Rear Leaf Spring Lift

There are a couple of ways to get some lift in the rear. Also see Front Body Lift and Lifting your Astro/Safari van pages.

First, read and understand the Leaf springs page.

If you are doing a 2inch lift, the easiest way to do the rear is using a lift/lowering shackle for a 2.5inch wide spring. They are also good for fine tuning the rear end height even with different springs, so these are useful even if you decide to go higher later. These can be bought online, and at some LAPS. You don't need to change your shocks, or add shims when only lifting 2inches with shackles.

SHA-AS8400B For composite leaf springs

SHA-AS8400A For steel leaf springs ---- For a cheaper($50) alternative, check out CTS(Chassis Tech is Airbag it) shackle https://www.ebay.com/itm/282732902507

Note: Some have had issues with standard, off the shelf shackles that are straight(for the trucks), some haven't had the same issues, not sure what makes the difference. Get the ones listed above as they have been proven to fit without issue.

Once you go beyond 2 inches in the rear, you might want to think about buying new leaf springs:

• For stock vans, new springs:

  • 22-687 3+1 #1350 springs give about 3" of lift

  • 22-687HD 4+1 #1750 give 4"+

  • You will have to at least drill new holes for the lower shock mount, or use longer shocks when going beyond 2 inches of lift.

  • Watch your rear end breather and brake line. Longer lines are available like http://amzn.to/2gJNALE , or you can extend the mount where it bolts to the body(I used a scrap piece of steel for the mount).

  • Think about ditching those clamshells and getting u-bolts and plates listed below.

U-bolt/plate conversion for vans that originally came with steel leaf springs

For vans that came with steel leaf springs you can not use the same plate/bolts as you use for the composite conversions. It has been reported that the plates for the composite conversion are too narrow for those perches. You could of course use the Dana44 Spring Perches listed below and have them welded to your axle if you want to go that route.

A slightly wider and longer plate with 1x 2.75" u-bolt and 1x 3" u-bolt per side would work as well. See: https://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=127346

I have a steel to steel conversion on the books that will include a plate/u-bolt conversion, I will update this page once that is complete.

U-bolt/plate conversion for composite leaf spring conversions to steel leaf springs, this is what i used:

• • Stock front hangers from any A/S van that came with steel leaf springs, also Overland Vans sells some nice leaf spring front hangers that are adjustable. Simply remove the existing composite spring front hanger and replace with the one for steel leaf springs.

  • Springs I used are 22-687 HD ($50-200 I bought gently used, prices vary) http://amzn.to/2onhsQG

• Plates are 2 Crown Automotive # 52006421 ($8) cheaper on 4wd.com or http://amzn.to/2o4gCHy https://www.quadratec.com/products/56008_06.htm

• Ubolts are 4 Crown Automotive # 999210 2.75" axle 1/2" Diameter 8" Long ($5 each) cheaper at 4wd.com or http://amzn.to/2owO4Kf https://www.quadratec.com/products/56009_00.htm Note: that you can also use a thinner diameter u-bolt, 1/2" bolts are not required but i am quite happy with them.

  • Optional but recommended: Prothane 19-608-BL steel leaf spring bushings x2($15 a set) http://amzn.to/2opPEgj and some Prothane Grease http://amzn.to/2pqL5QG install thread http://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=31522

  • Optional but kept for reference(I have modified the stock composite leaf spring perch on many of them, all have worked well, so this isn't really needed):Dana 44 Spring Perches (Fits 2.75" Axle tubes and 2.5" Wide Springs)Barnes 4WD B4W25028BP http://amzn.to/2opHLHW ($30 set)

  • I also have used Timbrens for when you need extra support without it affecting the unloaded ride 2,000lbs capacity: http://amzn.to/2qQMxgE I have never used the HD Timbrens, but they are available as well with a whopping 6,000lb capacity. http://amzn.to/2qRkcpO

Here are the pictures of the plates, bolts and my conversion from composite leaf springs to steel leaf springs. http://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopic.php?f=127&t=11729&start=200#p722618

NOTE: When drilling the spring perch, only drill on the horizontal part, do not drill into the vertical part of the perch, it can cause failure/collapse of the perch.

Rear Shock Mount Modification

Instead of buying new longer shocks, you can drill new holes into the mounting tabs on the rear differential tube, this raises the lower shock mounting position but doesn't change the travel length. You can also cut and move the lower portion to align with your newer holes, though it's not required.