Search found 124 matches

by WE7X
Thu Jan 09, 2020 7:55 pm
Forum: TRANSMISSION
Topic: Manual Transmissions in Astro/Safari Vans (History Question)
Replies: 11
Views: 11978

Re: Manual Transmissions in Astro/Safari Vans (History Question)

There is probably a cable operated option ( from pedal to clutch arm) , as long as you are designing a 'one-of-a-kind' setup. Fitting a hydraulic cylinder to the fire wall, in tour A/S bodies, in an appropriate area, does not sound trivial. Many older German and Japaneese cars and trucks used cable ...
by WE7X
Fri Dec 06, 2019 11:01 am
Forum: STARTING ISSUES
Topic: 2001 AWD Astro LS Crank, No Start
Replies: 2
Views: 6972

Re: 2001 AWD Astro LS Crank, No Start

Assuming you found the problem...what did you find?
Something in plain sight, or a very obscure failure?
Just curious
Rod J
by WE7X
Thu Dec 05, 2019 5:03 pm
Forum: Engine
Topic: Is the 4.3L an 'Interferrence' motor
Replies: 6
Views: 5519

Re: Is the 4.3L an 'Interferrence' motor

Thanks Captain C., for that piece of information. I did not get a chance to test that information, but I am glad to know the valves and pistons, would probably would have survived a timing chain failure. Since writing that request for information, it has been proven that it was not a timing chain fa...
by WE7X
Sun Nov 24, 2019 7:22 pm
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: NP 233 spline count appears to be 32 in and out
Replies: 3
Views: 1847

Re: NP 233 spline count appears to be 32 in and out

Thanks, Somehow I missed the reply, and just found it. It had not occurred to me that it might not have come from an S-10 Blazer. I had forgotten about the bigger versions' but the fellow I got it from had a couple of nice older 2WD Astros in his yard. I was sure he said it was the correct one for t...
by WE7X
Sat Nov 23, 2019 10:37 pm
Forum: Engine
Topic: Is the 4.3L an 'Interferrence' motor
Replies: 6
Views: 5519

Is the 4.3L an 'Interferrence' motor

My 98 van If a timing chain breaks, do the pistons usually hit any open valves? 215K, and today the engine started and ran fine for 30 minutes, then was parked for a couple of hours. Upon returning, the motor did not want to crank, but after a couple of tries, it cranked a couple of seconds and then...
by WE7X
Fri Nov 01, 2019 7:09 pm
Forum: Chassis
Topic: Steering, missing suspension, and oil leaks
Replies: 4
Views: 5437

Re: Steering, missing suspension, and oil leaks

It has been over a year since I disconnected the front sway bar, and I recently decided to install the new links and try it with the bar connected. After several trips to the local logging roads, I decided it made the ride a bit rougher on the potholes and rough roads. hat is a 'Seat-of-the-Pants' o...
by WE7X
Mon Oct 21, 2019 9:00 pm
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: NP 233 spline count appears to be 32 in and out
Replies: 3
Views: 1847

NP 233 spline count appears to be 32 in and out

I recently found a NP-233C out of a rolled Blazer. It came attached to the transmission and was too cheap to pass up. The conversion postings indicate I want a 32 spline input and a 27 spline output. I discovered I have the 32 spline output version. I am now wondering if is just a matter of changing...
by WE7X
Fri Aug 30, 2019 10:30 pm
Forum: SUSPENSION
Topic: Shock Absorber choices?
Replies: 7
Views: 6994

Shock Absorber choices?

I now have the parts to raise my '98 van a couple of inches, bu I am wondering if there are 'Good" alternatives to the Rancho shocks I see often mentioned. I do not do "Off-Road' stuff, but I do get on a lot of logging roads and easily passable flatland tracks occasionally. I am wondering ...
by WE7X
Fri Aug 30, 2019 11:34 am
Forum: STEERING
Topic: '98 AWD Steering Box
Replies: 9
Views: 5148

Re: '98 AWD Steering Box

I want to Shout-out to a Less Schwab Tire Store, for stepping up the extra effort to help with a steering box issue. It has been over a year (May 2108) since I had the new steering box installed, and I had immediately complained to the installer that it was 'tight'. I was told to "let it loose...
by WE7X
Tue Aug 06, 2019 10:40 pm
Forum: FRONT AXLE / DRIVE AND CV SHAFTS
Topic: Front diff swap
Replies: 10
Views: 5279

Re: Front diff swap

My goodness; what an impressive shop. I am so jealous!
WE7X
Issaquah, WA
by WE7X
Fri Apr 12, 2019 7:40 pm
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12613

Re: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

Buyer be ware! I would suggest you be sure to get some sort of a guarantee and a right to return for any reason, if you buy a used diff. I bought a couple that looked good, and felt good in my hands; but upon having a rear end shop inspect them up, finding a significant amount of wear that would oth...
by WE7X
Sun Mar 31, 2019 10:58 pm
Forum: ELECTRICAL
Topic: Battery randomly draining for no explainable reason
Replies: 4
Views: 2504

Re: Battery randomly draining for no explainable reason

Sorry, I just found your note.
Did you find the culprit to your battery drain problem?
If not, PM me, and we can go from there. I have quite a lot of experience in automotive and industrial electrical stuff ( made my living at it). What year is the van?
by WE7X
Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:33 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Need little help!
Replies: 8
Views: 4037

Re: Need little help!

One thing I have found handy working on my van (only 1-1/2 years of ownership ); I keep a small stock of stainless steel #8 oval head sheet metal screws and the matching 'finish washers' handy. Most good quality hardware stores will have them, and the better purveyors of nuts and bolts ( such as McM...
by WE7X
Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:13 pm
Forum: ELECTRICAL
Topic: Stuck rear hatch
Replies: 16
Views: 12010

Re: Stuck rear hatch

I finally found the 'Round-Tuit' needed, in conjunction with a day of fair weather. I opened up the back hatch and removed the hatch inner panel, wiper assembly and bush-button/lock switch. Having a 'spare' switch assembly in hand, from a Pick-A-Part, I suddenly realized the donor lock was going to ...
by WE7X
Wed Mar 27, 2019 9:47 pm
Forum: BODY
Topic: Body Part Gap Filler?
Replies: 1
Views: 2052

Re: Body Part Gap Filler?

IMHO< you do not want BONDO. It is brittle, like all regular body fillers. I would suggest either going to an automotive paint store ( NAPA may have it, or could get it) and ask information for body seam sealer ( your application may not be right for this, but it will get you and the clerk on the ri...