New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick questi

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Topic author
sc-surfer
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Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick qu

Post by sc-surfer »

Hi all...

Still looking. Finding an AWD is proving tough. 2WD are much more plentiful...obviously...so,

How hard is a 4WD conversion? There are parts vans around. I could probably come up with a front subframe complete. I'd just go with a NP233 and the JOR shift kit, eliminating any need for the AWD electronics. I don't mind doing the work, and have a decent shop. Is there any reason to not buy a low mileage clean 2WD and just convert it??

Thanks!
2003 Astro AWD 27x.xxx Miles
Journeys 7" lift set to about 6in.
BFG 30 x 9.5s on factory 16" wheels

Topic author
sc-surfer
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Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:04 pm

Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick qu

Post by sc-surfer »

Looking at a clean 2WD '99 with only 105K. If it checks out tomorrow I might pull the trigger. Then just wait for a 4WD subframe to come along. Having the complete subframe on the garage floor would make it pretty easy to do the front end work I want to do. Then when it's dine slide it under the 2WD.

Why not?
2003 Astro AWD 27x.xxx Miles
Journeys 7" lift set to about 6in.
BFG 30 x 9.5s on factory 16" wheels

Captn. Crunch
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Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick qu

Post by Captn. Crunch »

It’s all possible. Set up for the swap or expand your search and find what you want. It’s out there, sometimes patience is a good thing
Captn. Crunch
"I don't beat my rig-I use it to it's maximum potential"
1994 Safari conversion (sold) and miss'n it!
1999 Safari SLE AWD junked
2003 GMC Safari AWD SLT
cast iron Torsen equipped front diff
S-10 leafs-G80 rear w/3.73’s
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Astrophysics
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Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick qu

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi,
You could also get a Jeep solid axle kit from JOR Journeys Off aRoad in Prescott , AZ.

Perhaps, They could weld it into the 2 WD Astro.
Call Mike at JOR. 928 925-2360, to chat with him.

AP

Captn. Crunch
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Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick qu

Post by Captn. Crunch »

Astrophysics wrote:Hi,
You could also get a Jeep solid axle kit from JOR Journeys Off aRoad in Prescott , AZ.

Perhaps, They could weld it into the 2 WD Astro.
Call Mike at JOR. 928 925-2360, to chat with him.

AP
Great idea!!
Captn. Crunch
"I don't beat my rig-I use it to it's maximum potential"
1994 Safari conversion (sold) and miss'n it!
1999 Safari SLE AWD junked
2003 GMC Safari AWD SLT
cast iron Torsen equipped front diff
S-10 leafs-G80 rear w/3.73’s
2” body lift w/Falken Wildpeak AT’s

Topic author
sc-surfer
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:04 pm

Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick qu

Post by sc-surfer »

Just talked to Mike. The solid axle swap still needs an AWD subframe....

But I did just talk to a local yard that will sell me the subframe of an AWD complete for under $300. That and a clean 2WD (plus a couple of long weekends) might do the trick.
2003 Astro AWD 27x.xxx Miles
Journeys 7" lift set to about 6in.
BFG 30 x 9.5s on factory 16" wheels

Topic author
sc-surfer
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:04 pm

Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick qu

Post by sc-surfer »

Well, finally found my van. 2003 AWD with very clean straight body, rebuilt transmission and a lot of miles, but only $1200. Given the prices in my area, $1200 is a great price. The savings over buying local leaves me with enough coin left to upgrade / fix anything. Going to pick it up next week.

Let the fun begin.
2003 Astro AWD 27x.xxx Miles
Journeys 7" lift set to about 6in.
BFG 30 x 9.5s on factory 16" wheels

Topic author
sc-surfer
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:04 pm

Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick qu

Post by sc-surfer »

58033027724__68D69CDF-09A3-48AC-B884-E1C0D74095BD.JPG
2003 Astro AWD 27x.xxx Miles
Journeys 7" lift set to about 6in.
BFG 30 x 9.5s on factory 16" wheels

Astrophysics
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Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick qu

Post by Astrophysics »

Fantastic!

The 2003 AWD is a great Astro.

Congratulations.

AP

Topic author
sc-surfer
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Posts: 28
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Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick questi

Post by sc-surfer »

Well, here it is...Finally!
h5Ou5gimQN+kat02AWu0nw.jpg
u9X7Nfw+RZ+8xjpzsFLe8A.jpg
2003 Astro AWD 27x.xxx Miles
Journeys 7" lift set to about 6in.
BFG 30 x 9.5s on factory 16" wheels

Captn. Crunch
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Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick questi

Post by Captn. Crunch »

SPECTACULAR!!
Captn. Crunch
"I don't beat my rig-I use it to it's maximum potential"
1994 Safari conversion (sold) and miss'n it!
1999 Safari SLE AWD junked
2003 GMC Safari AWD SLT
cast iron Torsen equipped front diff
S-10 leafs-G80 rear w/3.73’s
2” body lift w/Falken Wildpeak AT’s
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MountainManJoe
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Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick questi

Post by MountainManJoe »

Nice. What are the tires?

Topic author
sc-surfer
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:04 pm

Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick questi

Post by sc-surfer »

BFG KO2 245x75 16s
2003 Astro AWD 27x.xxx Miles
Journeys 7" lift set to about 6in.
BFG 30 x 9.5s on factory 16" wheels

Astrophysics
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Re: New to this for and the Astro/Safari platform...quick questi

Post by Astrophysics »

Super nice!
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