1985 - 1995 Astro / Safari Vans
If you have a 1985 to 1995 Chevrolet Astro or GMC Safari and want to lift it you still can. There are a few differences between the models but it is still possible. One of our personal vans is a 1995 GMC Safari AWD LS and Brian has been working on this van for the last year. Using the 3-5" Lift kit to gain 3" of lift running 30" x 9.5" All Terrains. It is also equiped with a 4x4 Conversion Kit, a NP233C (1st Gen). Along with all of the suspension and drivetrain upgrades, the roof rack and bumpers give this van a whole new look!
Getting started.
The first thing we recommend doing is getting the lift installed.
Now there are a few parts you are going to need, because the 1st gen Astro / Safaris came with composite fiberglass leaf springs we need to get those replaced using steel leaf springs from a 96' or newer. You can get those from SDTruckSprings.com at the link below or if you can visit your local pick-a-part. Depending on whether you want new or used.
You will also need a intermediate steering shaft from a 96' or newer. The 1st gen A/S had a shorter steering shaft because the dash was changed in the 2nd Gen. You will need this for installing the 2" Sub-Frame Spacers in the front. If you are using the 3-5" that uses the 3" Sub-Frame Spacers it is not necessary as it comes with the Steering Shaft Extension.
Some other important notes are watching all lines and linkage as you separate the Sub-Frame from the body. Because these vans were made for such a long period of time, the length of hoses, lines and linkage can vary. Adjustment to the Shifting Linkage is necessary. Otherwise follow all regular installation instructions and as always our technical support is available to help!
Rear Wheel Drive 1st Gen Astro / Safari Vans
If you have a rear wheel drive Astro or Safari, there are still a few options. The 1st Gen Astro and Safari Vans came with a different coil spring which does not allow the use of a coil spring spacer. But it is still possible to lift using either our 2-3" Lift Kit, 2-5" Lift Kit or even our 3-5" Lift Kit. Using these kits will allow you to lift it 2 or 3 inches but it is not adjustable in the front.
Now there are a few parts you are going to need, because the 1st gen Astro / Safaris came with composite fiberglass leaf springs we need to get those replaced using steel leaf springs from a 96' or newer. You can get those from SDTruckSprings.com at the link below or if you can visit your local pick-a-part. Depending on whether you want new or used.
You will also need a intermediate steering shaft from a 96' or newer. The 1st gen A/S had a shorter steering shaft because the dash was changed in the 2nd Gen. You will need this for installing the 2" Sub-Frame Spacers in the front. If you are using the 3-5" that uses the 3" Sub-Frame Spacers it is not necessary as it comes with the Steering Shaft Extension.
Some other important notes are watching all lines and linkage as you separate the Sub-Frame from the body. Because these vans were made for such a long period of time, the length of hoses, lines and linkage can vary. Adjustment to the Shifting Linkage is necessary. Otherwise follow all regular installation instructions and as always our technical support is available to help!
Rear Wheel Drive 1st Gen Astro / Safari Vans
If you have a rear wheel drive Astro or Safari, there are still a few options. The 1st Gen Astro and Safari Vans came with a different coil spring which does not allow the use of a coil spring spacer. But it is still possible to lift using either our 2-3" Lift Kit, 2-5" Lift Kit or even our 3-5" Lift Kit. Using these kits will allow you to lift it 2 or 3 inches but it is not adjustable in the front.
