AWD Astro Van Advice

The asking price for all wheel drive Astro vans are going through the roof right now, it's a little crazy... This is just my perspective after owning a couple and living in/driving one for months at a time all over the country
Link to my previous Astro Van Love video: • Astro Van Love - Persp...
Engine mount fix (be sure to watch part 2 as well): • AWD Astro Van Engine ...
A day after having the 4x4 transfer case swap and lift while drive cross country: • Journey's Off Road Ast...
On Instagram: @astrovantribe #astrovantribe #vanlife

[@emk6675]

I have an 04 astro, love that thing, I have decided to look at it as a project rather than a burden. I'm learning tons!

[@AstroVanTribe]

That's the best attitude

[@jefferysmith3930]

Going to look at an 215,000 mile 02 AWD cargo Astro with my sister this afternoon. Thanks for the tips. Great video

[@AstroVanTribe]

Good luck👍

[@motorteeth]

This is why GM needs to bring them back... and if they would take into consideration the kinds if mods people love to do to them (2wd and awd), as well as how many companies like them for fleet vehicles, they would have a decent seller... safety ratings be damned lol.

[@nelsontabor4679]

Been there done all of that plus transmission rebuilt 1 year ago. 05 is my 4th Astro/ safari van 201k on it and plane on keeping for a while. Bought 10 years ago for 9k with 97k miles on it best vehicle I’ve ever owned.

[@AstroVanTribe]

I considered rebuilt for the transmission but I was trying to get home, I had the coin and the Jasper was in within two days... I would have been stuck in Tuscon for a week or so waiting on a rebuild

[@Hanginwithherky]

Great chat I picked up a 99 AWD with 140k on it almost no rust. Paid $2300 and had to be build the suspension doing the work myself. I’m new to the Astro so I am enjoying your videos

[@AstroVanTribe]

Sweet... My main point here is just understanding that with any used vehicle you're going to end up pumping some coin into it if you want to avoid issues down the road as well as just doing things RIGHT :) - To me the Astro/Safari vans are such a perfect platform for so many different things it just makes sense to reconstruct/improve them, particularly the AWD versions

[@Hanginwithherky]

@@AstroVanTribe thanks man ! Hope we can chat more as I progress

[@Vaney168]

I have noticed the price of Astro's and Safari's going up in my area as well. I've driven a few over the years for my sales job, I absolutely love them and if you take good care of them they will just keep on going. My particular favorite was an 03 Astro in the light pewter, I still miss that thing. I know someone who drove an Astro with near a million KM on it before it went to scrap.

[@laidbacktraveler2580]

Excellent vid and advice. Having had an Astro in the early 90's for basic transportation and deliveries, I have been back and forth on getting another Astro/Safai van for travel purposes but just can't pull the trigger yet. An old vehicle is still an old vehicle and it will always have a certain cost of maintenance going forward.

[@rahdigs]

thanks for this video.. i got a 02 and picked it up with 96k for 3700.... I have been building it out and i absolutely love my battlewagon!

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

I had a 2003 Astro van and I loved it and now I drive a 95, 03-05 are the best one to have as you said

[@silaseaton8966]

Love my 96! Bought it from original owner, a mechanic professor for 2000$ who added a 4wd low and a 2wd engage shift lever. So nice saving on gas on the long road trips and still having the awd when needed. He also went through everything and it shows.He only used in summer for fishing so no rust . in my 2 years owning it only oil changes and one wheel bearing. I'm gonna do the front end steering and suspension this summer, just because I want to . Maybe some nice captains seats and camper modifications. Astro life!

[@Dan0rioN]

Sounds awesome. So it's originally a 2wd or 4wd? How many miles? Saw one about 3 months back same year 96 had like idk 180k? Still kixking myself for not pulling the trigger but money was tighter then =/ Which back doors do you prefer & why?

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

What did he do to get 4 wheel low? Sounds cool.

