Another budget build (2WD)

[john difool]

Alrighty, removed running boards and the stripes and put MichelinLTX M/S2 235/85/16 on.
No lift yet as coloradocampervan doesn't seem to be motivated. I have my local mechanic do it. I will order the maxx kit (spacers and blocks). Can someone please point me to the caster correction thingie for alignment?
I'd also need the part numbers for the Bilstein shocks (all around). Anyone can point me towards these as well?

 

[ober27]

Looks much better without the running boards. Were they difficult to remove? Were they bolted directly to the rocker panels?

 

[john difool]

yes, i think so too. always disliked these plastic attachments. it wasn't difficult to remove. they had brackets to the frame in the area of the steps. the rest just bolted to the rocker panel and the wheel wells. finally going to take the wheelchair lift out today. that thing weighs 400lbs. then it's on to the interior.

 

[ober27]

Good luck with the lift removal, and keep the photos coming.

 

[Bbasso]

Isn't the stock tire size 245/75-16?
If so why would you go smaller and reduce the weight capacity?

 

[Heloflyboy]

You need a camber kit that will do at least 3 1/2 degrees. I put 3 deg on mine from napa auto parts but found it was not enough so I had les schab already doing alignment and they put the 3.5 ones in it would probably be easier to have alignment shop get you the correct ones. I did not get to research the bilsteins yet.

 

[89s rule]

Isn't the stock tire size 245/75-16?
If so why would you go smaller and reduce the weight capacity?

235/85/16 are larger but narrower. ~ same height as 265/75/16

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

Isn't the stock tire size 245/75-16?
If so why would you go smaller and reduce the weight capacity?

245/75 is ~30.5"
235/85 is ~31.7"

 

[Bbasso]

I ment tread width...

 

[Shocker]

Hey John, BajaSportMobile might be able to help you with shocks. Agile Offroad does custom valving of Fox shocks. Good price. He does them for 4x4, but they might work well for a lifted 4x2 as well.

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11630

Here is a thread on the subject.

agileoffroad.com

 

[john difool]

thanks guys,
bbasso, i like skinnies.
originally i had 225/something/16 on there. the 235/85's brought the van up about an inch all around. removing the wheelchair lift, the trailer hitch and the rear bench (weighing 600lbs together) brought her up another 1/4
at the tightest spot, there is still 2in between the tire and the wheel well. if i had known that, i would have gone with 33's.
hmm, i'm wondering if i still need/want that 2in maxx lift then?
alright mr. BajaSportsmobile, I'd like to have your fox shocks. do we better wait until the van is "expedition" ready so we can go by the final weight? they'll be fine with stock height?
there will be some interior pix in the next days.

 

[john difool]

i figured that these fox shocks are not within my budget.
found the bilsteins. a few guys at the sportsmobile forum pointed me that way.
do i take the heavy duty or the comfort ones? considering my estimated "expedition" weight will be between 6500lbs and 7000lbs - and the wildest thing the van will see are the dirt roads of big bend NP.

 

[john difool]

took plenty of stuff out from the inside. it was not fun. carpet, glue... ugh. tomorrow i'm gonna pick up cabinet grade (carb 2 compliant) birch plywood. cabinet grade because it's gonna be a oil/wax finish. no paint, no carpet.

 

[ober27]

Out with the old, in with the new. Putting it all together in a way that meets your needs will be more fun.

 

[bdog1]

That hi-top looks pretty modest from the outside, but it sure looks spacious inside! What's the stand up height inside?

Think I'm jonesing for a top!


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT