Tire choices w/ 5" lift

[97CargoCrawler]

I bought that tire carrier as well. I have yet to install it because it arrived BENT, and it didn't look hefty enough to support a 31" tire. I thought about welding on some additional mounting tabs. Then after looking at every cheap tire carrier in the world, I thought perhaps a Toyota FJ Cruiser carrier would work. It would mount to the center of the door, and could be reinforced with steel plates on the inside of the door. This could work with a Jeep carrier too. Neither would swing on its own though. My Land Cruiser has the swing away and its always been irritating having to unlatch it just to open the door!

VERY interested to see pix of your lift install. Sounds like having a pit crew is the best way to get the lift done on a weekend!

[T.Low]

I am really happy with the lift. Happy with the way it drives, looks, everything. Really glad I had my Bro In Law and his home shop. Finished everything Saturday, then Sunday we cleaned and organized his garage. Then I took the long way home.

So far I really like the tires. Probably drove 100 miles today. Quiet enough on the freeway. Soft enough. Like the look. Not as agressive as the BFG AT but more aggressive than most.

Hoist 'er up and lets get started.

Getting Started Yeah, I know, I get to clean and organize the whole garage when we're down. .jpg

[T.Low]

Will post more later on "Ultimate Shuttle RIg" thread when I can re size photos. Thanks everyone for all your help. Gonna leave my company truck in for an oil change and detail tomorrow and drive the Astro all day!

[97CargoCrawler]

Awesome rig! I see a nice tube bender there on your in-laws welding cart. Why not make a custom tire carrier, and rock rails, roof rack, tube bumpers, skid plate, roll cage, ...... I am very envious! Looks awesome! It's amazing how different and good it feels driving the van after the lift. I don't mean how it handles, but the feeling of confidence, superiority and all around bada$$ness!

[snapple]

That looks awesome!!
Did you have to do much trimming on your fenders?
Now I really can't wait for winter to get over now!
Look forward to the whole write up,It will have to tie me over til mines done!
Peace, Bill

[WVKayaker]

The van looks awesome. Congrats on a job well done!
And thanks for sharing the pics and info.

[dunedog]

Looks great! more pics
again garage out of the weather, I am soooo envious! with a lift !

[T.Low]

That looks awesome!!
Did you have to do much trimming on your fenders?
Now I really can't wait for winter to get over now!
Look forward to the whole write up,It will have to tie me over til mines done!
Peace, Bill

Thanks for all the great replies, guys.

Brother in Law suggested just trying the body lift in front with no torsion bar changes. Its very streetable but will not work off road with the 30" tires. I have the torsion keys, am searching for a spot in my shcedule for that. So the front will come up another inch or more.

In that case, I trimmed the front facial a bit ( I think it looks fine). Bottom mount on each side for the facia support bracket was trimmed away. Obviously created the need for additional facia support so we drilled another mounting hole into the very middle of the bumper, and that has snugged it up nice and tight. Bro has a converted "palm nailer-to-palm hammer" that he used on the back side of the front wheel wells. It didin't do much but it really didn't need much. Can't tell its been done, looks great.

Drove a couple of truck tracks in it and got 'er moving around and the back seems to be ok. Sent pics of my schakle angles to Overland Dan as he did let me know earlier that the new angle should be slight and not be too severe. I'm sure I'll hear back from him today.

With the new tires, I think it needs more cowbell. Soon I'll be immersed in the tech sections for more great advise on were to start with HP increase mods etc, but not quite yet.

Now I gotta git my arse to work! See ya.

[st4s]

Found this spare carrier and thought this might be ok if drilled high enough onto the door
so that the wheel can tilt just enough before touching the bumper to allow opening of the
upper (glass) part of the tailgate.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Item ... 0000168443

[astrozam]

That last pic says it all,nice job

[canadavan]

That looks really good. Man, I want one of those...

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Looks AWESOME!!!!

For more power look to doing a gear swap ASAP. Go to 4.10's and you will be very happy with performance and power.

[phr1$k37]

More photos! Looks good

[T.Low]

Looks AWESOME!!!!

For more power look to doing a gear swap ASAP. Go to 4.10's and you will be very happy with performance and power.

I think 4:10 is a logical next step. What change does that have on mpg? I wouldn't be suprised if it stays the same due to increased efficiency.

The Subaru guy about broke his neck doing a double take at the Astro this morning. The VW Vanagon guy was not happy that the Astro totally outscored him on the Cool-O-Meter. The bicycle guy almost hit a lamp post, he was looking so long. I couldn't help it when a guy asked me what it was, I said its a 3/4 ton 4x4 Astro. Lots of smiles, a few thumbs up. I just drove around most of the day. Didn't have time to get on the computer.

[T.Low]

Last one.