[@silaseaton8966]

@@PopeyeKF4LBG installed electronic differential lock with a switch and a shift lever through the floor

[@silaseaton8966]

@@PopeyeKF4LBG and the difference in fuel consumption it's quite dramatic switching between four-wheel and two-wheel drive

[@silaseaton8966]

@@Dan0rioN bought it at 140k it's at 153k now. Just about to replace most of the steering components and shocks. Replacing the windshield and of course eventually doing the rear main seal. I have the Dutch door version I would rather just have normal doors but I do think both kinds have issues with water in general. I'm going to modify it myself to make it waterproof in the rear

[@michaeliulamusic]

Hi , we have an 03 put the rebuilt s10 transfer case in it, - great in the snow. we bought from a dealer in missouri 4 years ago with 175000 miles has about 230 now. it is worth it for us to invest in it because there was no rust - up here (northern vermont) salt on the roads is bad. we under coate it every year.paid 2700 for it put about 5 grand into it. this is our 2nd one - can't beat em !

[@darronsanderson4837]

Yes, Astros are always a lasting investment. I'm on my fourth Astro.

[@williamzeller294]

The 2004 I have these days is my fourth in the last 20-some years. All were all-wheel-drive. The second and third ones were, to put it bluntly, cheaper ones during hard times. Both simply got to where they had so many faults I dumped them. The current one, being of the last generation, is much better, especially in the brakes. Vastly superior to the older versions. It had 116,000 and we bought it from a widow. It had had some work done prior to the owner passing, but I needed to have the rusted steel brake lines done (a major problem I've seen in more than one of these) and replace a front wheel bearing (not a small job at all on the AWD). I was a carpenter/contractor all my life, mostly driving Econolines. The Astro is doing an excellent job for the work I do in my semi-retirement. Nothing comes close to doing it all, and it even fits in the garage. My brother found a low-miler as described, I want to say an '05 with less than 50K. Quite a bit needed to be done to keep it on the road. First, the trans died, then the brake line failure (luckily, as he ended a trip in a customer's driveway, not at a stoplight with traffic!), and then more stuff. I was envious at first, but I've gotten over it. And he paid double what we paid for ours. I can't see GM ever making a modernized replacement that is so capable and strong.

[@leecallaghan4625]

I have a mint 1997 Astro van with a 2002 motor and I love it . The thing cost me like like $2000 but I have ripped the back seats out and turned it into a camper . The motor is mint .I could not believe it when I looked under it . It does not have any rust

[@knightryder5292]

Nice video I have a 1998 GMC safari AWD and replaced everything spent about 3k I have traveled across country from New Mexico to Brooklyn NewYork and it did great still have it and I love it. Did eventually replace the transmission and I put a re manufactured trans from Chevy. But still running great.

[@AstroVanTribe]

It's worth the effort to keep it going, man - Not really another vehicle this size with this capacity and the 4x4 option out there....

[@knightryder5292]

@@AstroVanTribe I bought it in Wisconsin very clean the guy had just replaced the fuel pump, had the receipt. 100k miles and paid 3k for. Your right can’t go wrong and difently we are a rare tribe brother 👍🏾👏🏾🙏🏾

[@RustyZipper]

I have 3 of them. The last one I bought an ‘05 I had to step up to $3300 and needed all brakes, fuel line, brake line, Awd encoder and still needs more. I finally had to tell myself that it’s a specialty vehicle like my ambulance so it’s worth it.

[@victorreznov9940]

I bought a 99 for 900 and everything but the rear ac works no problems. At one point they put a dvd player in the rear but it runs off the front head unit so gotta find a way to get that work probably gonna buy an inverter and a cheap DVD player.

[@workingshlub8861]

i picked up a 01 awd for 500$.....it needed all new brake and gas lines....im in northeast so to be expected and it had the classic p0300 code...it ran and shifted good so for that price i said of course ..few weekends and about 400$ in parts she was running like new......it was just a worn out distributor..

[@RustyZipper]

@@workingshlub8861 - that’s fantastic, prices have really jumped on them!

[@coreybain498]

I just bought a clapped out 95. Needs some work but i got it for 700 bucks and 170,000 miles. No leaks but power steering

[@danielhall2982]

Literally just bought one the same one you're describing 2004 Safari all-wheel drive 230,000 mi everything's been replaced spider fuel pump alternator yes all that's been that is very wise information that you that you're telling people thank you so much that is that is refreshing and awesome to know that someone was this band or these Astro GMC safaris as much as I do rock on man!

[@PibsMegie]

I love these vans I owned a gmc safari for 8 years and fixed up and gave it to my dad after I bought a chevy astro their both 98s

[@imperfectadventure]

Thank you so much, very helpful! I can't wait t buy one, waiting for the right one.

