Replaced the dark picture with a daylight one. Much better.
Before and After
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Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:57 pm
- Location: Blue Lake, Michigan
Before and After
Before and After shots of lift and tires. Not finished yet but a big change already. I did a 3" body lift Tried a 2" first) in front + 3" torsion lift. In back I used 2" shackles + 4" springs + adjustable front hanger. Wheels are 15x8 Bajas (4" BS) with 31x10.50 Mickey MTX tires. Used a 5" longer rear brake line and longer travel front and rear shocks. Overall it sits 8" taller than stock in the rear and 7.5" taller in the front. I have 20.5" under the front bumper instead of 13". I have 19.75" under the hitch instead of 10.75. It also has 5" more GC under the rear crossmember and the midpoint on the rockers is 7.75" taller than stock.
![Image](http://www.astrosafari.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1476&g2_serialNumber=1)
![Image](http://www.astrosafari.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1695&g2_serialNumber=1)
Replaced the dark picture with a daylight one. Much better.
Replaced the dark picture with a daylight one. Much better.
Last edited by FireVan on Wed Feb 04, 2009 7:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
89 2WD, Gry/Slv, booster shocks & 235s, (sold)
92 AWD, Blu/Slv, +5, 31, 15x8 (The original lifted van)
93 2WD, Cargo, +5, 30, 15x7, G80 (sold)
94 AWD, Smurf Blu, +5/6, 235, Bumpers, Skid (sold)
96 AWD, Blu/Slv, +2, 235, (sold)
96 2WD, Wht/Blk, +8, 245, 16x7, G80, (4sale $2750)
98 AWD, Red/Blk, +6/7, 31, 15x8, G80, (Custom Bumper - Soon)
92 AWD, Blu/Slv, +5, 31, 15x8 (The original lifted van)
93 2WD, Cargo, +5, 30, 15x7, G80 (sold)
94 AWD, Smurf Blu, +5/6, 235, Bumpers, Skid (sold)
96 AWD, Blu/Slv, +2, 235, (sold)
96 2WD, Wht/Blk, +8, 245, 16x7, G80, (4sale $2750)
98 AWD, Red/Blk, +6/7, 31, 15x8, G80, (Custom Bumper - Soon)
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- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1768
- Joined: Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:11 pm
- Location: Bellingham, Wa
- Been thanked: 1 time
Re: Before and After
![Image](http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/wannahuckmastinky/thumbup.gif)
![Image](http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/wannahuckmastinky/thumbup.gif)
Stout and beefy.
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- I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
- Posts: 4379
- Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
- Location: New Haven, NY
Re: Before and After
Looks great Steve!
With that much lift in the rear, did you have to lengthen the rear drive shaft? What about adjusting the pinion angle?
With that much lift in the rear, did you have to lengthen the rear drive shaft? What about adjusting the pinion angle?
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition
Mileage spreadsheet
Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition
Mileage spreadsheet
Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
-
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Before and After
Me likey! ![Drool =P~](./images/smilies/eusa_drool.gif)
![Drool =P~](./images/smilies/eusa_drool.gif)
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
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- I get chills without my van.
- Posts: 83
- Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:21 pm
- Location: Sanatoga P.A.
Re: Before and After
![Rock on! :supz:](./images/smilies/icon_super.gif)
![I am not worthy :prayer:](./images/smilies/icon_pray.gif)
SOLD and missing my 1995 Astro AWD 5 1/2 lift and 31 inch tires...
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- I sleep in my van
- Posts: 427
- Joined: Tue Dec 25, 2007 9:30 pm
- Location: Bowie, MD
- Contact:
Re: Before and After
Looks like the perfect stance...should have been offered as an option from GM...
From piggy to beefy....well done!
From piggy to beefy....well done!
1999 AWD Astro purchased January 2007
2" Overland Vans Lift Kit, Add-a-Leaf, Shackles, Torsion Bars Cranked 1"
AGM Deep Cycle Marine Battery w/Isolator
Helwig Rear Anti-Sway Bar
Auburn Gear Pro Series Limited-Slip Differential
BFG AT KO 235/75/15
Cragar Nomad I Wheels
Dearly Departed 1990 RWD Shorty owned since day one.
Sold Feb 2007 with 193k miles.
![Image](http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd32/kayaker29/DSC_5154-1.jpg)
2" Overland Vans Lift Kit, Add-a-Leaf, Shackles, Torsion Bars Cranked 1"
AGM Deep Cycle Marine Battery w/Isolator
Helwig Rear Anti-Sway Bar
Auburn Gear Pro Series Limited-Slip Differential
BFG AT KO 235/75/15
Cragar Nomad I Wheels
Dearly Departed 1990 RWD Shorty owned since day one.
Sold Feb 2007 with 193k miles.
