ihatemybike
Explorer
Astros rule!
AZ Astro Van project - slow build - advice welcomed 2004 AWD LT
- Thread starter AZAstroVanNovice
- Start date
Here's a question for you Astro types...
My brother purchased an Astro awd. It's lifted 2" and on 235's. Seems like an awesome lil rig but I keep thinking itd sure go a lot more places with a rear diff locker. I see people mention the G80 code and the limited slip that it implies, but are there any other options for guys to add into a stock Astro diff? Specifically, I'm thinking of a Lockright or Spartan style Aussie locker thing... Cheap and easy.
Is there one that works in the Astros and are there any issues with the awd system if you install a diff lock?
This awd stuff is new to me. Every 4x4 I've owned has a proper transfer case and solid axles.
My brother purchased an Astro awd. It's lifted 2" and on 235's. Seems like an awesome lil rig but I keep thinking itd sure go a lot more places with a rear diff locker. I see people mention the G80 code and the limited slip that it implies, but are there any other options for guys to add into a stock Astro diff? Specifically, I'm thinking of a Lockright or Spartan style Aussie locker thing... Cheap and easy.
Is there one that works in the Astros and are there any issues with the awd system if you install a diff lock?
This awd stuff is new to me. Every 4x4 I've owned has a proper transfer case and solid axles.
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Stroverlander
Adventurer
Besides the G80 option code factory Eaton rear locker (which you can buy used/rebuilt on Ebay for cheap) for the GM 10-bolt 7.5" / 7.625" 28 spline rear end, there are Yukon and Auburn LSDs, Eaton True Trac helical gear LSD, Richmond Powertrax No-Slip and Powertrax Lock-Right lockers available.
The Astro does have a 'proper' transfer case (pre-'99 full-time viscous BW4472, '99-up part-time electronic NV136), just single speed which can be replaced with more than a few 2-speed transfer cases from other GM models. Rear locker has no effect on AWD system function.
The Astro does have a 'proper' transfer case (pre-'99 full-time viscous BW4472, '99-up part-time electronic NV136), just single speed which can be replaced with more than a few 2-speed transfer cases from other GM models. Rear locker has no effect on AWD system function.
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nobodyhome
Adventurer
:iagree:
Moving forward as not to hyjack AZ's thread...
Last we heard, his tires were on their last leg and he was trying to find a good tire size that works now, and when he installs the 2" lift.
Being a newbie myself, I just had the same problem. I went with 235/75/16 and instantly regretted it... MAJOR rub!
I'd go 225/75/16, loose an insignificant amount of ground clearance but gain wheel well clearance when flexing... what do you guys think?
Moving forward as not to hyjack AZ's thread...
Last we heard, his tires were on their last leg and he was trying to find a good tire size that works now, and when he installs the 2" lift.
Being a newbie myself, I just had the same problem. I went with 235/75/16 and instantly regretted it... MAJOR rub!
I'd go 225/75/16, loose an insignificant amount of ground clearance but gain wheel well clearance when flexing... what do you guys think?
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Mwilliamshs
Explorer
You'd lose less than 1/2" of ground clearance. Half of that I think.
235/75-16 tires: 235 / 25.49 = 9.2 * .75 = 6.9 * 2 = 13.8 +16 = 29.8" tall
225/75-16 tires: 225 / 25.49 = 8.8 * .75 = 6.6 * 2 = 13.2 +16 = 29.2" tall
Total height difference is .6" so loss of ground clearance would be half that amount, .3". That's of course an academic answer, not based on actual tires. So I went to tirerack dot com and compared the specs for Firestone Destination LE which is available in both 235/75-16 and 225/75-16. Total height difference between these tires as published by Firestone is .5", so less than I calculated (.6"). The real-world loss of ground clearance would be .25" (1%), as half the tire's height is above the axle centerline and half is below. Maybe a better illustration of this is here at tacomaworld. You can overlay the tires and get a picture of it.
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nobodyhome
Adventurer
WOW, AWESOME answer! Thanks for the details; fellow Engineer? hehheh
I was guessing, but you are right on. Yes, I do regret my size decision at this point; I will likely end up doing springs and rear-end helper bags to solve my issues.
2001Safari
New member
Great to see another Astro/Safari, and with recent postings too. I'm new to Expedition but if there is anything I can help with, I've done some work. Mine is a true 2wd with Lock-Right. Never had any issues getting where I need to go, besides gas money. Got 6" lift w/ 245/75r16. The tires rubbed until I cut PLASTIC, and I was able to keep a lot of my appearance intact. Let me know if you want pics.
AZAstroVanNovice
New, need advice.
I learn from all of this.
I am going through a "reverse stock split" so my project is slow slow right now until the dealing is done
I am going through a "reverse stock split" so my project is slow slow right now until the dealing is done
nobodyhome
Adventurer
Did you get your tires yet bud?
AZAstroVanNovice
New, need advice.
Mwilliamshs - This is a great post. Thanks
AZAstroVanNovice
New, need advice.
Nobodyhome - I have not. the "reverse stock split" is divorce, so I am laying a bit low until it is final, but I am doing the little things (Tint, reflective window inserts, upgrade head lamps) but I am dying to get the part so I can go UP
AZAstroVanNovice
New, need advice.
Great answer re the tires. Thanks
nobodyhome
Adventurer
Sorry AZ, I'm so dense sometimes I swear light bends around me. Good luck with it, hope she doesn't take the Ice Trays like mine did.