[@TheMoneySpecialist]

I might have the right one for you

[@jasonschmidt6988]

2003 GMC Safari... 197k... 2WD... Runs great but needs a few things addressed. CA car so no rust. Got it for $1k

[@workingshlub8861]

i had a 92 2wd with 230k....im in new england which is unheard of anything lasting that long....guy i bought it from parked it winters and used his plow truck.....it just would not quit but the subframe ended finally rotting thru near rear spring....i sold it to a kid who was going part it out.....

[@kevin_culver]

Nice video! Great advice! They are pretty pricey... Got a SWEET deal on my AWD Astro.. 1997! Solid!!! Had some cosmetic issues.. high mileage.. but it had an extensive service record.. she runs great! Been from Colorado to California twice now. I put in alot of work in after my first trip! Im looking to sell mine for about 14k. Its fully converted, ready to go, solar, off grid, ton of work/parts/upgrades!

[@AstroVanTribe]

feel free to post a link to any pictures here - Many here are actually looking

[@jamesmckelvey4340]

I like your video about the Astro van pricing and about the parts have to be replaced sometimes when needed. I have a 99' Astro AWD van that I bought in 2014 for $5,500. Very clean had all the bells and whistles. Had around 121,000 miles on it. Now there's about 150,000 MI. It's been very good to me. I replaced quite a few things on it already through the years. But that's to be expected in an old vehicle. I changed the oil regularly and do an inspection check once a month. I just love my 99' Astro van and I wouldn't sell it for anything. I've had several people want to buy it. Jimmy

[@gregsly1247]

Paid 6k for our 97 awd. 138k miles, replaced shocks, springs, a/c compressor. Pulled the rear seats, threw in a full-sized hollywood frame on risers and drove it from Oregon to Indiana and back without issue. Averaged between 18-19 mpg. Looking forward to future adventures. It's my wife's dd so it's not sitting idle.

[@suzannekessler8037]

Thanks for your knowledge. I have a 02 Astro

[@timothysmith5060]

I bought a 2000 astro AWD from a older gentleman in Seattle , garage kept , 9.5/10 overall condition- 132,000 miles - last winter snow had me hooked on astros - kick to drive - paid $5,500 for it - their getting pricey here !!

[@OverlandOne]

Excellent advice! I have been shopping all over for an Astro for about 2 months now and, since I am in Ky, it seems all the "good deals" are way out of state and I would have to have it shipped here to me. I am a good mechanic but I am retired and do not have a lot of money to spend on my build. I WAS looking at very low mileage offerings...40k, 55k, 65k, etc and, it just dawned on me that if one of those has been parked in a barn somewhere for the past 10 years...it is going to need a whole lot of work and parts to be reliable. Then, I came across your video where you are saying the exact same thing. I could not agree more. I have subscribed and I am looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@richbororust7448]

I just scored a '03 cargo AWD. 105k on the clock. Needs a rear caliper, heater core, AC compressor. Runs and drives great. Got it in exchange for some pool service work. Only cost me some time. Love the van

[@ryanhager2727]

Just picked a 02 cargo van for $600 in Midwest with 200k on it needs break work One owner van Hoping to do get all things squared away with repairs Thanks for your videos

[@mikeholm7640]

I bought my 1998 awd no window cargo van with 150k for $500.00 2 years ago from a naval contractor. Runs and drives perfect. Had to replace the brakes and all of the door handles, heater core and that's about it.

[@marklennox2151]

I definitely paid up for the one I just bought. 2000 Astro AWD/4WD with 141,000 miles for $9300. It was a fleet vehicle for a phone company and was maintained religiously and garaged every night. Absolutely spotless with hardly a speck of rust. Can't wait to start my build.

[@AstroVanTribe]

So it has the 4x4 transfer case swap already done or did you mean AWD?

[@marklennox2151]

@@AstroVanTribe They did the swap already.

[@AstroVanTribe]

@@marklennox2151 Nice - SO all the other stuff is likely done, as well, then....? If so you did good - How's the transmission?

[@marklennox2151]

@@AstroVanTribe My brother-in-law says it shifts smoothly...he's the one who test drove it down in Georgia. He lives near the dealership that had it online and cars are his thing so he checked it out for me. I'm waiting for it to be shipped to me in Connecticut.

