lifting a 91 AWD Tiger

[LiftedAWDAstro]

So on to questions (finally)
REAR:
Atlas will add a couple leafs (or make all new) and get me the lift in the rear, maybe adding a block? Do I want to use a shackle for offset or just have them make me a set of leafs and bolt directly? Pros/cons?

I would get the proper leafs whether it be adding 2 or 3 more until you get the correct height based on your fully loaded weight. Try not to get 1 single HD overload as you will lose flex when off-road. It will also ride rougher. Skip the axle blocks completely unless you are going to use it as a traction bar at the same time. If the block is done wrong, the thin axle tubes and axle mount ears will rip out and the axle will rotate, destroying at the minimum your rear u-joint. Skip the shackle as you may/may not get vibrations. Properly built leafs will take care of the lift. You can also get them made to center the rear axle better. If you just lift a normal M/L van 4", the axle will sit about 1/2" - 3/4" forward of the wheel well center. New leafs can be made with the center bolt back 1/2" to correct this.

FRONT:
I’m not a fan of subframe spacers but after looking at this install of the 2” OV kit, I’m not opposed to doing that.
http://chevroletforum.com/forum/astro-d ... ans-25553/

My spacer bushings are hard and cracked they were on the list for destruction anyhow. But I’m not sure I can even do larger spacers because of the attachment of the Tiger coach. I’m digging thru SnoDrtRider’s thread for the home-brew approach, great info!

The 2" blocks are a perfect way to get room for the 29 - 30" tires you have as well as making normal engine maintenance much easier! You can actually get to the throttle body as well as plugs, wires, cap and rotor easier too. Since the body mount bushings are hard and cracked, I would look at replacing them with new ones while doing the job. Get a 90 - 95 2WD Astro/Safari intermediate steering shaft off E-bay or from a junk yard.

Have a call in to Gerald for the torsion keys – does ANYBODY else make a re-indexed key for the long arm Astros?

Please skip the keys unless you really NEED the extra lift. You will be replacing idler arms after every off-road expedition if you go too steep on the angles.

FRONT SHOCKS:
I know that Rancho 5000 is what OV sells with their kit. Not a fan of the Ranchos. Any other good options? Clearance in the front seems pretty tight, based on the install of the Bilsteins not sure what I can squeeze in there.

I just got KYB's and don't think they are any better than Rancho's. From what has been said on here, the Bilsteins are the way to go. I personally like Rancho's.

GEARING:
For a 4” lift (if I can get that), what is suggested for re-gearing front/rear. My drivetrain is definitely struggling already, don’t want to add to the problem.

Definitely 4.11's minimum. There won't be much difference going from your current 3.73's. Since you are pushing 3 tons almost, I might consider 4.56's as long as you are not hammering on it when off road. The pinions will become the weak point due to the small diameter head and smaller contact patch on the gears. You can easily modify the DRAC (search it here) to compensate for tire and gear changes.

[suntinez]

Many thanks, what a great site

Ordering parts now - blocks/bolts/steering ext/leaf corrections - will check back in. Still pondering shocks, relocation or TBD new ones.

[1Gary]

Linda,
The honest answer to any mod is your always going to have to pay to play.One of the attractive features of the Tigers as a motor home is the outstanding gas mileage you get as long as it is tuned right.Now I know first hand how anyone can get wrapped up in a mod and all I try to do(not raining on anyone's parade) is get whoever is doing the mod to make that decision with the end result in mind.So that said,with larger tires there is a chance your going to give up some of that gas mileage.The 4.56's for off roading,well,ok,but I would suggest those wouldn't be too good for cruising on a LA freeway.And yet those would help offset the increase tire sizes.So that kind of decision is what I am talking about beyond just the costs of the mod.What are you giving up as a trade off to the mod for the long term??.As long as your good to go with that,then have at it and I am hoping you post a build thread with pictures as you have so far. =D>

[suntinez]

Got the rear up, these 6+1 springs >should< hold the weight when loaded. Atlas Springs warrantied their labor, and only charged me for parts on the rebuild. One of the leafs on the left is heavier gauge to compensate for the left rear lean because of all the coach stuff and gas tank. Waiting on parts to do the front.

