What to avoid on a suspension lift install

[parkside]

We had a previously lifted Delica come into our shop recently that the owner was concerned about wheels rubbing.

It turned out that there was quite a lot of improperly installed components that led to suspension problems and required quite a few replacements.

These are things to watch out for if you do a DIY lift kit install or have had one previously installed to ensure everything was installed and checked over properly.

Some components were replaced but the previous installer did not replace the front sway bar bushings which were completely deteriorated :



The front lower shock (rubber) bushings were worn down (too soft) causing the shock to vibrate :



Front upper shock bushing washers were mounted upside down - left side :



Front upper shock bushing washers were mounted upside down - right side :



Ball joint spacer is forcing the ball joint to roll/buckle inwards causing premature wear.

A properly tapered balljoint spacer will prevent this from happening :



Front upper bump stop was not removed or trimmed down.

The upper A-arm literally sits on top of the bump stop preventing downward suspension travel. Can be dangerous when going fast over bumps (front wheels would be getting air instead of being pushed back down on the ground) :



Rear shock is extended (19.5 stock length) and will cause it to top out when the rear droops down :



Rear lower shock bushings/washers are installed upside down pinching the bushing :



Rear brake line is stretch to it's max length. It should have been lengthened or the tank bracket removed :

[delisimo]

Thanks parkside for the tips. I have been pondering having a lift done my van for sometime now. It is becoming more apparent that it is perhaps not for the DIY. At the same time the site provides for lots of good info such as your own. A few things can be infered from your post:

1 - The owner of this van probably didn't do the lift themselves. They would have brought it to you in the first place instead of wasting time and $$.
2- The mistakes made seem pretty amateur, so if it was done it a shop or by someone who thinks they know, obviously they don't.
3- The Canadian Deli world is a relatively small microcosm and chances are the "genius" that did the install is on this site. As well the owner of the van might have even learned of their services from the forum.
4- It is a shame that amongst people that share similar interests in cool vans, there are a few individuals that would rather bend us over the bush bar. Probably no reach around either so I would be getting my money back.

I will be heading into Vancouver later in April for amongst a long list of other things, a possible lift. I have read through all I can find here but I am still undecided/unsure about where to go to get it done. There are only so many people that claim to know what they are doing and even fewer that do. As much as it is good to know where to go, it is just as useful to know where to not go and avoid the shaft.

[delicat]

Delisimo,

I stop by Jesse's shop today, real nice guy! First impression was that he's got a real good understanding on modifying suspension and I wouldn't hesitate to have him help me with lifting my van. The basic 2" lift on a Delica can be simple enough for the DIY but it won't be perfect, good enough for a while but there's always room to make your lift better.

If you have the money and the time to get it all done at once then go ahead but if budget is an issue and you'd still like a lift then just buy a basic kit and install it yourself. What I found is that it simply never ends... always something better to be done!

Good luck, a lifted Delica is a lot of fun!
D.

[jessef]

Delisimo,

I have known Jesse (Parkside Auto) for over 30 years. He is an honest and very knowledgeable mechanic and fabricator.

I believe he is the only shop in town who specifically does lift kit fabrication/installation on Delica's and Pajero's all in one shop.

There may be others, but none that I am aware of.

A lift done right the first time will be much better than a lift having to be re-done once over again. The cost to the customer/Delica-owner is actually higher in the long run for the latter.

The other great thing about what Jesse does is that he goes over the whole Delica and gives the owner his recommendations on what to replace/fix if anything is out of place or worn.

Highly recommended as an installer and fabricator for the lifts and modifications, as well as a highly skilled and experienced licensed mechanic.

Jesse

[parkside]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the good words.
I will say that the lift on that van WAS professionally done. If you're going to get a lift installed, just make sure you take the time to talk to the person doing it. Make sure the person has a good understanding of suspension systems, etc... The Deli may be unique, but the suspension on it is
nothing new and any competent Technician should be able to do the Deli and every other vehicle with suspension out there....which....last time I checked...is all of em. lol
Anyway, just trying to make sure you guys know what to look for in either an installer, or a technician for all your needs.

I'm glad it helps
Jesse Smith
Parkside Automotive