[@AstroVanTribe]

@@marklennox2151 Good luck - Stoked for you

[@radacusthegreat2591]

I really like this guy. I just bought a 01 awd astro with 245,000 miles and man is it in bad shape but I only payed 850$. Untill this video I was sad but now LET'S FUCKIN GO!

[@jeff2231963]

Absolutely love my 05.

[@lawrencerasmus]

I'm on my second 2000 astro , first one a 100 year old cotton wood fell on my carport and crushed in the roof . Had to put new fuel injection in both and water pump, radiator , distributor , door handles . When you change the transfer case oil make sure you put in friction modifier or you will get wheel hope and break the rear differential like mine was when I bought it. Yesterday looking on line the cheapest awd Astro I found was $4,999 for a 99 and some 2003 where $9000 ,crazy I paid $800 for my first and $ $980 for my second ,no rust awd and perfect interior . The cracked arm rest is a easy fix by cutting a carpet squar to size and gluing it over the cracks. Love my Astro

[@thehoofersclub]

When you buy a used vehicle as such expect to dump another $6-10k into to bring it up to par. I'm looking for a 05 for my Eastern Sierra Death Valley travels. When I find one I'll go through the entire vehicle and change, fortify, and make it better.

[@AstroVanTribe]

That's the spirit!

[@snotbubbles3276]

I think if you have a Seller wanting anything above 11k and everything is original like you mentioned, suspension, fuel pump, transmissions, or has some body damage and been used for hauling. Then you should consider looking at a Toyota Sienna AWD as an option. Unless like some have mentioned that they love to wrench and look at it as a fun project. I just dont see spending upwards to 20k on the Astro/Safari a good idea. Great video, thanks for your time.

[@AstroVanTribe]

It's a tough call - the Astro is a truck with great capacity in a decent sized package - there's a reason these things are still so popular... They're the ne VW Camper van but with a lot more power/capacity

[@veggiepowered]

Iam Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos. I Just Bought A 1995 Astro Jayco Conversion Van 111k Miles Rustfree Florida Van

[@tradmanmike3360]

GREAT ADVISE!!!! THANK YOU! I THINK I SAW YOU IN ANOTHER VIDEO SHOWING YOUR ASTRO? YOU THE MARINE? WITH THE OLD SCHWINN BIKE WITH FABRICATED BRAKES?

[@AstroVanTribe]

That's me

[@klosnoski]

Find a fleet owned. I worked on fed ex Astros. Big deals are corrosion under the PCM. And shit mono leafs. Let alone. Doing the cpi to mpfi conversion. Suspension is typical Chevrolet to thos day. Bit if I were to buy one I'd look at the fuel conversion. And the trans

[@phiksit]

Just saw a 2002 awd passenger on facebook with a little rust starting by rear pass wheel well. They were asking $2k and it sold in a day. "196000 mi. Runs good,No AC,vacuum issue so heat doesn't come through vents, could use tires."

[@Rsfarmerbob]

A lot of information to process here thank you very much

[@havefaithtarot]

This was helpful. I test drove a 2003 astro van today with 53,000 miles that was asking $8000 obo. I don’t have that so I was going to offer around 6,400 cause that’s all I could really do right now comfortably unless he’d accept a deposit and a higher payment later once I saved more and see what his counter would have been but I didn’t get a good enough look underneath the vehicle. He let me test drive it myself and didn’t come with me and I was only gone for about 20 minutes cause I parked in a parking lot to do all of my checks and he was already texting seeing if I was ok like I was taking too long or something so I drove back and before I could make it back (even though I told him exactly what I was doing) he was already calling me again to see if I was close and he kept telling me he was “getting concerned”. The more I think about it his reaction feels a little fishy and I felt a little rushed doing all of my checks which is why I didn’t get a good enough look underneath like he knows deep down it’s going to need a lot of work but he wants more for it than it’s worth. Inside the vehicle he had a giant packet printed with the value printed stating it was worth around $12,900 but he was only asking for $8000 as if I’d be getting a steal. The body looks good and there was no visible rust or anything and initially I liked the fact that it had such low miles because my car has a ton but for an 18 year old van that means it’s definitely been sitting around for a while and I don’t want to rush into anything. I told him I’d sleep on it and do more research and the more I do the more I’m questioning whether it’s a wise decision or not. I’d like to convert it and travel around with it but I also don’t have another 4,000 to invest in it right now but luckily I do already have a vehicle I’d be holding onto for a while if I did decide to purchase it. Thanks for the info, I’ll check with him about some of this stuff and see what he says.

