Never got a response and subsequently did it on my own.įirst off I'll cover the parts you need to buy.įront lift. Invoice me and I will send you the money. I got to the point where I felt my questions were answered so in my last email I said ok I'm ready to do it. I had observed mixed reactions regarding levels of service and when I e-mailed back and forth with the retailer the communication was a bit inconsistent. I didn't want to mess around and thought it would be easier to have a combo that was proven to work all from one supplier. I started off by doing a ton of research on this site and a lift kit retailer and had decided to just buy the kit and call it a day. Airedale, Spencer, 8 months old, Priceless. Transfer case and electronics $120, craigslist. Wheels are Hummer H3, $200 for 5, Craigslist. The tires are Canadian Tire Goodyear Wrangler Territories in 235/85-16, $167ea. In fact I bought a transfer case and the related electronics before I found the van.gotta work now, more info tonight!įront subframe spacers underway, 3" aluminum round stock, metal supermarket, gotta check the receipt, but I think it was less than $50. I spent probably an honest 10 to 12 hours researching this project before I even bought the van. I've yet to sit down in front of my computer so here's another post from my phone. Result? Almost 5 inches of lift all around for just over $300 plus my own labour. That combination should provide you with a lot of safe reliable off-road exploring and not break the bank.Compliments of Marktainium When you get an uneasy feeling before you place an order from a retail supplier sometimes it's better to do more research and do it yourself. You can also change gear ratios much more easily with the 2WD version, if you decide you want to go with the 3.73 ratio. Unless you think you are really in need of the AWD, get the 2WD, add a moderate 2-3" lift, buy good larger tires and put in a limited-slip rear diff. If you get in so far to get stuck when in 4WD, you have nothing in reserve to help get you unstuck. With the 4WD conversion T/C, you can drive in 2WD over 90% of the time, then if you feel the need or get stuck, use 4WD, or even 4WD-LO range, to get yourself out. The stock, electrically shifted, transfer cases seem to be less reliable, and my not work when needed. My feeling is the best combination for moderte off road use is:Īn AWD van, with the 4WD conversion T/C,for off-road activities. The AWD has some advantages, but it can also get you into places you would not even want to go with a 2WD, before allowing you to get stuck. I see some lift as a necessity for larger tires. On a non-lifted van, you cannot go much larger on tires without rubbing. The lift only raises the body off the subframe and higher above the rear axle.įuel economy probably is much worse with the excessive lift and large tires ( and worse if you have the 3.42 gear ratio), as well as more wear on front end parts with the lift, How often is that extra height going to be a factor?Īpproach and departure angles are definitely improved with any lift. On the lifted AWD vans, the front and rear diff's, engine, transmission, and most of the suspension is still at about the same height off the ground ( front suspension and rear axle ground clearance is only changed by larger tire diameters). IMHO, a 7" lift is pretty radical, and difficult to justify. So any thoughts, ideas, stories, direction and guidance would be greatly appreciated. Whether the lifted is worth the extra $ depends on how the 3 questions above are answered. The other one is a 99 RWD with larger tires but not lifted with 243,000 miles. One is an 03 that has a 7" Journeys Off Road lift and a rebuilt transmission with about 60K on it. They just go with taller tires and be smart about when and where they go. I've read that some prefer the higher ground clearance (not lifted) of the RWD to the AWD. Will having a lifted van (RWD or AWD) be of any real use for the above scenario?ģ. Would an AWD Astro allow at least some leeway in that area?Ģ. But I would like to not be as limited going forward regarding when and where I can go. Knowing where to not go and when not to go play a big part in having kept me out of binds. Will having AWD be of any real use? I've had many 2wd trucks, and with the right tires have never had problems. And this is where my questions come in:ġ. So equipping it for off-grid is a priority. I am looking to use the Astro for dual purposes: Daily driver and van-camping (weekends mostly but maybe a week long trip at some point) But the camping will be remote, as in BLM land, National Forests, etc. I am new here and have tried to find a similar thread but had no luck-so going the noob route and sticking my hand up to ask a question.
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