![Image](http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd32/kayaker29/DSC_5154-1.jpg)
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- I finally get the smurf thing
- Posts: 140
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:45 pm
- Location: Quakertown PA
Re: Before and After
WOW, very nice! ![cheers! :cheers:](./images/smilies/smile_cheers.gif)
![cheers! :cheers:](./images/smilies/smile_cheers.gif)
99 Astro LS AWD. 200k. Overlands 2inch lift. No name 29inch LT tires.
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Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:57 pm
- Location: Blue Lake, Michigan
Re: Before and After
I had the rear set up another 1" with the adjustable hanger and that created a not-so-good looking pinion angle. The height it is now the angle looks to be acceptible. The angle doesn't look any worse than my white vans and that one has no issues. So far I've only driven it up and down the road by the fire barn but I don't feel any vibration. I wouldn't mind the shaft being a little longer though. With the longer travel shocks the axle can hang pretty low at full droop and alot of drive shaft is showing that isn't supposed to be if you know what I mean. I'll check things out more as the project continues.LiftedAWDAstro wrote:Looks great Steve!
With that much lift in the rear, did you have to lengthen the rear drive shaft? What about adjusting the pinion angle?
I still have to relocate the ball joints to the underside of the upper a-arms and get it aligned. I also need to put the frame struts on to stiffen up the chassis. I'm thinking of going with electric cooling fans to clean it up under the hood and some form of a custom air box. I'm open to suggestions on both of those ideas.
I might also make 1" taller engine mounts just to gain more oil pan and exhaust crossover clearance. I was thinking of doing it just to the engine mounts and leave the rear tranny one stock. That would improve the angle of the drive shaft to the rear but would increase the front driveshaft angle. Anyone try this idea yet or have any thoughts about it?
![Think :-k](./images/smilies/eusa_think.gif)
89 2WD, Gry/Slv, booster shocks & 235s, (sold)
92 AWD, Blu/Slv, +5, 31, 15x8 (The original lifted van)
93 2WD, Cargo, +5, 30, 15x7, G80 (sold)
94 AWD, Smurf Blu, +5/6, 235, Bumpers, Skid (sold)
96 AWD, Blu/Slv, +2, 235, (sold)
96 2WD, Wht/Blk, +8, 245, 16x7, G80, (4sale $2750)
98 AWD, Red/Blk, +6/7, 31, 15x8, G80, (Custom Bumper - Soon)
92 AWD, Blu/Slv, +5, 31, 15x8 (The original lifted van)
93 2WD, Cargo, +5, 30, 15x7, G80 (sold)
94 AWD, Smurf Blu, +5/6, 235, Bumpers, Skid (sold)
96 AWD, Blu/Slv, +2, 235, (sold)
96 2WD, Wht/Blk, +8, 245, 16x7, G80, (4sale $2750)
98 AWD, Red/Blk, +6/7, 31, 15x8, G80, (Custom Bumper - Soon)
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- I sleep in my van
- Posts: 724
- Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:07 pm
- Location: Mission Viejo, CA
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 3 times
Re: Before and After
Nice build you have going, more pics when ou get them please.
In the area of drive shaft length and pinion angle... I dealt with these issues when I lowered my '63 Falcon 3-4", but when I lifted my '98 Astro 2", I did not. The length did not seem affected and although I bought 2° pinion shims, i never used them. It just doesn't seem like it needs them. Granted, I never used an angle level, only "eyed" it up for whatever that's worth. Advice?
In the area of drive shaft length and pinion angle... I dealt with these issues when I lowered my '63 Falcon 3-4", but when I lifted my '98 Astro 2", I did not. The length did not seem affected and although I bought 2° pinion shims, i never used them. It just doesn't seem like it needs them. Granted, I never used an angle level, only "eyed" it up for whatever that's worth. Advice?
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles
K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
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Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:57 pm
- Location: Blue Lake, Michigan
Re: Before and After
An additional consideration I have regarding the driveshaft length is that I used the adjustable front hangers. They allow me to even go higher out back (high enough now) but they also move the axle back some to allow for more tire clearance at the front of the rear wheel arch. Before I designed them (OV) I used to have issues with 31's eating sheet metal and being eaten by it while hill climbing in the dunes, etc. The tire was so close to the front of the arch that under power they started to make contact. The new hangers solve that problem and allow for the chassis brace. The brace connects to the hanger and to the front subframe giving the subframe 4 more anchor points. The wheelbase increases slightly and the driveshaft could stand to be slightly longer.LaGrasta wrote:Nice build you have going, more pics when ou get them please.
In the area of drive shaft length and pinion angle... I dealt with these issues when I lowered my '63 Falcon 3-4", but when I lifted my '98 Astro 2", I did not. The length did not seem affected and although I bought 2° pinion shims, i never used them. It just doesn't seem like it needs them. Granted, I never used an angle level, only "eyed" it up for whatever that's worth. Advice?
BTW- I usually just "eye" in my angles too. A drive at highway speed usually will tell you if there is a issue anyway.
