[AKITA HAULER]

Hi everyone its been a long time since ive been here, 10,years or so. I still have my 98 astro and recently picked up an 03 rwd. Ive come to discover that no one has any kits "designed" for a moderate drop like the one on my 98. I have found some availability in the way of 02 and earlier kits. I did some research and found the OEM coils and leafs to be the exact same part numbers from 01 to 03.
That being said, my questions are;
Can i use the available 02 flip kit and front drop kit, provided its using coils and not spindles?
Has anyone used the older 5lug drop spindles on a 03-05 model using the obvious wheel change?
I know this has been covered in the past but i couldnt find any recent info. There was a post where i think a member did this and his van looks great. Maybe he can enlighten me and possibly a few others. As always many thanks in advance.

 

[Bengt Weil]

Yep, '02-back lowering/drop parts (flip kits and front springs and sway bars) fit the '03. Don't think the older spindles/5-lug stuff is at all compatible, not to mention the headache to do the transformation.

On the flip kits, the Belltech is the better engineered set up but often drops the rear lower than you would hope - perhaps longer/adjustable rear shackles are the answer. Install is more time consuming (have to drop the gas tank), as well.

The DJM kit front leaf spring mount design isn't near as good as the Belltech, though you don't need to drop the gas tank to install it. I've had both (my '98 had the Belltech flip kit) and I currently have the DJM on the rear of my '03. My preference would be the Belltech kit with a longer (DJM?) rear shackle to ensure proper ride height.

If you can, try to get the install instructions for both kits and evaluate which kit would be your preference.

The DJM coils seem to have sagged almost an inch a year or two after installation. Again, probably the Belltech springs are higher quality or cutting the OEM/GM springs is always an option.

I don't have a photo hosting site or I'd post a picture for you. Good luck with your drop!

 

[AKITA HAULER]

Yep, '02-back lowering/drop parts (flip kits and front springs and sway bars) fit the '03. Don't think the older spindles/5-lug stuff is at all compatible, not to mention the headache to do the transformation.

On the flip kits, the Belltech is the better engineered set up but often drops the rear lower than you would hope - perhaps longer/adjustable rear shackles are the answer. Install is more time consuming (have to drop the gas tank), as well.

The DJM kit front leaf spring mount design isn't near as good as the Belltech, though you don't need to drop the gas tank to install it. I've had both (my '98 had the Belltech flip kit) and I currently have the DJM on the rear of my '03. My preference would be the Belltech kit with a longer (DJM?) rear shackle to ensure proper ride height.

If you can, try to get the install instructions for both kits and evaluate which kit would be your preference.

The DJM coils seem to have sagged almost an inch a year or two after installation. Again, probably the Belltech springs are higher quality or cutting the OEM/GM springs is always an option.

I don't have a photo hosting site or I'd post a picture for you. Good luck with your drop!

Bengt,
Thanks very much for the info and confirmation. I have used plenty of DJM kits for other vehicles I've owned and they've worked well. They are local to me and it would be ideal for me, however I called them and they no longer make any kits for any Astro vans. Belltech is what I have on my 98 and its been good to me, so I figure that's my best option. I will also take your advice and read the instruction sheets before buying. I was hopeful that I wasn't stuck with a stock height van. Once again thank you for taking time to respond to me post, I really appreciate it.