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1991 G10 suspension lift
#705541 March 18th 2016 6:32 pm
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revmook Offline OP
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Hey gang,

First off, a bit of history - I have a '91 Chevy G10 van which I've owned since '99. Mileage is unknown as the odometer didn't work when I bought it. We have done several cross country trips, in addition to travel in Canada and Mexico. I've replaced the engine, and transmission over the years and it runs great. I love this van I want to keep it going for the foreseeable future. These days the van is really only used for camping trips in the desert or for doing runs to the hardware store.

Unfortunately, this van is in bad need of a suspension update. The rear of the van sags pretty badly, and it's even worse when I throw a dirt bike in the back or attach a trailer; It's completely shot. Last time I changed the shocks was '03?. What I would like to do is rebuild the suspension and get new tires all in one shot... oh and add more ground clearance.

There is a shop here in Los Angeles that has been doing nothing but suspension work since the 1940's and quoted a reasonable price to completely overhaul the van to stock specs. I've always wanted a bit more ground clearance on this van so now is the time to do it. A 2" lift with some bigger tires should do the trick I think....

The suspension shop won't give any recommendations on how to do a lift, but "if I bring them the parts, they will install them while they are in there". From what I understand I have a few options to lift this van.

1) leaf spring blocks and coil spring spacers. This just seems cheesy but universal parts are available cheaply.

2) Longer coil springs and taller leaf springs. This is what I would really like to do since I'm sure I need to replace springs anyways. I'm just not sure what to get and if a taller front spring will effect brake lines, steering, exc... Please note there isn't a manufacturer or distributer that sells a kit for a '91 G10 van that I have found.

Reading through threads on this forum, it seems like a suspension kit from a mid-80's 2WD C10 truck would work. Is this the general consensus? Thoughts?

Re: 1991 G10 suspension lift
revmook #705547 March 18th 2016 7:51 pm
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Welcome to the site revmook ....


SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO
ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN
ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS
'93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB
'92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB
Re: 1991 G10 suspension lift
revmook #705548 March 18th 2016 9:02 pm
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Hi Revmook, Welcome from Florida, Post a picture of your van welcome cheers

Re: 1991 G10 suspension lift
revmook #705687 March 21st 2016 2:17 pm
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Revmook,

I used to live in LA. For many reasons, including their custom van scene and custom/garage built chopper scene, I wish I still did. I don't have any names for you, but I'd start by hitting up a different shop. Sounds like the guys you're dealing with are kind of by the book and aren't really thinking outside the box. A ton of people in LA are doing funky things with vans, from lifts to drops. California Street Vans is a group of van enthusiasts on Instagram. I'd contact them to see if they have suggestions or shops that will help you.

I do hear that the c10 truck kit would work. That's just what I've read.

My approach would probably be a combination: re-arch your leaf springs (or better yet, buy new, fresh ones) and also use blocks in the rear. For the front, there are outfits online that make heavy duty custom coil springs for trucks and vans that will give you a little height. I would also add a steering stabilizer in front after any sort of lift.

I don't want to get anyone killed so I'm just tossing out the ideas I'm applying to my G20. But you're definitely on the right track if you want a body lift. As I mentioned, dig in a little more into the custom van scene in LA. Those guys will know exactly what to do.

Re: 1991 G10 suspension lift
VanSolo #705701 March 21st 2016 4:45 pm
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revmook Offline OP
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I found an outlet in Detroit from this forum that will make new springs based off original drawings. I'm getting a quote for 4 new springs, just 2" taller than stock. I really feel like this is the way to go without messing with blocks and spacers...

www.eatonsprings.com

Also, Here is a photo of my van from this weekend. I drove with some friends out to a dry lakebed where the passenger rear tire gave out. I cried in my beer so my better half is pouring it out. frown Now I really need new tires!

[Linked Image]

Re: 1991 G10 suspension lift
revmook #705704 March 21st 2016 5:57 pm
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Great pic. Cool van. I'm not wild about spacers or blocks either but they're commonly used so I guess they're okay. Let us know how the stuff from Eaton is.

Re: 1991 G10 suspension lift
revmook #707039 April 15th 2016 11:51 pm
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Revmook: did you do it? The Eaton Springs order? Wondering how they were if you did so. I think that's a good move as well, if it's priced decently.

Re: 1991 G10 suspension lift
revmook #707399 April 22nd 2016 9:19 pm
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The springs were kinda expensive, especially the rear leafs. I started looking for a second option but my tax bill came and ruined my van plans for now.

Re: 1991 G10 suspension lift
revmook #718033 December 23rd 2016 7:56 pm
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Update!

I decided to do the work on the van myself. Here is what I ended up doing.

3" blocks in the rear
Add-a-leaf in the rear
longer Rancho RS5000 shocks in the rear
3" coil lift spacers
Rancho RS5000 shocks up front
New front brakes
New tie rod ends
New Pitman arm (what a bitch to get off!!!)
New Idler arm
New front sway bar bushings

Now I just need to get new tires (32X11.5) and an alignment. I'm hoping my tire size choice will fit on the stock 6.5" rims? I'm assuming I'll need spacers to minimize rubbing when the front wheels are turned all the way?

Here is how the van is sitting now.

[Linked Image]


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