Does it Exist? Newer AWD Tall-Wagon Van Thing You can Sleep In
- Thread starter PHeller
- Start date
ihatemybike
Explorer
The Metris is a RWD based vehicle, many are already available and traction control is an option. 2" spacer lifts are already available. Should be able to get around to a lot of places.
Honestly, Astros are pretty easy to work on. Removing the engine cover and or fan shroud and fan will grant access to most everything you'll need to work on, and the spark plugs are changed through the wheel wells. Lifts kits for Astros are under $700 for up to 7" and a Blazer Hi-Lo transfer case (2, 4 Auto, 4 Hi, N, 4Lo) can be swapped in fairly easily.
tanglefoot
ExPoseur
How 'bout an All-Trac Previa? Or AWD Sienna/Chrysler? The minivans seem to really trump any of the utes in terms of interior volume.
Dake21
Adventurer
Star Stuff
New member
Hi all,
I hope you don’t mind me resurrecting this old thread as my first post, but the question posed by the OP (PHeller) is exactly where I’m at (found it Googling), and wondering if there are any options that have appeared in the last five years.
I presently have a 4L 2002 Ford Ranger (with canopy) which I bought new, and it just doesn’t quite work for sleeping in the back for those little solo trips away from home, so I've looked at other options and there just doesn’t seem to be anything that quite fits the bill.
I first learned of the VW Eurovans, but then discovered their cult following, and obscene prices. Same with the older VW Westfalias, it’s insane what people want for those old, worn out sleds, and don’t even get me started on the VW Syncros! LOL
I then found out about the various camper vans that are brought in from Japan (Delicas / Honda Stepvan etc), but the RHD is a deal-breaker for me.
I then turned my sights to newer options like the Transit Connect, Promaster City and Nissan NV200, and while their fuel efficient engines and other modern perks are very appealing, their ground clearance just isn’t enough (~5”), and of course they’re very expensive if bought new. (The larger vans like the Sprinters, Transits, et al are too large for me).
I then became aware of the older Astro/Safari AWD vans, and……..the lift kits available for them! Cool! I got all excited about that, and then test-drove a 2001 Astro the other day. It had a professionally made extended roof and a metal wheelchair lift just inside the back doors (which could easily be removed and sold), but when I drove it, it felt like a big, heavy, lumbering hulk. I was shocked, because these are relatively small vans, so I chalked it up to the added weight of the large roof.
Then, yesterday, I test drove a 2001 Astro AWD passenger van (with rear seats removed), and to my dismay, it had the same, lumbering feeling to drive…..more like a boat than a small van, and this one had recent new front shocks! Horrible. When I got back into my Ranger, the difference was massive – it felt like a sports car by comparison; tight, light and responsive. So it appears that is simply what the ride characteristics of the Astro/Safari are like, and I came home dejected, feeling like I just couldn’t live with that, as this would also be my daily driver.
So I guess my question is two-fold: Is there anything that has been released in the last 5 years that fits the bill, or would a different tire & shock choice really help the ride of the Astro/Safari? BTW, if I do buy one, I plan on doing a 2” lift, with larger tires on the 16” rims.
I’m going to see another 2005 Safari AWD cargo tomorrow morning, so would LOVE to hear some feedback before then if possible, which would help me decide on buying or not.
Thanks!
I hope you don’t mind me resurrecting this old thread as my first post, but the question posed by the OP (PHeller) is exactly where I’m at (found it Googling), and wondering if there are any options that have appeared in the last five years.
I presently have a 4L 2002 Ford Ranger (with canopy) which I bought new, and it just doesn’t quite work for sleeping in the back for those little solo trips away from home, so I've looked at other options and there just doesn’t seem to be anything that quite fits the bill.
I first learned of the VW Eurovans, but then discovered their cult following, and obscene prices. Same with the older VW Westfalias, it’s insane what people want for those old, worn out sleds, and don’t even get me started on the VW Syncros! LOL
I then found out about the various camper vans that are brought in from Japan (Delicas / Honda Stepvan etc), but the RHD is a deal-breaker for me.
