So this is way overdue. I've read, reread, and then reread build threads on Expedition Portal for as long as i've owned my van (coming up on three years now). I've been influenced from many others here. I figured it was time to share with the community my build. It's a 2004 awd Chevy Astro with a 4in lift and a pop-top transplanted from a mid 90s ford Aerostar Chinook.
Over the course of the almost three years i've owned my van, i've been across the country multiple times. I purchased it in New Hampshire with 98k miles from the original owner. Drove it back to Nebraska in the middle of the winter. Here's what he looked like after I bought it.
The van went through a multitude of interior build-outs. Each one changing to match the trip I was going on. I don't full-time in my van, and I often use it to haul photo and video equipment. So a modular buildout has always been a goal of mine.
Here's a couple build-outs throughout the years....
One of the first builds, a simple back bunk.
Here's that latest build-out before I put on the pop-top.
The passenger swivel seat is a custom fabbed mount from a member here on EP. Johnny5 I believe. He did an amazing job with the build. I know a couple others here also have his swivel. It's awesome.
Earlier this year I also installed a 4in lift. I pieced together my own lift... with a lot of parts recommended on various threads here. 2in body spacers up front with a torsion bar crank, and new S10 leaf springs from SDtrucksprings.com on the back. That with some BFG AT KO2 tires. I believe they're 245/70R16.
Here's the van after the lift.
And another in Utah on a rock climbing trip.
Over the course of the almost three years i've owned my van, i've been across the country multiple times. I purchased it in New Hampshire with 98k miles from the original owner. Drove it back to Nebraska in the middle of the winter. Here's what he looked like after I bought it.
The van went through a multitude of interior build-outs. Each one changing to match the trip I was going on. I don't full-time in my van, and I often use it to haul photo and video equipment. So a modular buildout has always been a goal of mine.
Here's a couple build-outs throughout the years....
One of the first builds, a simple back bunk.
Here's that latest build-out before I put on the pop-top.
The passenger swivel seat is a custom fabbed mount from a member here on EP. Johnny5 I believe. He did an amazing job with the build. I know a couple others here also have his swivel. It's awesome.
Earlier this year I also installed a 4in lift. I pieced together my own lift... with a lot of parts recommended on various threads here. 2in body spacers up front with a torsion bar crank, and new S10 leaf springs from SDtrucksprings.com on the back. That with some BFG AT KO2 tires. I believe they're 245/70R16.
Here's the van after the lift.
And another in Utah on a rock climbing trip.
Last edited:
