AWD Safari build (getting to ground zero)

[nonhog]

Picked up a 96 GMC Safari for my camping rig last night. It had been sitting for about a year? Needs a interior detail but am pleased how complete and unmolested it is.
I've had plenty of projects before but never a van. Plan on lifting(what height I am still considering) and probably a transfer case to make 4WD. Skid plates and front custom bumper are also on my list.
But 1st! time to evaluate what I have and what it might need to be fitting of my wants. My hour drive home was decent. Pretty smooth driving but wandered a bit.
Its engine is quiet and somewhat strong, compared to my old 08 4.3 Silverado.
Really looking forward to hauling a RTT and 2 kayaks who knows maybe at the same time?
Doing lots of research here (and elsewhere)
I will for sure ask some questions along the way and hopefully post some progress.

Speaking of questions, any tricks to removing the cladding?

 

[zerskier]

removing the cladding isn't bad, the double sided tape is another story. A couple pinstripe eraser wheels did the job for me.

 

[nonhog]

Thanks for that. "Astro" brand LOL.

 

[nonhog]

Back to cladding, In starting to remove I see there is nothing under the Front wheel well where it meets the door. I am wondering if I seek out a non-cladded version to install or will that be a waste of time since larger tires will be in my future.

Thanks in advance!

 

[zerskier]

I just cut mine even with the door and called it a day.

 

[nonhog]

Thanks zerskier, Mine might have gotten tweaked a bit removing it last night so cutting could work.
Other than my drive home I haven't done much. interior needs to be scrubbed. I'm seeing on Astro sites they leak at the windshield, mine might too. (Farm that job out!)
Heard a new squeal noise. I was hoping the P/S pump in this one was o.k. but now I wonder. More inspections this weekend.

 

[nonhog]

Inspection so far, pretty good. Have fluid everywhere there should be plus a little where there shouldn't be. LOL
Front brakes are 75% =/-
1/2 the cladding and most the pin striping off now.
Waiting for shackles and 2" spacers to come in the mail.
Have lots of studying to do re: the roof rack. Seems the factory one is a bit weak. Not sure it will do o.k. with my Tepui RTT.

 

[nonhog]

Making progress, 2 forward, 1 back. The usual. LOL 2" lift installed and tires on. The front end toe wont set. New parts needed, ah well.
Still thinking about the roof rack. Have a 2015 4Runner rack that is much stronger so I might see if I can make it work or just get some metal and get busy.
Before and after pics...
Pull a part come through with cargo front wheel trim, added spray on bed liner and go.

 

[ihatemybike]

They look so much better with the cladding removed.

 

[nonhog]

Finally found a grill.
Now the rough part. Get to replace my replacement steering box. Bought brand name thinking it was worth the higher price but its just as bad as the old worn out one. Get to do it again. Not excited about the do over but what the hey!

Have to eliminate that annoying "wander".

 

[nonhog]

Patience development vehicle! Yikes so many wrestling matches. Every other project is a swear fest. LOL
Picking up a parts van this weekend. Any thoughts from the Astro-Safari crowd on must have before Pick n Pull drags it away?

 

[nonhog]

Well....
I skipped dragging the parts van home. I did get an extra 4.3, Transmission, manual transfer case, and a bunch of extra stuff. Got the new (newest) steering box in and it drives much better. Not perfect as it still wanders a bit, but doable for now.
Took it out for a fun, squeaky, stressful outing on Sunday. Spent some time out near Greenwater on 70, but found nowhere that wasn't overrun with snowmobiles. Ended up off 165 near The Carbon River.
Went up 7810 to the Surprise lake trail (which I wouldn't attempt in this van) turned around got out of the way getting through the snow w/o any issue. Was just starting to get deep. What I didn't know was while me and my boy were snowshoeing a Suburban with bald front tires was icing the road by skidding down. After getting back to the van I noticed it was blocking the road I decided to see if we could help so I got closer and closer and sliding down the ice rink slide right into them.
My van began pushing the Suburban down the hill. Ahhh! I ****************, never should have driven in the first place but all the tire test I did earlier proved stopping, steering was doing great. Well lesson learned things change. Took 2 hours to get 3 miles to the bottom due to the sliding, slipping Chevy in front, as well as a couple of others who got stuck. At the bottom the guy and his pregnant wife were super nice and acted like it was no big deal. We went our separate ways. Super stressful watching the Suburban fishtail downhill.

 

[nonhog]

Scratching my head......

 

[ORYGUN HIACE]

Ron Burgundy is looking nice these days..

 

[Ozarker]

Looks good! I'll be following as my 2001 Astro AWD is about to make a transformation. Looks good with the cladding off and thanks for mentioning the wheel eraser, where do you get them?