Trailer stuffed to the gills.

I built a crude platform to replace the rear seat (still in storage in Colorado). Futon on top, storage bins underneath the platform.

Futon mattress on top of the folded middle seat to sleep on.

My home for 3300 miles/61 hours of driving (it took me 4.5 days to get home). Cooler, box of food, and TUNES! I kept the speed between 60-65mph for the majority of the trip. The road is really nice most of the way. The worst parts are 100 miles between Glennallen and Tok Alaska (slow down to 45-55mp...

I made the trip from Anchorage to Colorado a few weeks ago. The Timbrens really saved me....I've got too much stuff. Here's a picture of the (over)loaded van and trailer somewhere outside Whitehorse, Yukon Territories. I cut out foil-bubble insulation to fit the windows all around. It takes about 3-...

Front install: 30-45 minutes/side (for mechanically challenged me) 1. Jack up the front, jack stands, remove wheel. 2. Find the stock bump stop and try to figure out how it is attached???? Turns out that basically, they welded a steel square box to the frame, with a hole in the top barely big enough...

Rear install: 5-10 minutes per side. I found it easier to lift/jack stands the back end to give me more room to work. 1.Unbolt old overload springs 2. Assemble Timbren bumpers 3. Bolt onto the truck. I saved the old overload springs. In case the ride was too harsh, I was planning on swapping them an...

Timbren application chart. Scroll down to vans.
http://www.timbren.com/timbren-applicat ... ev-gmc.htm


Front 2WD (all years) GMFAST

Looks like the install should be easier than the AWD. Gravity is working with you on the 2WD.

Thanks for the warm welcome. Why no lift? 1. I'm a lousy mechanic and a lift kit would tempt me to go places where I'd break things and be really stuck. I'll use the van as a base camp and then hike, run, or ride my mountain bike, Yamaha XT225, or Montesa trials bike on the harder trails. 2. They lo...

Front continued

Fronts.

I'll add more description tomorrow. For now, here are the pictures.

After the install, the edge of my front wheel well is 1/2" higher than before due to the bumper lightly engaging the suspension (I don't think I'll brag about my "1/2 inch lift kit"). The front of the van doesn't dive under braking as much as before. It doesn't feel as top heavy going...

I'll be moving from Alaska to Colorado soon, and I have too much stuff. I need to upgrade the suspension on the 2003 AWD Astro so it will be better able to handle all the weight in the van and my 5' x 10' trailer. I considered a 2" front lift, cranking the torsion bars, and adding a leaf to the...