Looking at Astro/Safari Vans

[intothewild]

Hey guys, I have always liked the idea of having a versatile van. I would love a full size 4x4 van, but they all seem out of my price range. Obviously, Astro's have IFS and are technically more a mini-van, but they can had cheap with AWD which I like. I am familiar with Chevy drivetrains, and I like the 4.3l motors.

Just wanted to get some input as to any common issues I may need to look for when looking for one. Anything specific to these vehicles? How capable do they seem to be? I would like to get set up to where I could travel, and live in it somewhat comfortably for an extended period of time, both on and off road..Any offroad adventures won't be extreme, but I do like to venture off the beaten path.

We do a lot of hiking, and spend alot of time in the Mountains, especially enjoy the mountains in the winter time. Thanks for any input.

 

[Herbie]

As one of the "Astro Guild", I welcome you. I'm hardly the best to speak, as I'm still mid-build myself, but I chose my Astro specifically because of the low cost of entry and versatility.

For lots of specifics on the platform, visit http://astrosafarivans.com

Searching both here and there for posts by T.Low will give you some idea of the van's capability. In short: surprising. Others on the ASV.com site have built even more capable vans and gone further, but T.Low's van represents (to me) the ideal mix of camper and off-road, which is why I am copying him so closely.

There's lots to learn, and I don't want to deprive you of the joy of weeks worth of reading, so if you have specific questions, ask away, but otherwise search and enjoy!

 

[intothewild]

Thanks for the links and the welcome...I'll be sure to do some reading on the links you've posted.

 

[T.Low]

I'm very happy with the size of the Astro and the outback capabilities of a stock awd Astro, and even more so with a lifted 2spd tcase conversion.

The IFS is very smooth on FS roads, and while I do take my slightly modified Astro up trails rated "Easy 4x4", I feel I have not stressed it and don't want to stress the IFS system. I'm not mud bogging or rock crawling.

The size is perfect for us, but some like more interior room.

 

[Wiley]

From the little I have seen you should definitely do it, seems very capable.

At the risk of thread jacking I have 2 questions, which may help intothewild as well.

Is the size of a Astro cargo vs normal astro same interior once everything is pulled from the back? I would guess they are, but haven't found any concrete answer. I like the added room, lack of windows, but would be concerned the engine takes more stress than a normal family van.

How do you guys find the AWD in beach sand? Is it pretty trustworthy, I don't think I have ever driven AWD....not sure if it is enough. Toying with the same idea as intothewild, but my needs may be a little more demanding.

Thanks


intothewild, check this thread for info too:
Chevy Astro Vans

 

[Herbie]

From the little I have seen you should definitely do it, seems very capable.

At the risk of thread jacking I have 2 questions, which may help intothewild as well.

Is the size of a Astro cargo vs normal astro same interior once everything is pulled from the back? I would guess they are, but haven't found any concrete answer. I like the added room, lack of windows, but would be concerned the engine takes more stress than a normal family van.

How do you guys find the AWD in beach sand? Is it pretty trustworthy, I don't think I have ever driven AWD....not sure if it is enough. Toying with the same idea as intothewild, but my needs may be a little more demanding.

Thanks


intothewild, check this thread for info too:
Chevy Astro Vans

Yes, once the interior is pulled, the internal dimensions are all the same. From a windows perspective, having the freedom to add my own windows to a cargo van would have been a huge plus. Conversion van windows are fairly easy to install and include things like sliding openings with screens, which would have been nice. On the other side, the cargo vans were not available with the rear AC option, (plumbed with secondary evaporator, etc. in the rear), which was a must-have for my SoCal living!

 

[digitaldelay]

We do a lot of hiking, and spend alot of time in the Mountains, especially enjoy the mountains in the winter time.

I think winter is where my Safari AWD really shines. We are having our first blast of winter right now and I prefer driving the van to my 4x4 pickup.

Jason

 

[Wiley]

Yes, once the interior is pulled, the internal dimensions are all the same. From a windows perspective, having the freedom to add my own windows to a cargo van would have been a huge plus. Conversion van windows are fairly easy to install and include things like sliding openings with screens, which would have been nice. On the other side, the cargo vans were not available with the rear AC option, (plumbed with secondary evaporator, etc. in the rear), which was a must-have for my SoCal living!

Thanks Herbie, Both points I had not considered. I never even considered the AC, though I don't think that is a big deal for my needs, great to keep in mind. And I never thought of adding windows...that is a great point too. I don't like how inviting all the windows are for a smash and grab...but I could always add something smaller for ventilation.


Anyone have any input on AWD and beach capabilities? I assume with the right tires, of course dropping the air, it would be fine. Just trying to figure out if this could be another option on a vehicle for my needs. I would be adding a lift, upgrading suspension, but probably not swapping to 4x4, though will get an idea on what it would cost me to have someone do it for me just to keep my options open since it apparently an easy swap. Thanks

 

[ihatemybike]

Anyone have any input on AWD and beach capabilities?

While I haven't had Grumpy on a beach, I have had Grumpy on some dunes, red sand in Moab, a sandy wash, and a bit of California desert. The stock AWD transfer case has done the job quite well. Still running stock size all-weather tires and the only problem ever was when thing got too steep and ran out of traction.

 

[Wiley]

Awesome, good to know....not surprised from the comments I have seen you write on the other forum either, seems like quite the van. Thanks to all of you, especially herbie, t.low, and ihatemybike for all their Astro info posted here and the astro forum.

 

[intothewild]

Well, after some thinking and looking around. I picked up an 87 Jeep XJ, I still like the idea of the van and would like to pick one up in the future, but I got a good deal on the Jeep. It's an 87 Limited, 3" Rough Country lift, like new 31" ATs, rebuilt 4.0l, rebuilt transfer case, rebuilt front end, new exhaust, and quite a bit of newer parts, upgraded alternator, red top etc. Pretty solid rig overall, needs some small misc things, but for $1200, I wouldn't expect it to be perfect.

 

[labbe66]

I am looking forward to trying out the Astro in the snow but unfortunately we went straight from no snow to 18" in the last few days so I am still using my truck until it sells. Then I will have the money for the **************' tires and chains for the van...

 

[808Wes]

'97 AWD Astro

In 2002, I started looking for a 4wd van, but didn't want a full sized, gas-gussling V8. I looked at the Mazda mini-van with 4wd but didn't like the standard swing open door as I wanted a slider. I ended up picking a '97 AWD Astro, yanked out the seats in back, put in a bed, portable stove and storage, added an awning to shade the open-slider door and then raised the ride height with stuff from OverlandVans. I added a tow package and Hellwig rear suspension and now take it to play in the snow or on 4wd-only roads to hard to get to fishing spots. At first, I put on Bridgestone 30.5" tires and was very pleased for the first 200-300 miles. They were very good in the rain and were quiet. After 300 miles though, the tires started to get very loud, so I switched them for Firestone AT's and am very happy with them. I did not reduce the off-road ability with the new tires, which is what I was afraid of. With the '97's going for as little as $1500 - $1800, you will probably be ablr to put together a decent camper-van for not too much money. BTW, the only major repair I've had so far was changing the water-pump.

 

[Loopie]

So many great posts in this thread speaking to the fortitude and unexpected capabilites (to the new comer and owner alike)...of the Astro and Safari Van.
Interior space? There is no equal. They're either much smaller or much larger.
Only the Astro Safari is a true mid-size....and with head room.

 

[Loopie]

I almost forgot to mention...NICE van 808Wes!
Forgive my ignorance...but you get snow in Hawaii?!?