Overland Vans 4-5" lift for '85-'94 install

[snapple]

Well as the title states,this is my lift kit install thread! I ordered my kit from Overland Vans.I'll go over some of the main steps and instructions that Dan included with the kit,with photos.I thought I took more pics,but I guess I got so involved with the job that I didn't snap as many as I thought! So if anyone would like any more detailed pics that aren't here,let me know and I'll add it or send it to you.Anyways on with the install!
I started with the replacement of the rear composite monoleaf springs.The photo below shows how they start to fray over time.This past winter I noticed a significant amount of rear sag!

Following pics are of rear spring removal and a comparison shot.



A quick note on the drivers side spring hanger.You either have to drop the gas tank or cut the spring hangers bolts to get the old one out!I dropped the tank.You can mount the new hanger bolts from the other side,but I mounted mine back the same way so Dean can mount a bracket for the rock rails he built for me.

A few pics of the new heavy duty springs installed!



I then moved to the front for the body lift blocks.Pretty straightforward stuff here.Need to disconnect shift linkage from tranny.Also need to add,once blocks are in and reconnecting shift linkage.The directions and my factory service manual wrongly state that park is all the way forward.My FSM even shows a pic & diagrahm of it this way.In fact its the exact opposite.Thought that if I included this info,it might save someone a little aggravation.I did this whole job solo,and made a few trips back and forth under the van.Before I realized it had to be wrong! Okay back to the lift blocks.Remove the 6 subframe bolts,and install lift blocks with new longer subframe bolts.Easy right?It only took me about a day to complete!
The front drivers side subframe bolt was spinning!I had to cut an access hole in the radiator support pillar next to the headlight to get on the other end!I purposely didn't take any pics of this,because I made a mess of it!
A couple pics of the lift blocks installed...


After installing the lift blocks it was necessary to trim the lower fan shroud for fan clearance.Also had to replace the intermediate steering shaft with a longer one supplied with the kit.Sorry no pics of the steering shaft change.


I didn't change the torsion keys with the hi lift keys that come with the kit(yet anyways).I maxed out my stock ones,the front end sits about a inch lower than the rear with the new springs. Currently happy with this setup.I also got the rear shock relocation tabs to give the axle a cleaner look and also add more ground clearance.However,there not welded in yet,my buddy's going to weld them up soon I hope!I'll post some pics once done.I also bought a bumper with grille guard from Overlands,so the bumper relocation step wasn't necessary for me.I plan to do a seperate post on the new bumper and front end mods in the near future.
Here's some pics of the dreaded fender trimming...
Wasn't to bad actually with a grinder and a cutting wheel.I've never used one and managed just fine.



This pic shows how I was cautiously nipping pieces on the drivers side fender(pile on right of grinder).The other side went much quicker,as you can see by the pile on the left!

Here's a couple shot's lift complete with my new BFGoodrich All-Terrain 31x10.50's!


This project was a long time coming!Ever since I first seen pics of the SPB and Overlands website.The past week I've been loving just cruising!I love the looks and double takes my van gets now!Have gotten many comments seems every time I stop for gas!
Well hope you guys like it!Any questions?I'll do my best to answer!
Peace, Bill

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Looks AWESOME Bill! Can't wait to see it at NECO!

[WVKayaker]

Awesome....I like the wheel choice too....congrats!

[astrozam]

I'm diggin the lift, the info and the pics. Nice job Bill, now the rock rails Dean built for ya look like they belong on there.

These vans were meant to be lifted, they look 10X better

[lockdoc]

Sweet!

[97CargoCrawler]

Awesome job dude!

How does your steering feel with those tires on?

[T.Low]

It really looks great. I like the color combo's and the wheels with the colors of the van. Its a brute.

How is your rear shackle angle on the springs? Is it close to the frame, or is it only at a slight angle?

Wish I could meet you guys at NECO but its just a we bit too far from the Northwest corner of the country.



The vans certainly get the looks when lifter. My favorite looks are the guys in the Vangaons who, you can tell, feel a little upstaged or something.

Looks great, well done.

[97CargoCrawler]

If you happen to notice any vibrations from the driveshaft due to the shackles, I can tell you that the 4 degree shims I put below my leaf packs solved that problem completely. Now it has a nice smooth acceleration from a complete stop, I don't feel any vibes that weren't there from before the lift. I know at first the vibration seems like something you can live with, but after a while it gets annoying.

Just curious.....How you gonna mount those rear shock tabs with the sway bar bolted to the top of the axle? Will you take it off or weld the brackets parallel to the ground? I welded mine on top of the axle.....but to be honest I didn't read the instructions! I think it will work either way. I measured both position out and it made minimal difference in shock extension length.

[dunedog]

Nice,love the color combo.....bring some before pics to NECO

[snapple]

Thanks for the compliments everyone!
97CargoCrawler: Steering feels good,on sharp turns it sticks for a moment in one spot.
No real noticeable vibrations.Biggest thing I notice is the initial acceleration loss!Next investment will be changing over to 4.10 gearing.Besides the toolbox I'm buying from Dean at NECO! Currently don't have the rear sway bar installed,but it doesn't look like it will be an issue with the shock tabs.
T.Low: Rear shackle is at a slight angle,if I'm understanding your question correctly.I'm really happy with the color combo too,I bought the rims almost a year ago!Now I need to clean up the frame with some flat black or something,rust looks nasty!I have some body & paint work also.It was a rough winter,way to much salt! I have a matching spare,and am still working on a spare tire carrier that should debut sometime mid-summer.Once I get Deans toolbox installed.I can fine tune my bed ideas!
Dunedog: I originally wanted to post some before pics with this thread.But all my previous pics are currently stranded on my other computer!I'm terrible at backing stuff up! Working on reclaiming my files from that pc this week sometime.
Look forward to meeting as many of you guys as possible at NECO!

[stomp13]

Looks great! thanks for the write up. I really like the black wheels. They work well with how your van is painted. From light gray/silver on top, to darker on the body then black wheels.

[jmoney]

I had to also chime in with great paint /wheel combo!

Quick question about your rear sway bar...
Did you notice a handling improvement after installing?
And have you reinstalled it since the lift and shock relocation?
I too am doing an OV lift kit and shock relocation and hadn't considered the sway bar because of shock tabs.

Thanks!
John

[T.Low]

Thanks to jmoney for bringin your thread back to the top, I just realized you said you did not use the high lift torsion bar keys. Why not?

Are you afraid of ball joint issues while wheeling?

[Moreforles]

I like the stance, the front wheel looks a little close to the back of the front fender though.

I like the black rims, with chrome lugs and center, topped off with raise white letters......

when it was all said and done.... would you do it again, or pay someone else to do it for you...?

[WVKayaker]

What's your average MPG now?
I dropped 4 MPG going to 29" BFG's...