lift- do you really need new keys?

[dilly]

to crank the torsion bars. or is it like gm trucks, were you can usually get 1.5"/2" with the stock keys

[lockdoc]

You will get up to 2" with the stock keys. The new keys give you a bit more. But in the end that type of lift just just gives you a stiff ride, less articulation and severe front alignment angles.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I agree with Lockdoc. The stock keys will give you more than enough lift of the control arms. As it is, you will go through idlers and ball joints a lot faster with a lot of lift by way of the torsion bars.

[dilly]

thanks for the replys, i'm just wondering if i should get the 4-5" overland kit or just some 2" spacers,steering shaft,new spring hangers(i have composite springs) and some 3" leafsprings then crank the bars an inch. i think i'm only gonna run 235's

[Astrophysics]

The front torsion bar keys are originally intended to allow the vehicle to be leveled from left to right.

I have a 2003 Astro AWD drive. I have air shocks in the rear.
I may get rid of the air shocks and install the Air Lift springs.

I am thinking about ordering the 2 inch lift kit from Overland Vans.
I am running 225/70-16 BFG T/A KO LT rated (load range C) tires with the stock Astro.
Does anyone have recent experience with ordering from Overland?

Can you just use Mastercard and do an on line order?

How many weeks does it take for the 2 inch lift kit to be shipped ?

thanks,

Astrophysics

[lockdoc]

When I order from Dan at Overland I email him first, tell him what I want and ask him to send me a paypal invoice. Then I pay from that invoice. This way I know he is actually around and ready to work with me.

[WVKayaker]

I ordered my 2" lift kit and bumper relocation kit on line and they sent me an acknowledgement e-mail. Took less than a week to receive the goods.

[rlsllc]

Quick question: Can you crank the bars to compensate for adding a V8 without the other problems, and is it enough with stock keys to get back to stock height with a V8?

Sorry if this is a thread jack.

[dilly]

no problem about the jacking, i cant imagine the v8 weighing too much more. i'm sure you'll be fine if you can get 2" out of the stock keys . one more question about the overland 3" leaf springs, will the rear end be off center? or is it the lift shackles that do that?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

The rear axle will be slightly off center even with the add-a-leaf. The reason for this is that we are taking leaf springs from a basically flat arch to a slightly curved arch. Basically the distance between the front leaf eye and the center pin gets shorter with more lift. This can be remedied by installing a set of OLV's performance spring hangers or modifying the original hangers such that the leaf spring mounting hole is centered.