Recommendations for 2-3" Lift? - 92 Astro AWD EXT

[x92560]

What brand/model of lift kit do you recomend for a 1992 Astro AWD EXT? I would like to go up 2-3". I have never done a lift kit before. Is there anything else that needs to be done besides installing the kit? Do the shocks need to be swapped to something different then OEM length?

[MountainManJoe]

Yes longer shocks are required, unless you move the mounts.

There are plenty of threads on lifting in the forum. Have a look around and let us know if you still have any questions.

[x92560]

Thanks for the info. I will dig around and see what I can find. I am having the oil pan replaced and since they are dropping the front axle I decided to look into getting a lift. I guess I will be holding off on the lift though since my shocks are relatively new. No sense in tossing them in the trash right now.

[Astrophysics]

Hi,
Overland Vans has 2" lift kit.
Also, look at Journeys Off Road.

AP

[MountainManJoe]

I guess I will be holding off on the lift though since my shocks are relatively new. No sense in tossing them in the trash right now.

I was in the exact same situation when I put in my lift. I managed to fetch a good price for the original shocks on Craigslist.

Mind you, having the front axle out doesn't really help with the lift. Unless you're doing something really drastic.

[Mmusicman]

Front "body lift" does not affect the front subframe, drive-train, and suspension.. it only raises the body up from the subframe. Stock front shocks are unaffected since they are only mounted to the subframe and not the body. No change.

2" of rear lift is not that much... and "may not" require rear shocks. Rear shocks typically have quite of travel.. 2" offset is not going to fully extend them. Overall fully extended travel will only be reduced by 2". You can try and see if they work for you.

[doyoulikeithere]

Somewhere on this site is a thread about a guy who modified the rear shock mount to simply shorten them up by 2" , Thus giving better ground clearance under the axle, as well as maintaining the original shocks. Shouldnt be to hard to find the thread and the mod is pretty simple for most mechanics.

[doyoulikeithere]

the best rear 2" lift is simple, swap in S10 leaf springs.

[x92560]

I have the rear body up some with the monroe coil over shocks. I really want to get the oil pan higher is why I am looking into lifting. I don't want to go too high though. I still want the van to be decent on the highway. If I could go 2-3" front and rear I'd be happy. Now I realise though after doyoulikeithere above posts that a lift will still leave my axles low. I could deal with that. The oil pan has to go up and then raise the back to match.

When I started this thread I didn't realise there were so many options and thing to consider. I have the van going in for to get the oil pan replaced after ripping it on a rock on the trail. I figured since it was going to the mechanic I would have them toss a lift on it if it was something quick. Looks like I will need to do more studying first.

[Astrophysics]

Hi,
You can build a 1/8" or 3/16" thick aluminum skid plate to protect oil pan.
Also, get taller tires like 235/75-15 to increase ground clearance.
You may need to trim plastic trim around wheel wells and front bumper trim.

AP