Chevy & GMC Vans

What's the difficulty level of doing the 2" lift on an AWD? I really don't think I need 4", just want enough room for some tougher tires. The 235/75/16 size has a lot of tires available that would be a lot tougher than the stock 215/70/16 but I don't think they'll go with out some lift. Looking at overlands kit, it doesn't look like too much of an effort. I'm pretty capable mechanically and have a good place to work.

Never mind, found this LINK that explains everything..

235/75 size tires are around 29.9" in diameter.

Just to give you an idea of what to expect ... I have the 2" body pucks, and I've cranked up the torsion bars all the way, and my 30x9.5 tires (actual diameter is 29.35") still rub. And that's after chopping away some of the inner fender too. The 235/75's are only 9.25" wide so you might be a a little better off.

What I'm trying to say is, if you get something just a little shorter, you may save yourself a lot of trouble. Just like lumber, the sizes stamped on the tire walls aren't very accurate. Look at the manufacturer sizing charts, and you might be able to find something in the 28.75-29.0" range.

a 235/70R16 tire should fit nicely with 2" lift. If needed you can always turn the torsion bars up to gain more lift up front. I turned mine 6 or 7 turns to bring the front up so it's closer to level.

After looking at tires and diameters, I agree the 235/70/16 would be much better for me. My van also has those fancy plastic skirts around it to cause more clearance grief. Not sure what it would take to undress it. Any ideas?

Does the cladding take up space inside the wheel well? I would just wait until you get the tires and then see if it becomes an issue.

arlon wrote:My van also has those fancy plastic skirts around it to cause more clearance grief. Not sure what it would take to undress it. Any ideas?

well, I happened to be 1/2 way through pulling the cladding off a van. a few screws, a few of the plastic christmas tree type things (under the rockers) and a TON of double sided tape, possible there's more than a ton LOL

because i'm pulling the cladding off one van to use it on another van, I'm taking my time and trying not to damage or kink or wreck the cladding. pulling the drivers side alone took me a good 3hrs and some pretty sore hands.

if you're not reusing it and don't care about wrecking it, it'd go way faster.

only thing to be aware of is that you will need to find the front fender corner caps to install once you take off the one cladding piece that runs from the front wheel well along under the driver and passenger doors. just look at a van with no cladding and you'll see what you need. they'll probably also need to be modified too for clearance anyway. better to ask one of the lift guys about that one though

these things..

I'm pretty set on trying 235/70/16 tires that are 29" tall. As it sits there would just possibly be enough room for them with maybe 1/4" of clearance. Cladding might just need a trim and a little reshaping from a heat gun on the corners to be safe. Ordered the 2" lift stuff so I'll do that first then get the tires and see what's in the way and what isn't.

I installed OLV 2" lift a few months ago and 235/70-16 tires (29.2") on my '04 AWD. Probably need to trim the front bumper cover some and depending on the condition of your leaf springs, you may get some rear rubbing on acceleration or with load. I ended up installing add-a-leaf springs in the rear to restore some arch and spring height (added an additional approximate 1 1/2" over the OLV shackles) and cranked torsion bars some more for additional lift in front.

Stroverlander wrote:I installed OLV 2" lift a few months ago and 235/70-16 tires (29.2") on my '04 AWD. Probably need to trim the front bumper cover some and depending on the condition of your leaf springs, you may get some rear rubbing on acceleration or with load. I ended up installing add-a-leaf springs in the rear to restore some arch and spring height (added an additional approximate 1 1/2" over the OLV shackles) and cranked torsion bars some more for additional lift in front.

Thanks for the reply on the setup I plan to use. Tires I'm looking at (goodyear silent armor) measure 29" according to tire rack. At least I know it's doable. I'm also adding air bags and can probably gain a little with those if I have to have it.