Modification List

[Youngster]

If you go to a 265-16 tire size and don't tow, you'll be fine with 3.55 or higher diff gearing.

I think your suspension research is incomplete if you haven't driven any rougher dirt roads yet. Get out there and see how your stock set-up treats you. Maybe you only need new shocks to meet your needs?

[Roccon99]

Originally Posted by Youngster

If you go to a 265-16 tire size and don't tow, you'll be fine with 3.55 or higher diff gearing.

I think your suspension research is incomplete if you haven't driven any rougher dirt roads yet. Get out there and see how your stock set-up treats you. Maybe you only need new shocks to meet your needs?

Thanks for the input. Agreed, need to get it on some dirt roads, just wanted to get the conversation started. Unfortunately I'll have to wait a bit longer while the roof is repaired. Anyways, the more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards a tire upgrade now, maybe shock upgrades, and I can think about additional improvements later. The search begins for threads with tire recommendations as well as wheels.

[Roccon99]

I really like the look of the eagle alloy 100 and atx Mojave. Can anyone tell me more about offset and what I should be looking for? Also, seems like bfg at tires are the go to. Assuming I went with 5 eagle alloy and 5 bfg at 265/75/16, would I be able to still fit the spare under the van? If not, any tire carriers besides aluminess?

[Bbasso]

I keep the 245 75 16 tire in the stock spare location, and really don't worry about getting flats... Because I have a small compressor and a tire plug kit just in case. I've only had one puncture in150k miles with these tires.

Bilstein shocks are affordable and work very well for me.

Take the suggested advice and use your rig and current configuration then see what flaws show up and mod as needed.

[Roccon99]

Originally Posted by Bbasso

I keep the 245 75 16 tire in the stock spare location, and really don't worry about getting flats... Because I have a small compressor and a tire plug kit just in case. I've only had one puncture in150k miles with these tires.

Bilstein shocks are affordable and work very well for me.

Take the suggested advice and use your rig and current configuration then see what flaws show up and mod as needed.

Super helpful, and I totally agree...need to drive it a bunch more before making any major changes. Just wanted to see what options are out there and hear from others about their experiences. What compressor y are ou using? Think I'll probably keep one handy esp when heading to Baja.

[Bbasso]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012...hKL&ref=plSrch

[winmag4582001]

I did a 2" front level on my 2wd van with shocks that have more travel. On the rear I put on some Monroe coilover shocks. For Colorado it will get me up almost all trails leading to 13/14ers. I've been considering a locker, but they are noisy and can fail if not installed right, plus, they are way overpriced for a few hunks of metal and springs. IMO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxGrpzjsN7M

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Roccon99

also, I'm pretty sure it's 3.73, but I'm not positive as it's written on the original window sticker which is with the van.

...and it's on the mfr sticker in the driver's door jamb......there's an axle code there....a quick google search with decipher it quickly..likely 3.73's.

[86Scotty]

My van did not like 265/75-16's at all with stock suspension. I modified the backs of the front fenderwells and they still rub. I'm all taken apart doing a 4 wheel drive conversion right now so that's how I'm fixing it but just FYI.

Bbasso, are you at stock height with 265's and no rubbing?

[Bbasso]

Ever so slightly, it doesn't matter much.
Ride hight, I'm clueless lol