DIY lift kit 2003 Safari


photo_van
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by photo_van »

Marktainium wrote: I rechecked the catalog as I couldn't remember why I wouldn't have done that. Then I remembered. They quote different capacities, but the spring part numbers are the same.
That's a good reason! Ordered mine last night. Thanks!

inu
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by inu »

Any tips on rear spring installation, your axle looks pretty well centered, did you have to re-orient the front of rear hangers?
did you re-use the original leaf spring saddle mount, rubber isolators and u-bolt?

Cheers!

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Marktainium
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by Marktainium »

The rear leafs are a direct bolt in. I did have to shorten the leaf pack bolt or else it would have prevented the axle from seating onto the leaf properly. The leaf pack bolt is right in the middle of the leaf. It just has too much thread showing past the nut so I cut it down with a zip disk on a grinder. I'll try to do the full write up before the weekend. I re-used everything.
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by MountainManJoe »

Look what I spotted on my way to work this morning ...
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mdmead
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by mdmead »

timelessbeing wrote:Look what I spotted on my way to work this morning ...
Well, you could have at least rolled your window down to take the pic.... :poke:
Matt
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
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-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
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-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!


No new projects until the current ones are done!

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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by astroturf »

timelessbeing wrote:Look what I spotted on my way to work this morning ...
Stalker...
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doyoulikeithere
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by doyoulikeithere »

Deja-Vu
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by MountainManJoe »

mdmead wrote:
timelessbeing wrote:Look what I spotted on my way to work this morning ...
Well, you could have at least rolled your window down to take the pic.... :poke:
I always try to capture the moment with my photos. I want you to see what I see LOL.
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Firefly
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by Firefly »

:usa: Well I followed your instructions verbatim and this is the end result. I have no rubbing issues, alignment issues and the the van rides smoothly. It also helped to have a father who is a gun smith and had a lathe. Thank you. You saved me a ton of money with this forum and I could not be happier with the results! Hats off to you!
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2003 Safari AWD SLT (Firefly)
4" lift, Rancho 5000 shocks
2" T6061 aluminum body spacers
S-10 leaf springs
Alpine stereo/Ipod/Ipad/Iphone
30" Maxxis 771 A/T Bravos
29 LX BT LCD CB Radio w/ Wilson 5000 short whip.

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Marktainium
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by Marktainium »

That's great! I'm glad it worked out. Looks good! I just finished installing my transfer case and wiring too, works awesome and almost looks stock... I'll write another thread on that too.

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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by Slicky »

Now that you have some miles on the Van are you happy with the lift ? Is there anything you would change?

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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by Slicky »

Bump , for those of you BC's lower mainland .The listed bolts on the first page are available through your local Fastenal store for $32 , although they need to order them in . North Shore Offroad sells the body lift blocks for $3.50 a piece so that's less than $25 for the set :) I now have everything I need for the lift except for the time to do it !
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Tegnus
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by Tegnus »

Slicky wrote:Bump , for those of you BC's lower mainland .The listed bolts on the first page are available through your local Fastenal store for $32 , although they need to order them in . North Shore Offroad sells the body lift blocks for $3.50 a piece so that's less than $25 for the set :) I now have everything I need for the lift except for the time to do it !
Doesn't take that much time and can be done in stages. Good luck and looking forward to see pictures and another lifted Astro in Metro Vancouver :)
2004 Astro AWD, 90k miles, 2" Lift, 225/75R16 Cooper Discoverer A/T3, Tru-Cool LPD-4490 Trans cooler

rvflyfish
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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by rvflyfish »

photo_van wrote:
We have very close to the same overall miles re: idler arms. Thanks for the greasing tip.

I'm curious why you went with the s10 truck springs (1350#) rather than the s10 Blazer springs (1450#). Not a huge difference, but inquiring minds??? I've never been able to find a rating for my stock 2+1 springs, only 3+1 rated at 1410#s.


I rechecked the catalog as I couldn't remember why I wouldn't have done that. Then I remembered. They quote different capacities, but the spring part numbers are the same. I was happy with the ride quality of my stock springs, so didn't do the HD springs. I didn't want to need to wear a kidney belt when the van had no load in it. If I have a load issue I will turn to air bags or air shocks.
Why didn't you go with the '95-'05 Astro replacements? Would not give enough lift?

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/leaf-spri ... /astro-van

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Re: DIY lift kit 2003 Safari

Post by photo_van »

The S 10 springs have ~3" more arch than the Astro springs, so ~3" of lift....
1998 AWD/4WD
4" lift, 31x10.50's, NP 242j/c hybrid, 4.10 gears, S10 front disconnect, rack & pinion steering, trans cooler, rock sliders, ARB fridge, house battery and 100w solar, swing out rear rack with foldout camp table, bed and passenger swivel chair
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