Lifting An '03 Chevy 1500 Express

Teetorbilt

Yea, I'd like to throw a 25/3500 diesel 4X4 chassis under it but it's not in the cards right now and another hunting season is coming up. Last year I cleaned off the spoiler on a drainage ditch and this year I added a hitch which takes off about 3" of ground clearance in the rear.

I'd like to do a 6" suspension lift and the web is doing nothing for me. Anybody know if the P/U parts are compatible with the van? Possible problems?

__________________
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mmike032

I doubt it but I'd call the manufactor of the kit and ask. when I was shopping for my lift kit I noticed all the different brands were mostly specific to a certain make/model.

theres always the redneck option of putting blocks on it


heres a site to ask the questions,
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/

WarnerConstInc.

Its possible, they ar making quite a few lifts for 2wd pickups now. I see no differece between your van and a 2wd pickup.

katoman

I lifted my Jeep Cherokee 6". My insurance company required it to be an appoved lift kit and installed by a professional shop. Then I had to give them all the specs on the lift kit, proof of installation, and photos. They approved it ok.

If you do this yourself, then you are probably going to void your insurance, as your insurance company insured a stock vehicle, not the altered one. Best to check with them before going ahead.

CTDiesel

http://www.quigley4x4.com/

jtpro

Up here in Jacksonville (AKA "Bubba truck" capital of FL) I have an '87 Chevy conversion Van I want to "Bubba" out so I talked to a local tree guy who has a fleet of home made 4 X 4s including one FRD (LOL) van. His suggestion was to find a rolling 4X4 chassis with all the 4X4 components( i.e front and rear axles transfer case etc.) Craigslist,local trade flyer wherever and have the front shackle mounts installed by a pro(he does all that since he builds competition rock crawlers etc.) and the drive train and so on. He told me my van was already on a 3/4 ton chassis and doing a body swap would be costly and a waste of time. Another side note was that if you can find one with the EXACT same wheelbase you won't have to get into costly drive shaft shortening etc.

Then to the 6 inch question..My opinion is get the kit for the truck you harvested the parts from ( or start with a shackle flip first if money is tight.) since the components are more or less your constant once installed.

My question is the logistics of the 4X4 shifter. I haven't mapped it out but I'm pretty my doghouse will prevent a standard shifter and I might have to look into a dash mounted electronic shifter. What have been your findings?

My fear is once I lift mine is my already top heavy van going to be forced to take corners at 10 mph or less!! LOL

Hope my 2 cents worth helps

Any tips you find in your venture would be GREATLY appreciated when my money gets "right" I will continue my venture into this myself.