Why a Total Lift is the Ultimate Insurance Policy for Your 2WD Van

If you’re driving a Chevy Express or GMC Savana 2500/3500, you’re likely using it for one of two things: a mobile workshop or a home on wheels.

Let’s have some “Real Talk”—why would you lift a 2WD van?

We didn’t fully get it either until we were 100 miles deep on a washboard logging road during a summer wildfire. Watching every rock and pothole get dangerously close to ripping the black and grey water tanks off our camper was enough to change our minds forever.

1. It’s Not Just a Level; It’s a front and rear suspension boost

Unlike a leveling kit that only raises the front, the 404088 series lifts both the front and rear. This gives you “daylight” under the entire chassis, moving your bumper, front crossmember, oil pan, transmission and all of your RV rear plumbing out of the “danger zone”.

2. Ditch the “Grocery Store” Tires

Stop being limited to the highway tires you bought at a big-box store while getting milk.

Seriously.

You need ground clearance and the easiest way to get that is taller tires.

These kits open up the wheel wells so you can run aggressive All-Terrain rubber a size or two bigger than stock. Whether it’s a muddy job site or a sandy trailhead, that extra traction is the difference between a good day and a very expensive tow.

3. Over-Engineered for the Long Haul

These Chevy Express & GMC Savanna’s with either the 4.8 or the 6.0L are famous for 600,000-mile lifespans.

We built these kits to outlast the engine, using laser-cut North American Steel instead of mystery alloys or plastic “pucks”.

For our heavy-duty kits, we even include massive 5/8″ HD U-bolts to keep the rear end locked down tight, even when overloaded….if your reading this look in the mirror, you know this is you…c’mon, you know it’s true.

What van owner are you?

The “Explorer”

Headline: Is your undercarriage meeting rocks it doesn’t like? 

We didn’t understand 2WD lifts until we were miles deep on a logging road, praying for our grey water tanks. The #404088 series is the over-engineered fix for Van-Lifers protecting their plumbing. Get a full 2″ to 2.5″ suspension boost, fit real All-Terrains, and stop worrying about the road ahead. Fitment Tip: Use the “Wrench Test”—if a 22mm wrench slips over your front spring, you need the standard kit.

 

The “Professional”

Imagine the Headline – “Contractor gets High-centered at the job site and needs to lifted out by the crane”…

ya right, your not that guy…ok maybe once, but no more. 

Contractors…you know this…you know how bad job sites can be…there are no excuses for you to keep getting stuck.

Stop scraping your bumpers and getting stuck in the mud.

Our lift kits for the Chevy Express & GMC Savana 2500/3500 provide up to 2.5″ of all-around clearance and include heavy-duty 5/8″ U-bolts to handle your heaviest loads. Laser-cut from North American Steel, this kit is built to outlast your van. No guesswork, no mystery metals—just a solid suspension boost for the workhorse that pays the bills.

 

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Technical Data Sheet

Application: 2003–2026 Chevy Express / GMC Savana 2500/3500 (2WD / 8-Lug)

Material: North American Steel (Laser-Cut & Precision Welded)

 

Attribute	#404088 (Standard)	#404088-S (HD)	#404088-TT (Universal)
Lift Height	~63.5 mm (2.5″)	~63.5 mm (2.5″)	~50.8 mm (2.0″)
Position	Front & Rear	Front & Rear	Front & Rear
Spring Fitment	Under 22.5 mm	22 mm or larger	All (Standard & HD)
Hardware	5/8″ HD U-Bolts	5/8″ HD U-Bolts	9/16″ U-Bolts

Key Technical Specifications:

• Chassis Compatibility: Specifically designed for the 2WD 8-lug heavy-duty chassis.
• North American Steel: Mill Certified steel sourced for durability in harsh environments.
• No-Guesswork Fitment (#404088-TT): Engineered to work perfectly with both Standard and Heavy Duty (22mm+) springs.
• The “Wrench Test”: For kits #404088 and #404088-S, verify spring size by attempting to slip a 22mm open-end wrench over the front coil.

 404088 Front & Rear Lift Series

 

Application: 2003–2026 Chevy Express & GMC Savana 2500/3500 (2WD / 8-Lug)

This series provides a complete suspension boost for the American workhorse, lifting both the front and rear to protect undercarriage components and level the factory stance.

Model Comparison & Compatibility

Attribute	#404088 (Standard)	#404088-S (Heavy Duty)	#404088-TT (Universal)
Lift Height	2.5″ Front / 2.5″ Rear	2.5″ Front / 2.5″ Rear	2.0″ Front / 2.0″ Rear
Spring Fitment	Standard Duty (<22.5mm)	HD (22mm or larger)	Fits ALL Spring Sizes
Hardware	5/8″ HD Rear U-Bolts	5/8″ HD Rear U-Bolts	9/16″ Rear U-Bolts
Material	100% North American Mill Steel	100% North American Mill Steel	100% North American Mill Steel

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Key Product Highlights

• North American Steel Strength: Every kit is laser-cut from North American Mill Certified Steel sourced from the American rust belt.
• Real-World Clearance: Gain the “daylight” needed to keep front bumpers out of snowdrifts and camper grey/black water tanks out of the danger zone.
• Tire Upgrades: Open up the wheel wells to fit aggressive All-Terrain tires on stock 16″ rims, providing better traction for muddy jobsites or sandy trailheads.
• Built to Outlast: These vans are famous for 600,000-mile lifespans; these kits are precision-welded and powder-coated to outlive the engine.
• Direct Bolt-On: Engineered for a perfect fit with no cutting or welding required, retaining your factory ride quality.

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Fitment Checklist: The “Wrench Test”

Before ordering the 2.5″ kits, verify your front coil spring diameter to ensure a perfect match:

• The 22mm Test: Try to slip a 22mm open-end wrench over your front coil spring.
• Result A: If the wrench slips on, you have Standard springs—order #404088.
• Result B: If the wrench does not fit, you have HD springs—order #404088-S.
• The No-Guesswork Route: For a 2.0″ lift with no measuring required, order #404088-TT