Chevy AWD

[Mr. Nacho]

Mr. Nacho,
I have finished my 4th Chevrolet Express AWD Lift Conversion. I used the Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks on the last one. I really didn't see any big difference in ride quality over the Skyjacker Soft Ride 7000 Series that is worth the additional $50.00ea or $200.00 total shock package for the Bilsteins. I would rather spend the extra $200.00 on the Maxx Suspension Kit over the Stock GM White Torsion cams. Tried the White Cams from GM bought for a total $73.00+ including tax. The ride is choppier and the over-all lift was about 1.5 inches. Just not the same so I started over and installed the Maxx Kit that will allow up to 3" lift or a 2.5" drop. The Shocks I prefer to use are Skyjacker 7000 Series #H7003 Front / H7017 Rear about $35.00ea + Tax. If you prefer the Bilsteins the Part numbers are BIL24-186643 Front / BIL24-186742 @ $85.00ea + Tax. All these shocks (Skyjacker/Bilstein) #'s are for a 1.5"-2" lift. My personal van has been a test mule for both shock manufactures, stock cams and Maxx Kit. This van has about 13,000 miles on it since lift was installed. Absolutely a joy to drive, soft ride, no noises, no vibrations to date. Still haven't pulled the trigger on wheels yet. I will post pictures as soon as I get time................

Brian can you direct me to the 2" riser blocks / U bolts that worked for you lift?

[brianr513]

Brian can you direct me to the 2" riser blocks / U bolts that worked for you lift?

Mr. Nacho
The 2" lift block/u-bolt kit I prefer to use is Skyjacker #BUK2061 Cost is about $95.00. If cost is a factor you can use Tuff Country Kit #97034 Cost is about $64.95. I like the blocks sold with the Skyjacker Kit better they seem to me that they fit better. I have been traveling alot, still no additional pictures and still no aftermarket wheels yet.

[Mr. Nacho]

Hey Brian, Thanks for all your help..... Our van arrives next week so I'm collecting parts to get the lift done now. I was going to order the Maxx Cam2 $224 and Skyjacker shocks $37ea ($35 Rebate until 05/30/112) from Summit Racing Equipment but they have lots of options on riser blocks and no 2". I also came across your write up on the Chevy Forum on up dating the Front Grill/Headlights, you are a wealth of knowledge. I can only hope to provide you with some useful info down the road, next up is Pwr. Windows and Door Looks....

[aksavanaman]

Pulled the trigger on those skyjacker shocks and blocks!!! and since I did get a full 2" of lift out of adjusting the torsion screws, I held off on the Maxx Cam kit. Will try to get some intallation pics as I go along!

[Mr. Nacho]

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Well, Ive got a starting point......

[kntr]

How about some pics of these lifted AWD Express vans?

[aksavanaman]

I've got the shocks and the rear blocks are enroute...hopefully I can get it installed over the next few days, pics will be included!!!

[Mr. Nacho]

I should have all the parts for the suspension install by Friday 6/1. First up, Suspension Max torsion keys, 2" rear lift blocks and Skyjacker shocks (thanks to Brian513's info)........ I'm still thinking about wheels size and style, will probably go with 17"x 8" with 265/70R-17 tire's but will wait a few more weeks on that. Next, ladder for the rear door and roof racks as well as Trailer hitch, brake controller & Roadmaster Active Suspension so I can tow the "Lifted Casita" our Pod Trailer. Next, I'm installing Power Windows and Locks, I found them locally in Portland,Or at AutoLoc.com. Exhaust, air intake and performance chip in the future and wheels and tires once I sell my other van..... I'll update Pic's as I go along..... Oh, front grill will be updated as soon as I can get the parts from Certifit, they won't ship the grill so I have to wait for a mule from SLC.

[southpier]

so besides the lift projects, is the AWD something worth getting?

[aksavanaman]

I've found that the AWD has taken me everywhere I've needed to go so far... there's only so much you can do with chevy platform (short of deleting the IFS). I don't plan on wheeling the van like I stole it, so AWD has faired very well on inclimate paved roads and moderate "trail" driving. For those of you have installed the chevy lifts (Briand513) using the skyjacker system, what did you do about the top bushings for the rear shocks? Did you modify the metal sleeve to fit around the top pin or did you go with another bushing? I was able to reuse the old bushing (which fit tightly around the key)... but on the other side I had to go with the new, smaller bushing that came with the shock. There is however WAY to much play for my liking! So I think I'll pick up some new bushings to use for the top.