[7bigjohn]

The kit in the link below states it will fit the dodge caravan in the fitment tab. It's not that expensive. I have an AWD and I'm going to give it a go. Any advice from people that have installed lift kits on trucks, jeeps and such would be appreciated.

http://autoplicity.com/518-performa....Make=60&V.Model=2509&V.SubModel=2&V.SU=False

Steering Extension:
http://www.moparpartsoverstock.com/p/__/SHAFT-Steering-Extension/6648539/04680592AC.html

Thanks

 

[Rigidchop]

Body lifts won't work on a unibody vehicle.

 

[atoman]

Before you buy, find and read the install instructions.
I can't quite imagine how one would be able to raise the body 3" and still use the same half-axles...

 

[Jon Mopar]

Im going to be that nobody ever has lifted a 4th gen Caravan


Not to say i haven't seen lifted Caravans....but they were hacked up and put on other frames

 

[Cherry Baby]

I believe that the webpage must have an error. Those look to be body spacers and/or leaf spring shackle dropping plates. I wouldn't put too much faith in in. Also if you look it up on Summit it indicates it's for a Ford Bronco. It'd be neat to have a true off road van, like the Mitsubishi Delica but lets face it our vans were never designed to take on the twisting forces that are incurred when venturing off into the woods. That's my two cents :biggring:

 

[1994 Sport]

The only way a spacer kit like this would work on the front of a van is to place the spacers between the engine cradle and the body. This would require you to lengthen the radiator hoses, trans line etc...
To jack up the back, since the Gen4 still has leaf springs is very straight forward.
It can be done with U bolts/shackles or spacers between the spring mounts and body.

 

[shipo]

To jack up the back, since the Gen4 still has leaf springs is very straight forward.

The OP says he has an AWD model; do they have leaf springs in back as well?

 

[BobReeves]

Why?

This is like the thread on tying down the rear hatch lid, do what I did buy a beater pickup. I paid $2500.00 for my 4wd 2000 Chevy Silverado. Put on 4 new tires, a fuel pump and a water pump. It is high mileage and has no creature comforts but heat and air. It's a work truck with standard cab and 8 foot bed. It gets driven when it snows with salt on the roads and whenever I need to haul anything. The rocker panels are gone and the bed is rusting but it will last my life time.

We love our vans but sometimes we are really glad we have that pick up sitting out back.

 

[7bigjohn]

Thank you all for the wonderful input and advice! I had a little extra cash so I ordered it because it's wasn't that expensive. I have no plans on going off roading on purpose. Maybe an occasional dirt road when camping (not real off roading). I just thought it would be fun to be up higher on the road, easier to change the oil, and I could maybe miss the occasional Damn rock thats waiting for me on this one particular road I have to drive on occasionally thats on the side of a cliff (Im on my second trans pan).

I didn't really think of what might be involved in great detail until all the helpful input. I'll take a look at the kit when it arrives and update this thread when/if any progress takes place. Thanks again.

 

[1994 Sport]

The OP says he has an AWD model; do they have leaf springs in back as well?

Yes all the vans have rear leafs until Gen5.

Thank you all for the wonderful input and advice! I had a little extra cash so I ordered it because it's wasn't that expensive. I have no plans on going off roading on purpose. Maybe an occasional dirt road when camping (not real off roading). I just thought it would be fun to be up higher on the road, easier to change the oil, and I could maybe miss the occasional Damn rock thats waiting for me on this one particular road I have to drive on occasionally thats on the side of a cliff (Im on my second trans pan).

I didn't really think of what might be involved in great detail until all the helpful input. I'll take a look at the kit when it arrives and update this thread when/if any progress takes place. Thanks again.

If you raise just the body its not going to get the trans pan any further away from the ground.

 

[shipo]

Yes all the vans have rear leafs until Gen5.

Thanks; I wonder why I was under the impression the AWD vans had a different rear suspension.

 

[Wire tree guy]

Showing my ignorance of gen 5 what do they have coils and independent rear?

 

[georgef]

Showing my ignorance of gen 5 what do they have coils and independent rear?

YES to the coil springs and NO to the independent rear.

George

 

[Lee Dodge]

I looked at your first link and if you scroll down it says its for a 2500/3500 Duramax Diesel.

 

[atoman]

What's wrong with a Duramax Diesel in a lifted minivan :lol:
Never trust a salesman, find the application & install manual from the manufacturer...

 

[Jon Mopar]

heck, you can get a beater Jeep (Cherokee) for like $500.

I take back what I said earlier, I have seen these vans lifted. Activans (wheel chair conversions) had a bit of lift.

 

[atoman]

I take back what I said earlier, I have seen these vans lifted. Activans (wheel chair conversions) had a bit of lift.

Are the wheel chair vans raised in the front? (would be interesting to see how they do it)

 

[LEVY]

heck, you can get a beater Jeep (Cherokee) for like $500.

I take back what I said earlier, I have seen these vans lifted. Activans (wheel chair conversions) had a bit of lift.

The wheelchair vans I know are lowered, not raised, to make it easier to load the wheelchair, some even use airbags to lower the van when user is entering the vehicle, then it rises back to normal.

 

[Jon Mopar]

Some are raised in the front, yes. Every company does it differently though. And as far as them being lowered....I've never seen one lowered. They usually raise them because they have a lower floor, especially vans that allow you to roll up into the back (non lift style). Most use Running boards compensate.

We had a few come through the Chrysler dealer I worked at, but I never got to see them on a hoist.

 

[cheezit53]

Yep, all i have ever seen is lifted vans with lowered floor pans.

Well, I have seen lowered Econolines for wheel chair access, but that is a whole different platform.