[@havefaithtarot]

Oh also, I did my own kbb check and with that amount of miles in that condition their estimation was around $6600 so idk where he’s getting his $12900

[@AstroVanTribe]

Have him watch this video :) If it's real clean, no rust and runs that's all good - Mine was like that, It's not like I dcouldn't ever drive it, I replaced/repaired things as I could over the past few years and now it's getting close to being a "like new" van.... If it needs to have a lot of parts replaced, such as all the rubber bushings, shocks, etc... that's to be expected - Good luck, real glad this video was some help

[@havefaithtarot]

@@AstroVanTribe I just might actually, doesn’t hurt. Thank you for the response. I appreciate it.

[@RustyZipper]

I was looking at an ‘08 Sienna 2wd with 200k miles listed at municipal auction for a comparable value. They have 16 of them listed so I figured I could get one cheap. KBB value is $8k + ! For a 2wd with 200k miles! Makes the Awd Astro’s look cheap

[@AstroVanTribe]

wow....!

[@toribrown2486]

thanks dad!! hahaha such a good video to help look for things as a college student planning a big snowboard trip out west!

[@nathanmace3936]

I bought mine 3 weeks ago. Can't wait to wrench on it. Journey's lift on the way! What or where would I find engine mounts if I need them? I am a wrencher and do all my own work. # astrovantribe subscribed

[@AstroVanTribe]

That's the right attitude...! It's fun to do as much of it yourself as possible - I did the axles, front wheel hubs, wiper motor and a bunch of other things myself - Consider the S10 springs for the rear - That's on my list

[@nathanmace3936]

I dig your channel man. I gave $4600 for mine which I thought was a lot. It's needing some work but clean. Keep up the great videos!

[@darronsanderson4837]

@@AstroVanTribe Michael, what state are you in?

[@AstroVanTribe]

@@darronsanderson4837 CA

[@chrisgraham2904]

Great advise about the super low mileage on an older vehicle. Looks like it's only got two or three years of driving on it, but there may be many other issues because of the low mileage.

[@smokenbudesq]

I dout i will ever sell my 2000 awd Astro panel looking at all that other stuff years younger piling up in the scrap yard. my 1993 astro shorty rwd still runs very well 320000 driven it for over 7 yrs yes they truly stand the test of time.

[@jwc3104]

I have a mildly-built out LandCruiser 100. No doubt it is a beast, very capable 4WD overlander. It has 1.5" lift to fit 32" tires, works great. I'll never get rid of it And I am looking for a 2nd overlander that has bit more interior space. Astro/Safari looks just right (Express/Savana is also good, but it's too big I think) If I follow your advise on 4WD conversion with 3" lift, what size tire can I put in? Can I put at least a 32"?

[@AstroVanTribe]

I have a 30" tire with the 5+" lift.... mine has 3:42 gearing so it now gets better mileage - tire size would depend on your lift, how much work you want to do and what your gearing is.... some run 34" tires

[@TheMoneySpecialist]

I need that hat you're wearing. Please share! 2003 Safari AWD, rust free, 117k miles. Love my '03, but I don't have the time (or all the skills) to work on it myself...so I pay. Bought it for $6700, and another $4k to get it where I wanted it (lift, wheels, tires, shocks, radio, and some repairs as I bought it online and it wasn't as advertised). Four years later and I'm in it for $20k. I love her, but I sure wish she'd start paying me back a little! :) Although I am at a point of accepting the fact that what I really have is a classic car. With that comes the awesomeness as well as the maintenance. Great video. Now for the hat...

[@AstroVanTribe]

The cap/cover (as we called 'em in the Corps) is a WWII Herring Bone Twill cap - Check eBay, you can just type hbt cap - or hbt hat... You'll see crazy numbers for genuine vintage G.I. issue versions but you can find them for as little as $15

[@darronsanderson4837]

@@AstroVanTribe bro, thank you for your service. I was active duty enlisted AF, Gulf War two short tours.

