Just finished a lift

[jmschilling]

I am new here and after reading several "lift" posts decided to do a 4" lift on my '96 2WD. Used pucks on the body and stock S-10 springs in the rear. Did the spacer thing on the fan shroud - however, no one has said anything about replacement of the power steering hose that gets stretched to the limit, nor anything about how the air intake assembly no longer fits properly onto the throttle body or the airbox. What do you guys do in those situations?

[97CargoCrawler]

I dunno about power steering lines but the oil cooler lines and perhaps the tranny cooler lines get stretched a bit. If they were already leaking or were badly deteriorated they will start to leak pretty bad. I rebuilt mine. I have a thread on here somewhere showing how I did it.

The rear brake hose from body to axle can also get pulled to the max. You can undo the bolt holding the line or get a longer line.

Why spacers? That's prolly why your shit don't fit no more. I just cut the bottom of the shroud off and everything stays right where it should be. :-k

Congrats on finishing the lift...where's the PIX?

[jmschilling]

Spacers on the shroud has nothing to do with stretching the power steering hose. No the hoses were not leaking and still do not leak. The rear brake hose also does not leak and is not stretched because I did unbolt the clamp. If no one answers this questioin, I guess I will just have to look for full size van or pu that would use longer hoses. In addition, if I do not remount the airbox back onto the top of the shroud, it seems to be ok, just crappy looking. Will post pics when my blackberry gets fixed.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

If you pull the lower shroud and trim it rather than spacers, the airbox fits better. As for power steering hoses, on the AWD's it isn't an issue. You may be able to loosen the fittings and swing the hose to a more comfortable position.

[photo_van]

does this mean 4" pucks? Seems like that could stretch some things?

I extended the brake line mount on the rear axle to take care of the rear brake line stretch at full travel.

[jmschilling]

OK, I must not be as smart as some other people on this site. Please explain how, if the upper half of the shroud is stationary and that is where the air box mounts, with the body and subsequently the shroud move up 4 inches from stock position, how can the airbox fit better by cutting the bottom of the lower half? I understand that on the AWD, the PS hose may not be an issue, but has no one ever lifted a 2WD Astro Van 4" and ran into these issues?

[97CargoCrawler]

How about a little more info on what you used to lift the van 4" in the front.

I have a 2WD...so nope...I have not had those issues. Nothing other than what I already mention and how to fix.

[jmschilling]

4" pucks or 4" weld on tubes, what would be the difference, both are 4", both move the body up 4", both stretch the PS hose. Trans cooler lines are OK, brake lines are OK, radiator lines are OK, wiring is OK, AC lines are OK, trans shifter arm is OK, top half of fan shroud remains stationary if bottom half is cut, top half remains stationary, if bottom half is spaced lower with longer bolts and spacers, the top remains stationary, therefore, in either manner, the top half remains stationary and the airbox no longer sits flush as in the stock position. Does everyone purchase aftermarket KN airtubes and aircleaners? As far as the PS hose, from what make and model vehicle's PS hose is used?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I now understand...we all thought you used the standard 4" lift using 2" body lift not 4". Going with a 4" BL you need to modify a lot more. Just modify the airbox to fit or pick something from the junk yard that will work. Same on the PS line.

[jmschilling]

K, that is what I assumed, just thought someone could give guidance as to which vehicle to get a PS hose from rather than searching. Thanks for the input.

[doyoulikeithere]

Just my 2 cents...
If you did lift the body 4", I hope you also installed a longer steering shaft, or you may get a big surprise one day...
As for the PS hose, have you tried to loosen the fitting and re-align the hose for a more relaxed fit?
Regarding the Air Box filter that now sits 4 inches higher from the engine, Ya, Maybe one of those 'cold air' tube and cone filters is the best solution, if you cant find a way to extend the stock tube to the airbox. (A short bit of plastic tube would do the trick to extend it.)

Good Luck !

PICTURES

[jmschilling]

Steering shaft was cut and lenthened so that at least 3" fits into the receiver. I will probably have to use a PS line from a 1500 with 4.3 cuz I have a Hydro Boost system. Or, I could custom build a new line using Aeroquip fittings like on race cars and custom bikes for the oil lines etc. Plastic tube comes in 4" ID, the throttle body is 3 5/8 od. If I can find another piece that clamps onto the throttle body, I may use 4" pvc extension between the two pieces and then the intake tube would be at the same height as the top of the shroud.

[jmschilling]

Forget spending my weekends searching for a PS hose that will fit. Simply cut the top steel line, put in 3/8" compression fittings and a 4" piece of copper tubing. Problem solved. Also, relocate the power steering resevoir unit lower on the firewall so there is no need to extend the large hose. Pop the airbox off of the top fan shroud and leave the unit connected to the throttle body. Problem solved.