I then turned my sights to newer options like the Transit Connect, Promaster City and Nissan NV200, and while their fuel efficient engines and other modern perks are very appealing, their ground clearance just isn’t enough (~5”), and of course they’re very expensive if bought new. (The larger vans like the Sprinters, Transits, et al are too large for me).
I then became aware of the older Astro/Safari AWD vans, and……..the lift kits available for them! Cool! I got all excited about that, and then test-drove a 2001 Astro the other day. It had a professionally made extended roof and a metal wheelchair lift just inside the back doors (which could easily be removed and sold), but when I drove it, it felt like a big, heavy, lumbering hulk. I was shocked, because these are relatively small vans, so I chalked it up to the added weight of the large roof.
Then, yesterday, I test drove a 2001 Astro AWD passenger van (with rear seats removed), and to my dismay, it had the same, lumbering feeling to drive…..more like a boat than a small van, and this one had recent new front shocks! Horrible. When I got back into my Ranger, the difference was massive – it felt like a sports car by comparison; tight, light and responsive. So it appears that is simply what the ride characteristics of the Astro/Safari are like, and I came home dejected, feeling like I just couldn’t live with that, as this would also be my daily driver.
So I guess my question is two-fold: Is there anything that has been released in the last 5 years that fits the bill, or would a different tire & shock choice really help the ride of the Astro/Safari? BTW, if I do buy one, I plan on doing a 2” lift, with larger tires on the 16” rims.
I’m going to see another 2005 Safari AWD cargo tomorrow morning, so would LOVE to hear some feedback before then if possible, which would help me decide on buying or not.
Thanks!
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Florida Native
Active member
@Star Stuff It depends on your desired use. If looking for AWD with a bit of ground clearance to handle winter weather and maintained forest service roads, a Toyota Sienna may be for you. There is a 3.5" lift kit available for 2004-2020 models. Obviously not for off-roading but they are awesome on pavement, will do just fine soft-roading, very reliable and enough room to sleep two inside and carry your gear.
-Mike
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
-Mike
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
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Star Stuff
New member
Thanks. I forgot to mention that I also need to accommodate a 10' plastic kayak, and really prefer the ability to have it in the back rather than on roof racks, as it usually is dripping with salt water after use. I will be putting rubber gym mat inside.
Grassland
Well-known member
Where do you find an astro that doesn't have half a million clicks on it?
Also the old vortec is heavy on gas.
The shortest standard roof Transit (130" wheelbase) is reasonably sized. Going to be very expensive in AWD.
The Toyota Sienna doesn't have a spare tire because the AWD drivetrain goes through where the factory spare normally sits I thought.
Also the old vortec is heavy on gas.
The shortest standard roof Transit (130" wheelbase) is reasonably sized. Going to be very expensive in AWD.
The Toyota Sienna doesn't have a spare tire because the AWD drivetrain goes through where the factory spare normally sits I thought.
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
You can get a 1500 Ford Transit van with the 3.5 and AWD.
Star Stuff
New member
This one has 150,000 KM on it (93,000 mi), and from what I understand,people get a lot of miles out of these engines.
Yes, the fuel mileage is a bummer, it will be about the same as my 4L Ranger I suppose - thirsty, but again, I can't seem to come up with any alternatives. Again, the efficient 4 cyl of the Promaster City is great, but the ground clearance is too little.
Star Stuff
New member
As mentioned in my initial post, those are too large for me.
Florida Native
Active member
Small on the outside but big enough to hold a 10' kayak inside? I think that's Tardis territory. I would think a kayak dripping with water is reason to carry it OUTSIDE rather than in your living space.
AWD Siennas don't come with spare tires, but it's easy to throw one in back. The 2004-2010 even have a spot behind the 3rd row exactly for that.
-Mike
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
AWD Siennas don't come with spare tires, but it's easy to throw one in back. The 2004-2010 even have a spot behind the 3rd row exactly for that.
-Mike
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk