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Chevrolet Express
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Show off your van...pictures please!

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Old June 19th, 2018, 1:23 PM
  #241  
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Hello. I'd like to hear about your lift.
Old June 19th, 2018, 2:37 PM
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Mountainmanjoe

I got my 3inch lift spindle from Overland Van's and the rear lift blocks from Rough Country. While I had the spindle out, I replaced both lower control arms, both upper control arm bushings and ball joints, inner/outer tie rods on both the driver and passenger side and some new Rancho 5000. The whole lift plus suspension parts cost me around 1500.00 but I also had to purchase some specialized tools as well. This was the first time i've tackled something like this so there were some bumps and bruises along the way. Let me know if you have any other questions.


Jimmy
Old June 19th, 2018, 3:51 PM
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I sure do
How is the rear end lifted? What were the special tools? presses and pullers?
You have the RWD I'm guessing. Did they have 5 lug axles in 2000?
Old June 19th, 2018, 4:02 PM
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I lifted the rear end with a 3inch lift blocks from rough country. I did purchase a ball joint puller and pickle fork for the job, it was Harbor freight puller and fork but since I won't be using them to often hopefully they will last. I do have the 5 lug axle and it's RWD. I also rented a internal spring compressor to compress the springs to remove the lower control arm, but that job was a little too much for my beginning skills, so I hired a mobile mechanic to come to my house and complete that part. Everything else wasn't that hard, especially after watching a few youtube video's.
Old June 19th, 2018, 8:13 PM
  #245  
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Nice. Thanks. I installed an Overland Vans 4" lift on my previous vehicle, an AWD Astro. It worked extremely well. I used the HD springs and shackles rather than blocks in the rear though, and I think it helped stiffen things up nicely.



I want something similar for my AWD Savana.
Old July 2nd, 2018, 2:04 PM
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She's not pretty, but she does what I need her to.
Old July 4th, 2018, 1:12 PM
  #247  
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Is that going to be a work van or RV?
Old July 5th, 2018, 5:10 PM
  #248  
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Originally Posted by DWB
Is that going to be a work van or RV?
It's a work van. Bench/miter saw on the right of the box inside and shelves on the left. I'm thinking of some sliding compartments built in from the outside for a portable table saw and maybe a fold up bench on the right and a ladder/lumber rack on the left on the outside. Just need to find some place that sells trim pieces like the arm rests. Haven't found them on the normal sites yet.
Old July 5th, 2018, 5:51 PM
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Check contractor talk.com .has some good info on van build out for carpentry. I,m building mine out now too.
Old July 5th, 2018, 8:51 PM
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If you know wood, make the armrests. They'll be a bit hard, but a couple layers of 2X will be tough.


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