89 2WD, Gry/Slv, booster shocks & 235s, (sold)
92 AWD, Blu/Slv, +5, 31, 15x8 (The original lifted van)
93 2WD, Cargo, +5, 30, 15x7, G80 (sold)
94 AWD, Smurf Blu, +5/6, 235, Bumpers, Skid (sold)
96 AWD, Blu/Slv, +2, 235, (sold)
96 2WD, Wht/Blk, +8, 245, 16x7, G80, (4sale $2750)
98 AWD, Red/Blk, +6/7, 31, 15x8, G80, (Custom Bumper - Soon)
92 AWD, Blu/Slv, +5, 31, 15x8 (The original lifted van)
93 2WD, Cargo, +5, 30, 15x7, G80 (sold)
94 AWD, Smurf Blu, +5/6, 235, Bumpers, Skid (sold)
96 AWD, Blu/Slv, +2, 235, (sold)
96 2WD, Wht/Blk, +8, 245, 16x7, G80, (4sale $2750)
98 AWD, Red/Blk, +6/7, 31, 15x8, G80, (Custom Bumper - Soon)
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- I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
- Posts: 4379
- Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
- Location: New Haven, NY
Re: Before and After
If you go to an electric fan, grab one from a 3.8L equipped Taurus. I used one in the SPB and Lockdoc uses one in his 93 4x4 with a 305 V8. Bill has a DC Controls controller on his 93 and he wants to put one on the SPB instead of just having it on all the time. For the total cost that mod is very well worth it!
I never did the engine mount lift...just did a SAS and put a 3/16" steel skid plate under it.![maniac laugh :muhaha:](./images/smilies/smiley_aahi.gif)
I never did the engine mount lift...just did a SAS and put a 3/16" steel skid plate under it.
![maniac laugh :muhaha:](./images/smilies/smiley_aahi.gif)
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition
Mileage spreadsheet
Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition
Mileage spreadsheet
Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
-
- I sleep in my van
- Posts: 278
- Joined: Mon Oct 16, 2006 4:27 pm
- Location: Tampa, FL on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico
- Contact:
Re: Before and After
Very nice Firevan
congrats! Welcome to the Land of the Giants!!
![cheers! :cheers:](./images/smilies/smile_cheers.gif)
Jim<><
'99 Astro 4X2, (RIP) 4" Overland Lift, 31X10.50/15 BF Goodrich AT T/A KO,
Rancho RS5000 shocks, Rockford Fosgate RFX9000, Red Top Optima, K&N Filter
![Image](http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/9dawgs/BoatVansig-1.jpg)
'98 Astro 4X2 (SOLD)
'99 Astro 4X2, (RIP) 4" Overland Lift, 31X10.50/15 BF Goodrich AT T/A KO,
Rancho RS5000 shocks, Rockford Fosgate RFX9000, Red Top Optima, K&N Filter
![Image](http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/9dawgs/BoatVansig-1.jpg)
'98 Astro 4X2 (SOLD)
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- I sleep in my van
- Posts: 724
- Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 2:07 pm
- Location: Mission Viejo, CA
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 3 times
Re: Before and After
YES, I have this problem too, even on the street at times. The light turns green, I plunged the peddle and the KOs grind the front of the well. I'll have to check out these "hangers".FireVan wrote:An additional consideration I have regarding the driveshaft length is that I used the adjustable front hangers. They allow me to even go higher out back (high enough now) but they also move the axle back some to allow for more tire clearance at the front of the rear wheel arch. Before I designed them (OV) I used to have issues with 31's eating sheet metal and being eaten by it while hill climbing in the dunes, etc. The tire was so close to the front of the arch that under power they started to make contact. The new hangers solve that problem and allow for the chassis brace. The brace connects to the hanger and to the front subframe giving the subframe 4 more anchor points. The wheelbase increases slightly and the driveshaft could stand to be slightly longer.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles
K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
-
Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:57 pm
- Location: Blue Lake, Michigan
Re: Before and After
I just replaced the dark "after" picture in the first post with one from today. Here are a couple more pics. It's getting there.
![Image](http://www.astrosafari.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1697&g2_serialNumber=1)
![Image](http://www.astrosafari.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1699&g2_serialNumber=1)
89 2WD, Gry/Slv, booster shocks & 235s, (sold)
92 AWD, Blu/Slv, +5, 31, 15x8 (The original lifted van)
93 2WD, Cargo, +5, 30, 15x7, G80 (sold)
94 AWD, Smurf Blu, +5/6, 235, Bumpers, Skid (sold)
96 AWD, Blu/Slv, +2, 235, (sold)
96 2WD, Wht/Blk, +8, 245, 16x7, G80, (4sale $2750)
98 AWD, Red/Blk, +6/7, 31, 15x8, G80, (Custom Bumper - Soon)
92 AWD, Blu/Slv, +5, 31, 15x8 (The original lifted van)
93 2WD, Cargo, +5, 30, 15x7, G80 (sold)
94 AWD, Smurf Blu, +5/6, 235, Bumpers, Skid (sold)
96 AWD, Blu/Slv, +2, 235, (sold)
96 2WD, Wht/Blk, +8, 245, 16x7, G80, (4sale $2750)
98 AWD, Red/Blk, +6/7, 31, 15x8, G80, (Custom Bumper - Soon)
-
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2224
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
- Location: Elgin, IL
Re: Before and After
Thing looks good without the front bumper cover, think that might happen to Grumpy.
Aaron
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86