Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

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Topic author
Ben_R
I am smitten with my van
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Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by Ben_R »

Hi guys.

I'm looking to lower the van to help improve the handling and just wanted to ask which kits were best? The van is fitted with a Hellwig 7811 Rear Sway Bar and Hellwig 7556 Front Sway Bar, are any known problems with parts fouling if aftermarket sway bars are fitted?

For the front I'm looking at only using Belltech 2700 2" Drop Spindles.

For the rear I am looking at either the DJM FK1027-97 or Belltech 6302. Can I keep the stock leaf springs with these kits and just replace the rear shocks?

If I need to replace the rear shocks what should I get? Are the 1900 Calmax SuperShox as recommended on DJM's website any good?

Topic author
Ben_R
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 45
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:05 pm

Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by Ben_R »

Anyone? :-k

How about using Western Chassis Lowering Leaf Springs 951002 instead of the DJM FK1027-97 or Belltech 6302 rear flip kits? Would I need to replace the rear shocks if only changing the leaf springs?

Topic author
Ben_R
I am smitten with my van
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Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:05 pm

Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by Ben_R »

Anyone able to impart some knowledge? :poke:

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Where the heck are the lowering guys? I would help but I go up instead! :muhaha:
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

Topic author
Ben_R
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 45
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:05 pm

Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by Ben_R »

LiftedAWDAstro wrote:Where the heck are the lowering guys? I would help but I go up instead! :muhaha:
There was me [-o< I'd got a reply :D

Topic author
Ben_R
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 45
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:05 pm

Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by Ben_R »

Where are the guys who have lowered their vans?

40+ views and no advice or help :cry:

Topic author
Ben_R
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 45
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:05 pm

Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by Ben_R »

Bump :yellin:

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

I can't answer about the leaf springs but will tell you, if you bring the axle closer to the body (lowering the van), you will need shorter shocks or you will probably bottom out the stockers and either destroy the ride or shock or both.

Since we can't get a lowered guy to answer, are any of the leaf spring kits made in the USA? If so, I would start there! :D
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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1Gary
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by 1Gary »

Flip axles result in the same old thing where the bodies's sub frame hits.Not enough room.The way to get in the weeds is by back haft'ing it with 2 x 3 rear frame rails and coilovers. Or by using a IRS vett rear end. For a driver the IRS is the best option. Do a search for user Rebel who did this on his van or pm him for details.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY

Topic author
Ben_R
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 45
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:05 pm

Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by Ben_R »

Cheers guys, I'll drop him a pm.

I'm not looking to slam it, just looking to shave a couple of inches off the ride hight.

Rebel
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Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by Rebel »

Pm sent
89 Astro, 350 V-8, Shaved doors, Filled Slider, Corvette IRS, 94 Mustang GT Rack & Pinion(Thanks to Skip), Cad Tail lights from SoCalliV8 ( RIP) Miss you my friend.

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Astro-SS-V8
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Re: Lowering A RWD '96 Safari

Post by Astro-SS-V8 »

I haven't lowered any with steel springs , but I like the DJM flip kit over the Belltech kit , the rear shackles give you three options for the springs to bolt to , giving you adjustability . I have Belltech sway bars front spindles and rear with DJM's flipkit . No problems with other parts failing . It really improves handling and driveability in windy conditions , especially following big trucks with all the buffering of air behind them . I recommend you using the sway bars . Just my 2 cents ! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
93 Astro cargo .... Newest Aquisition !
95 Safari , on the injured list
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