[@goat_life254]

Just bought one today. It’s a 2000 with 194k on it. Needs a lot of work and awd light is on. Has the clicking by the kick panel. But it seems to run and drive okay. I paid $2500 for it. Oh, it’s a cargo van. I plan on lifting it and using it for my backup courier van here in Washington state. It’ll be good for going over the pass and decent on gas if my transit breaks down. I’ll be going through your videos for instruction. Thank you.

[@nunyabusiness6746]

AWD descent on gas, ya right !

[@workingshlub8861]

that sounds like the encoder motor is bad.....easy fix if you can wrench yourself..

[@goat_life254]

@@workingshlub8861 yes it was. Under $150 part and it took about an hour. Awd burnout in the snow. 😎

[@workingshlub8861]

@@goat_life254 sweet...those aftermarket encoder motors are like fuel pumps.....hit and miss..they dont always last that long..

[@goat_life254]

@@workingshlub8861 I had to wire tie the electric connector in cuz there was nothing for it to clip to. In a year I’m planning to convert it to 4x4. Hopefully it lasts until then.

[@darronsanderson4837]

Question, is it a fact you can install S-10 shorty headers on an Astro? Comment, buying an Astro with a hole cut out to gain access to the fuel pump is great, in my opinion. It is much easier swapping out the pump. I'm on my 4th Astro, (1st AWD) and will be cutting access to this one this year. Great video and info.

[@AstroVanTribe]

I don't know about the headers - On the hole in the floor, if it's your van and you plan to keep it 'til the wheels fall off then that's all on you and all good - For resale it's a problem, not everyone thinks like you do and most would prefer to NOT have a hole cut into their floor - I've never seen it patched well enough and the reality is that dropping the tank isn't that big of a deal - Just do it the right way

[@traceyrigaud3470]

you are so right, their great vans I 202 ml on my astro.

[@backcountrypov3722]

AstroSafari gang reporting in

[@racrx7]

Even with new urethane motor mounts, the oil pan is still close to the axle. So I ended up lowering my axle 1”. That also took a little bit of angle off of my CV joints.

[@AstroVanTribe]

I used a riser plate under my mount + I've got plenty of room

[@ORIGINALREDY2MIX]

I gotta 02 awd Astro van and I love it.....

[@anothernp]

Thanks, love the insight.

[@aslinrios2342]

I have a 1997 Astro Van LS that has 59K miles. This van has been sitting in the garage for 10 years. Do you think it would be wise of me to invest money to fix it? It belonged to my father, he kept up with the mechanics and service of this vehicle. I am thinking of converting it into a camper van. I would love to keep it because it is all I have in memory of my dad. What do you think?

[@AstroVanTribe]

If there's no rust then, yes, put the coun into it to get it on the road again... Your safety is paramount so suspension/brakes/drivetrain - likely all the rubber bushings/lines will need replacing - good luck

[@aslinrios2342]

@@AstroVanTribe thanks I'll make sure they check on those items

[@AstroVanTribe]

@@aslinrios2342 I realize there's a lot to go through with all my videos - if you do an internet search for #astrovantribe and select videos all my astro van related content will pop up - Check them out - Check the video link in the description of this video, too

[@aslinrios2342]

@@AstroVanTribe will do. Thank you

[@jballoregon]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@tradmanmike3360]

NEW SUB FROM THE 641..THUMBS UP!!

[@TheOtteroo]

I have a 2002, the fuel pump is done, 116,000 miles, brake peddle went to the floor about a year ago and here it sits. Ugh. Love the van, just need to fix it. Any ideas what it might be?

[@AstroVanTribe]

if your brake pedal goes to the floor the system is compromised, meaning there's a leak in a line - A visual inspection is the first and easiest step... Of course a YEAR later and you've probably got a lot more to figure out

[@jaderivera9082]

Thank you very much!! This does help

[@WindwalkerHomestead]

I know this is a couple years ago, but by us there's a 2wd cargo with 60k miles on it and they want $11k, Or was it $14k. there's a couple like that. Insane! i paid $4k for my awd with 175k and a couple doors that are rusted at the bottom

[@AstroVanTribe]

yeah, humans are crazy.....

[@batata1979]

Just got my 2000 Astro RWD, because of lack of parts in my area its half China/Taiwan parts now 🤦‍♂

[@michaelrivard4879]

I've had a Chevy Astro 1997 best vehicle I've ever owned 397000 MI. All-wheel drive

[@felipesixshooter]

I have a 98' AWD Astro. Blew a rod. Wondering if it's worth it to put a new engine in it? Otherwise it's in good shape and I've put some money into suspension.

