[MI_Ghost]

That is part of why I decided against using the Belltech flip kit. It advertises 3.5" drop for the rear. in order to do that the shackles have to be shorter than the normal 3" lift shackles that are needed. I have to assume that the brackets for relocating the front hanger are shorter also. This will have to be compensated for with the shackle.

Talk to the guys at JOR and let them know you need shackles for 3"-5" lift. Start at 4" and adjust up or down to set your height. It is possible that you might need a pinion shim. Only if you develop a vibration in the rear after you have the height set.

 

[Safarout]

So tonight I installed a set of Monroe MA758 Max-Air Adjust Shock Absorbers. Pumped up to 100 psi the van levels out. The ride and handling improved immensely. I have a 750 mile trip scheduled tomorrow. We will see what these air shocks are all about. It's a relief to finally have the van sitting and driving properly. I'll keep this thread updated as I drive the van.

 

[AstroOafAdventurer]

Nice, looks good, hopefully feels good to after some miles!
Shame it wasn't an easier process, I'd love to drop mine an inch or two just to ease getting in, plus would look better

 

[dcsleeper]

speaking of which, mine isn't lifted yet, and I have to haul myself in with the steering wheel.

Anybody have a more sanitary grab bar solution?

 

[GasTungstenArc]

speaking of which, mine isn't lifted yet, and I have to haul myself in with the steering wheel.

Anybody have a more sanitary grab bar solution?

I have been thinking about a handle of some sort myself. I don't want to pull on the column because we all know what that eventually leads to, plus I really want to sit directly down into the seat and stand up directly out of it to avoid sliding across the 34 year old bolster.

 

[Safarout]

Approximately 1 year later and the van is holding up well but the rear suspension drives me bonkers. The air shocks helped but I was still bottoming the rear suspension frequently due to the flip kit. I added a set of Timbren SES GMRASTB rubber springs to eliminate the possibility of the axle hitting the body of the van. They did that indeed however they also created a very bouncy ride. They are engaged full time due to the flip kit shortening the distance between the axle and body of the van. (see photos.) I took a trip to Chicago this weekend and coming out on 90 E I was ready to get rid of the van over the ride quality. I am hoping to find a solution for the rear suspension via air bags or eliminating the flip kit with lowering leaf springs. Looking for suggestions or advice on how to improve ride quality in the rear of my van. Its a bucking bronco currently. Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[AstroWill]

Timbrens are not aligned like they should be, and you have such limited space that there is no way that they would fit in there properly. I would measure the amount of free space between the mounting bracket and the frame and call them, they might have something that would fit better.

Though you really just don't have a lot of suspension travel, that is going to limit what you can do to fix your ride quality issues.