Here's the beef:


I actually like this stance, but I can't see cars directly behind me through the rear window. Now I'm at 31.75/32/34/34.25 - that's with empty holding tanks, 1/2 tank of gas. It should settle some.




The front angle has improved considerably.


The center-center shock measurement on the driver side is 20.5", passenger side is 22". This seems like a large difference, not sure if this was a change courtesy of Provan but it doesn't look like any new holes in the frame. Maybe all astros have this difference?

I realize these shocks (Fox 980-24-031-A) are overkill, but it was fun and got a great price on them.

[T.Low]

Wow. That is the phashizzle!


How is the ride, has it changed much?


Edit: I need to add a major effing OMG!

[suntinez]

Thanks T, it's riding better than ever. Smooth handling in the turns, and it feels good. No more porpoising.

It's a little squirrely up front still since idler arms/draglink replacement, thinking because I haven't done an alignment yet, was waiting until all the changes are in to do that.

I still have rubbing up front on bumps/curbs when turning (esp on right). Cranked the stock torsions to max to squeeze in the tires and trimmed 1.5" of metal and plastic off the rear of the wheel well. Torsions have settled some, found more shredded plastic last night so trimmed it again. Does fine fast on bumps as long as the wheels aren't turned.

Will break out the hammer soon for some feel-good thumping of the wheelwells. Or maybe I'll be patient and wait for my spacers to come in.

Taking it offroad a bit this weekend, we'll see. Trying to test it without damaging new rubber is tricky.

[astrozam]

Good stuff! glad it worked out for you, looks much better...

[doyoulikeithere]

I Love it ! So will your dog...

[MountainManJoe]

Looks good.

[1Gary]

Well done.Sure looks nice. =D>

[doyoulikeithere]

Those new leaf springs looked like really heavy duty units !!! Nice
I could see in one of the 'Before' pictures where the back tires had rubbed the top of the wheelwell shiney.
and those old leaf springs were just about as hosed out as possibly could be
Its good to see it getting all beefed up again...

When you put some 2" blocks up front, it will be totally Awesome! and you might like a bush bumper for it.

[suntinez]

I’ve been meaning to finish this thread, you guys were great in helping me sort it all out.

I added the 2” spacers from OLV in front and the steering extension – no surprises, everything went in easy. Make sure the steering extension is seated snug up against the gearbox, otherwise you'll get the same pop-popping I did until I found the problem. So a little tedious, but overall easy.

None of the rumors I'd heard about not being able to do this because of the Tiger coach turned out to be true. It sits level, and drives like a dream.





I wound up keeping the bushings that were there, they look a little cracked on the outside but were perfect inside.



So from the time I got it until this point, up a net 9” in the rear and 5” in the front. And it handled better than ever, a night and day difference from when I got it.





But then I sold it, and got another Tiger – this time one on the F250 platform. Here they are together.

On the day they met -




And the day they parted –





So I’m fresh out of Astros, but I know where to come for help now. This is a great site! Thanks much.

[doyoulikeithere]

Wow, such an awesome rig !!! OMFG! but a bittersweet kinda ending?
Did you point the lucky new owner to the site?
I bet the long style torsion bars will break soon if it still has the long style.
You might wanna have a good look at your new Furd.
If Tiger left such wimpy rear leaf springs in the astro , I hope they didnt do the same...
but now you know some good spring builders

[maestro]

Wow, kick-a$$ rig, very nice! Do you remember what size rubber you were running?

[suntinez]

Thanks. They are Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Pro 225/75/16 load range E. I wanted the higher load range because of the added weight and frequent offroad trips, and went to 16" rims because nothing in 15" rims was available. It's my new favorite tire, I put them on the Ford Tiger too - they've handled great in every terrain so far.

The Ford leafs are extra-beefy (1500lb rating over GVW) , no need for anything there. The new owner is aware of this site, he may pop up sometime.