[@AstroVanTribe]

A lot of people step it up to a V8, even the LS1...

[@workingshlub8861]

if the frame is still solid i say do it....powertrain products makes a decent motor..

[@elijahvestergaard2069]

I got my 97 Astro van for 650$. Quite a few repairs I had to do. Also lots of Michigan rust.

[@NWwarwagon]

All basic maintenance you'd have on any other used vehicle. It's a supply and demand situation bud, or go buy a awd Sprinter for 80k to 120k. I think I'll go with a 6 to 8k van that needs maintenance I can do so I know it's done right.

[@AstroVanTribe]

Yep...

[@lastresort1757]

Is there a top speed you can do in 4H? I’m guessing 55mph is probably the max?

[@AstroVanTribe]

I really don't know but I wonder about it, too... I figure if I was on the highway in snow and/or ice and needed to drive in 4H for safety it would have to be so bad I'd likely be driving pretty slow anyhow - I think 40-45 would be fine

[@victorreznov9940]

Just got a 99 astro for 900 needs a massive detail on the inside but not much rust

[@estincaptures]

how many miles did your van have before buying it ? i’m trying to find a astro but all the ones i find on facebook market have(200k miles to 300k miles)

[@AstroVanTribe]

163K now approaching 189K

[@workingshlub8861]

dont let miles scare you away....you will know right away in start up how it was taked care of...300k on these is normal...

[@mostlycold]

What price range would you consider reasonable for an 04 with 180-200k miles on it?

[@AstroVanTribe]

Depends on too many factors to be able to throw a number out there..... Just be sure there's there's no rust

[@mostlycold]

Alright I'll give it a thorough look thru for rust. Thanks for the response, and the video! Really appreciate your knowledge

[@ridethroughlifertl]

I just bought my fourth Astro [bought and flipped others], and I got it for such a steal [I feel]. Only $1500 for an 02. It's pretty basic with 266k miles, but it's AWD and it runs and drives. I think I got an insane deal, especially with how little rust there is.

[@AstroVanTribe]

Sweet!

[@ridethroughlifertl]

@@AstroVanTribe You're tellin me!

[@tralfazz7579]

What's the best way to locate one? Which sites are best. There's not much out there I've seen.

[@AstroVanTribe]

Locate and Astro van? Best to just do craigslist listings and market place in the southwest as you'll want one without any rust - I picked mine up near me in LA

[@VanSheGoes]

great advice

[@workingshlub8861]

i scored a 2001 awd for 500$.....200k but it runs and shifts great......im in new england so it needed new brake and gas lines and the hydroboost was leaking bad.....the seller just did not want to deal with it.....i had everything fixed in a few saturdays..

[@AstroVanTribe]

Sweet

[@kalebstout7673]

Hey man I bought a 95 astro van RWD almost a year ago and really curious how much it would take to make it a solid axle 4x4 machine. I've talked to journeys off road and it seems to be a bit more complicated than taking an AWD and making it 4x4. I've thought about selling and trying to find an AWD version but got this one for such a steel with less than 50,000 miles original owner and garage kept. Curious what your advice would be if you were in my shoes, thanks for the help and all the content you put out!

[@AstroVanTribe]

The AWD platform is the way to go for the transfer case swap to 4x4 or the straight axle 4x4 because if the existing transfer case engineering... Dial in your 2WD and sell it at a profit then find yourself an AWD and get to gettin'... There are some listed on the SoCal craigslistings

[@kalebstout7673]

@@AstroVanTribe Thanks a lot for the advise! Any recommendations on years of the AWD model?

[@AstroVanTribe]

@@kalebstout7673 personally, I prefer the last three years, '03-'05 because of the 26" 6 lug wheels and 4 wheel disc brakes

[@Dad.David.Danger]

03 awd with 139000 miles. 5800$ . What do you think?

[@AstroVanTribe]

Condition is everything

[@buddyvibe9043]

i owned a 03 safari.. nothing but problems , now own a 97 toyota sienna AWD, gutted it.. some light camping stuff in it.. drives better, better gas mileage, way more reliable.. more comfortable for long trips...

