Search found 12 matches

by forrestmccarthy
Wed May 10, 2023 8:48 am
Forum: Marketplace
Topic: 2004 Chevy 4WD Astro Camper Van
Replies: 0
Views: 1138

2004 Chevy 4WD Astro Camper Van

2004 Chevy 4WD Astro Camper Van 145,000 miles $29,950 https://thevancamper.com/post/6766/2004-chevy-4wd-astro-van-for-sale Engine Upgrades: Volant Air Filter TruCool Transmission Cooler New OEM Fuel Pump (2021) New OEM Starter (2022) New Radiator (2022) New Spark Plugs, Cables and Distributor (2022)...
by forrestmccarthy
Sat Oct 26, 2019 1:19 am
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12402

Re: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

I just picked up my Astro Quattro from the shop. I ended up going with Yukon 3.73 Ring and Pinions that don't appear to make any additional noise. This is with the the Truetrac in the rear and the MFactory in the front. The front torsion is mounted in the stock aluminum casing. I haven't had a chanc...
by forrestmccarthy
Sat Oct 26, 2019 12:33 am
Forum: Engine
Topic: 3rd gen Fuel Tank: size and dimensions
Replies: 3
Views: 2463

Re: 3rd gen Fuel Tank: size and dimensions

Thanks Astophysics. When overlanding I have a 10 gallon auxiliary fuel tank on my roof rack. It's a marine tank and I use a shaker siphon to easily transfer the fuel to my tank. While this works well I would still prefer to have the 27 gallon capacity in my tank. I'm planning to proactively replace ...
by forrestmccarthy
Wed Oct 09, 2019 11:09 am
Forum: Engine
Topic: 3rd gen Fuel Tank: size and dimensions
Replies: 3
Views: 2463

3rd gen Fuel Tank: size and dimensions

I’m planning to proactively replace the fuel pump on my 2004 Astro. While I’m at it I would like to replace my 22-gallon fuel tank with a 27-gallon tank. Everything I’ve read states that my 3rd generation Astro should have a 27 gallon tank. However, I’ve tested its capacity by intentionally running ...
by forrestmccarthy
Fri May 31, 2019 6:35 am
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12402

Re: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

Captn', I' interested in the GM Torsen and sent you private message. Thanks!

Sounds like the S10 HD springs (3,500 pounds) would be overkill and the SD (2,700 pound) can handle the heavy load when overlanding but not to stiff when driving the van in the winter without the rack and overland kit.
by forrestmccarthy
Fri May 24, 2019 10:52 am
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12402

Re: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

I’m currently busy with some home improvement projects that I hope will earn me enough kitchen credit for the 4x4 conversion and suspension upgrade this summer. I’ve continued to research my options and sources for parts. Trying to keep the conversion within a reasonable budget, I’ve compiled the fo...
by forrestmccarthy
Fri May 24, 2019 10:08 am
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12402

Re: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

Thanks for all the advice and information. We just returned from Utah were we traveled 300 continues miles of back roads circumnavigating the San Rafeal Swell. This included navigating the Behind the Reef Jeep Trail and fording Muddy Creek. The Astro made a fantastic rolling desert base camp. The tr...
by forrestmccarthy
Wed Apr 24, 2019 9:27 pm
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12402

Re: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

Yes, put the Blazer front differential in my Astro front axle. At the same time, through a swap or rebuild, I would change my rear gearing to 3.73 as well. "For the front go to car-parts.com and search for front axle assy. for chevy S-10 Zr2. They all came with 3.73’s. Find one with manual tran...
by forrestmccarthy
Wed Apr 24, 2019 7:10 pm
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12402

Re: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

Captn. Crunch, I may have found a unicorn. It's a 2004 Chevy Blazer (89k) with "high wider performance package (opt ZR2), transfer case opt NP1 (3 switch dash control), AT (3.73 ratio, opt GT4)." Looks like I can grab the transfer case from it as well. I still need to do the magnet test. I...
by forrestmccarthy
Wed Apr 10, 2019 8:40 am
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12402

Re: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

My 2004 Astro is an AWD with the standard GU6 and open differential. It has the 6-lug configuration with disc brakes. Capt. Crunch's suggestion of twin torsens with Detroit Truetrac differentials and a np236 transfer case is intriguing yet likely out of my league budget wise. While this would be an ...
by forrestmccarthy
Wed Apr 10, 2019 12:56 am
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12402

Re: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

While I do a lot of desert/mountain off road driving, I also spend a lot of time on the interstate system getting there. For that reason I don't want to bump up to the 4:10. With 30.1" tires and a 3:73 I would be near the factory engineered RPMs that I had with 28" tires and the 3:42 (GU6)...
by forrestmccarthy
Tue Apr 09, 2019 9:29 pm
Forum: REAR AXLE / DRIVE SHAFT
Topic: G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion
Replies: 33
Views: 12402

G80 & GT4 for 2004 AWD Astro Conversion

I just got some bigger tires (255/70r16) and my van is now a bit sluggish on steep climbs. I’m considering changing my gearing from 3.42 to 3.73 and adding a G80 limited slip differential while I’m at it. Seems to me, if I can find the right donors, the simplest thing is to swap out the entire axle ...