Kenny's Astro Adventure

[Kenny Johnson]

After inspiration from the Herbie and T.Low's Astro Vans combined with my love for exploration, I bought an Astro van. However, my Astro van is 2wd. I will post pictures of the build with aspirations of converting it to 4x4. I will probably ask a lot of questions regarding your Astro Vans.

 

[digitaldelay]

Kenny, I would just run that van of yours as is. If you are lucky enough to have the factory tow package, it will have 3.73 gears (with Eaton G80 locking diff). Not to mention a Class III hitch for bikes and emergency recovery with a receiver shackle. Throw some new AT's on there (factory size 215/75R15 if no lift, 235/75R15 with modest 2" lift) and you are good to go. Just be sensible in the places you try to get to (you mentioned beach camping, for example) and use all the money you saved for your road trip.

I have an AWD but honestly if it wasn't for winter up here, I would be perfectly fine with a 2-wheel drive. Better on gas, 500 lbs. lighter, better ride, etc.

If you really want All/4WD just buy an AWD. But save your other one for highway cruising duty since you got such a good deal on it (I'm working on a fleet myself)

Either way, I'm looking forward to following your build and upcoming adventures!

Jason

 

[Kenny Johnson]

Yes!

I do have the towing package with the class III hitch! That is great news. I have emailed Jim (9dawgs) in hopes to get information of how his handles off road. He has a 2wd with a 4" lift and 31" AT's. His Astro looks amazing, but I am curious about the performance. Thank you for the detailed info. My van is back home in Memphis while I am confined to Ft. Benning, so I am not getting a chance to investigate it.