RK's MANi-Van - UP FOR SALE

[ihatemybike]

Once the cross member is modded and the other drive shaft is built would it be that difficult to go back & forth for those that have done it?

It shouldn't be too bad. I swapped viscous AWD TCs yesterday if you have a jack that can hold the TC to lift it in place it would make things easier. I pretty much bench pressed mine in place.

Another thing to think about is to get a transfer case clocking ring. Might be able to mount the two speed case the same as the AWD one, then the cross member wouldn't have to be modified.

 

[Herbie]

The 1996's computer doesn't have the ability to control the electric AWD. Not sure if a 1999 ECU (first year with ECU controlled AWD) would run a 1996, Car-Part.com doesn't show that's it able to swap into a 1996.

Ah yes, good reminder, thanks. Still, I'm not sure how much of this falls on the ECU. I know when Tom swapped his NP233 he needed the TCU from the donor vehicle. Not sure if he substituted the 4x4 TCU where his AWD one was, or just added it in someplace.

I think the main question would be what happens when he goes into 4Lo. With the modern ECUs they need that "4-low" signal or they freak out when they see funny data from the speed sensors. Does a 1996 ECU even have these inputs?

 

[RocKrawler]

That would be an ideal setup... Awd for snow, locked center diff for dirt and low range for the fun stuff. Hmmmm.

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[nely]

What does the np236 come in?

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[RocKrawler]

Nice!
Although this will be the last time I visit this thread... :sombrero:
I don't need anymore temptation to sell a vehicle and start a new one, especially since these Astros are so neat!
:drool:

Do it - come to the dark side... Once in the Astro I really dont miss the the big E series as much as I thought I would. From a front seat perspective its more comfortable in my opinion and I think the engine is much easier to work on so far.

Another thing to think about is to get a transfer case clocking ring. Might be able to mount the two speed case the same as the AWD one, then the cross member wouldn't have to be modified.

Where would on find said clocking ring?

 

[Herbie]

What does the np236 come in?

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Later model ('98-'04, IIRC) S10s, Blazers, Jimmys, and I believe Bravadas, etc. It's often referred to as the "4-button" 4wd system, since there are buttons for 2Hi, 4Hi, 4Lo, and "Auto 4WD" which is basically the electronic AWD. Neutral was selected by pressing 2HI and 4LO simultaneously, IIRC.

 

[RocKrawler]

I believe its also referred to as AutoTrac and I don't think it will be compatible with my setup sadly.

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[RocKrawler]

Got my Kelty Carport delivered to my work today from Kurt (SMKSIGNALS), awesome. Waiting on the lift to arrive from Loopie and OV so I can get the lift installed and the new 31" tires installed.

 

[T.Low]

Ah yes, good reminder, thanks. Still, I'm not sure how much of this falls on the ECU. I know when Tom swapped his NP233 he needed the TCU from the donor vehicle. Not sure if he substituted the 4x4 TCU where his AWD one was, or just added it in someplace.

QUOTE]


Not sure if the TCU is different vernacular for the TCCM (Transfer Case Control Module). I got the TCCM from the donor vehicle. There is none for the stock AWD because there is no switching it on and off, its always "on"; it just operates mechanically.

Keep in mind that mine is electrical, not manual. Jason wired the 4Lo switch so that it could not be engaged without the van being in nuetral and the emergency brake engaged to prevent any mistakes of accidently hitting 4lo while in motion.

 

[suntinez]

Currently on order:
Pro Comp Shocks
Pro Comp Add-A-Leafs
Overland Vans 3" shackles and front torsion keys
Back Country Vans solid body and bumper lift (from LOOPIE)

Wish list:

4.10 gear swap

:lurk:

 

[RocKrawler]

:lurk:

I got notice that Loopie shipped his parts out, waiting for confirmation from OV that their stuff is on the way. I chose a long style (smoother ride) add a leaf to get the project "off the ground" so to speak. And although the Pro Comp 9000 shocks showed up I'm still debating using Bilstein's instead - I have a few days to decide, but the Pro Comps are a fraction of the Bilstein's so its a tough call. The tires are so junky on te van I cant wait till everything shows so I can get it safe. Did a transmission service today and everything was good, now just good-er.


Changing the topic:
Is anyone good at photoshop? We have a color in mind that never came on the Astro, not all that different but enough I think I'd like it. I want to get a photoshop done to picture it lifted and in the desired color. PM me if you can help!

 

[Loopie]

I even had that box on site at the UPS Store at around 3pm last Friday...but I learned their daily cutoff is 1:30...unlike 4pm at most places. Now I know. I see they expect delivery to you on Friday...considering it didn't leave here untill today(Mon)...not bad for "regular" shipping...and from Canada.

So what's in the box?

Six UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) Poly Ethylene spacers. For all intents and purposes...a plastic as strong as steel. It is self lubricating and will never squeak. I cut and drill these myself from rod stock and what this allows is the ability to have precise holes for the two different sized body mount bolts. The two center bolts are 14M and the other four are 12M....holes are drilled accordingly and offer better support along the shaft of the bolt than a genericly available body spacer.
Bolts are still metric and rated 10.9 for strenght.

The bumper lift bracket is a very simple piece, with the addition of one more 10.9 bolt. The stock bracket is a sort of "crumple zone" IMHO so I wanted to retain it for some installations. The stock steel is about an 1/8th or slightly less...the one sided lift support is 1/4" steel and should offer at least the same impact resistance as if everything were stock.

Due to the slick nature of UHMW, which is pure white....you'll notice I did what any self respecting Canadian would do and wrapped those puppies in black hockey tape!:chef:

 

[RocKrawler]

Awesome Loopie... Can't wait! I hope my OV stuff is on the way as well since it was ordered a day or so before.

Edit: just got an email that the version keys havent even been built yet. Hope this doesn't drag out very long, this van needs tires in a very bad way. They are already bought and paid for and I can't even install them. Drat!

 

[RocKrawler]

Got the body lift installed today, as well as a rear Pro Comp add a leafs.

Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt... so there.

 

[TangoBlue]

Got the body lift installed today, as well as a rear Pro Comp add a leafs.

Pics or it never happened...