bump stop and bolting the SumoSpring in its place.
When paired with a proper alignment check, they offer real benefits with very little downside.
The key is understanding that suspension upgrades do not exist in isolation. Every change affects the system as a whole.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering front Sumo Springs for your Sprinter 3500 motorhome or van, focus on doing the upgrade the right way. Gain the extra ride height and support, but protect your tires and handling by following up with an alignment inspection.
At SuperSteerParts.com, our goal is not just to sell parts, but to help you make informed decisions that lead to safer and happier driving.
If you have questions about suspension upgrades or want help choosing the right solution for your Sprinter, our team is here to help. You can also visit the Chassis Solution Center to learn more.