I've got a 2000 Expy 4x4 that I want to lift a little. 4" is too much because I'd like to keep it down enough so I can get a 2 year old into it.

I'm looking at getting some coil spacers for the rear. Do I need longer shocks for the lift? I'm looking at a 2 inch spacer and I'd like to say I do. I want to get new shocks anyways (Bilstein), but I don't want to get the wrong ones.

I'm also wondering if I should purchase the torsion keys. I know you can get about 1.5 inches of lift with the stock t-bars (not sure how much more mine have left), but I'm wondering if it's worth getting the new keys and if I would need longer shocks too.

That said, would 35's rub with said setup (no trimming), or would I have to get 34's? Looking at BFG AT's.

Thanks!

- Tim

 

Well im not a wiz with the expy. However if you only want a small amount of lift id go with a body lift. Its inexpensive comes in either a 2" or 3" and looks really nice if installed right! In addition you could crank your stock torsion bar keys to level out the frontend. This should give you enough for 35's... should not positive.

Now with just a spacer in the rear and your torsion bars cranked id only go with a 285/75/16 and they will probably rub at full lock (my uncles did) You could try 305/70/16's also... those are 33x11.5 and 33x12.5 tires!

 

I recommend a body lift also. Go with a 3" Performance Accessories body lift. There's someone with a red Expy runnin a 3" BL and 35's I think on here, looks really good.

Stay away from the aftermarket torsion keys, many members will attest to this. Not worth the additional amount of preload and your components. Use your stock keys to level out the front.

You could run 33's but 35's will look better (however, you would need to trim a little). I have the exact same set up on my SCrew, right down to the Bilsteins (which are the best shock out there IMO). No rubbing even at full lock with the 35's either. There's a couple way to make them fit without rubbing.

Check out my gallery to get an idea of what it would look like, just imagine my truck with a cap and there's your lifted Expy.

Also, I have a 4 year old and a 1 1/2 year old. My wife is 5'2" also. This set up seems pretty ideal and there is no trouble scooping the kids in and out of it.

 

I agree. Do the body lift and stay away from the aftermarket torsion bar keys.

 

I don't think I'm going to do the body lift. The tow hooks and trailer hitch will look funny hanging 2-3 inches lower. Plus I'm not sure if I'm going to put a brush guard on the front and I don't feel like modifying the brackets.

So why do 305/70R17's fit on an F-150 without rubbing if you crank the t-bars, but an Expy won't clear 285/70R17's with a 2 inch lift in the rear and cranked t-bars? I know the rear sits lower, but it shouldn't rub on the front.

 

I think the wheel wells are smaller.. slightly! They are based on the same front end design so you might be able to clear 305/70's with just the TB's cranked.

I Just did a Body Lift Thursday and in all honesty the tow hooks dont have to hang 3" lower you can stick them inside the frame horns. And the hitch doesnt have to hang lower either! Done the right way a body lift will look like a stock vehicle sitting magically higher.

My Brush Gaurd did not mount up right but nothing a few welds wouldnt fix! Honestly a body lift is you best bet... even though you dont like the thought of that... it just is!

Its not that people havent seen a properly installed body lift... THEY HAVE... just half the time they didnt even notice it was a Body Lift...

 

I agree. Also, you should be able to easily a fit 305/65-17 (33x12.50) or a 285/70-17 (33x11.50) tire without any problems at stock height.