[@AstroVanTribe]

Ok

[@cisum1111]

Does your astro AWD make a squeal sometimes making sharp turns? I was told it is common on AWD because one wheel needs to catch up sometimes.

[@AstroVanTribe]

no, never did, I have the 4x4 transfer case now as well

[@achap3604]

Thank u for input

[@RDuude]

Some are going for 15k these days, crazy!

[@Me-ob5qc]

Thanks man!

[@Dan0rioN]

Perfect timing to hear this!! I just spotted an 04 only 77k miles last night.. They accept best offer by monday.. I do want to take a shot at it but after gearing this I don't want to spend too much.. Can anybody help me think of a good number?? It also has stock running gaurds.. I hate running gaurds..

[@AstroVanTribe]

Check for rust, fluids, is it AWD? Check engine sag

[@Dan0rioN]

@@AstroVanTribe will definitely check for any body damage but from what I can see it looks mint. Not AWD & personally don't want it.. Not sure exactly what engine sag would look like.. I just imagen alot if rubber components may be due for replacement, gaskets are biggest concern. Funny you say ideal mileage is 180-220k I've theorized the same based on experience with my own vehicles. Still no idea what number to throw at this thing..

[@Dan0rioN]

@@AstroVanTribe Also found what I consider a unicorn.. It's a high top but not the conversion style, it's more commercial looking which I like.. I like everything about the style including the barn doors.. It's a 95 said to have only 120k but it's not running.. Guy said motor locked up & needs replacing & thinks bc it skipped timing which I believe could just be repaired.. He's asking $500.. I'm still waiting on the VIN to check history then I'll go check it out.. It definitely will need alot of TLC but atleast that way I'll know for certain what's been done to it.. Will likely need gaskets but 120k tranny should have tons of life in it

[@KM-oh3kw]

not fully in agreement with the sweet spot of a higher miles van. Door hinges, seats, suspension, road corrosion on undercarriage, paint and many other items are getting worn. A low miles is low miles and well worth fixing needed parts.

[@AstroVanTribe]

I'm pretty clear that my thinking is that all those things would have come up and have been repaired/replaced on the higher mile vans - if not then they're not worth the high asking price. I also mention south west vans - my California '04 chassis looks almost new

[@thezogs95]

So your saying it's possible to take a 2wd astro and turn it into 4wd with an s10 transfer Case? What year of transfer case do you need? Thanks

[@AstroVanTribe]

No, you need an AWD

[@summerland6397]

What people forget is you still pay more on new van payments and insurance. Than you do putting six grand in your rig to make it a new vehicle.

[@AstroVanTribe]

exactly - And as I point out in an earlier video (link below) You can drive this thing while having work done to it from time-to-time.... I was without it for a day or three a few times when I had to pay someone else to do something - Most of the work I've had doe (that I didn't do myself) was done the same day

[@workingshlub8861]

exactly....id rather put a few grand into something i own outright than make payments....you can always put more insurance on it to if you want..

[@gabakusa]

Why not a promaster city for that price ?

[@AstroVanTribe]

I don't know anything about them but I just took a quick peak, I don't think you can get a 4X8 sheet of plywood on the floor length wise in there.... I don't know if they come as AWD that can easily be converted to 4x4 like my Astro - I don't know enough about the suspension but the Astro has a lot of truck parts. You can still find AWD Astro vans for $5-$8K in good shape - But people are trying to get top dollar because of the popularity - I don't think the small Promaster has the same versatility

[@Bruskoll]

Thanks bro

[@latinoheat210]

I got. 94' 2 wheel drive

[@Deucealive75]

Last October I picked up a clean 05 Astro with 101K miles for $3800. Had to replace the sway bar right away and a rear caliper. Now the ABS and brake light are coming on so I'll have to deal with that. Nice van otherwise.

[@AstroVanTribe]

There will be more to do over time - If it's something you want to keep then preventative maintenance is something to consider - Inspect that thing and replace worn/old parts before they go out on you

[@Deucealive75]

@@AstroVanTribe The initial concern here in the rust belt is rust prevention. I went through a 6 pack of Fluid Film on the under carriage last fall. Recently had the grill/front end off to treat the bumper. I will be all over the other PM stuff now that it's getting warmer out. I hate working on cars in the cold. I also recently cleaned up grounding points under the hood even though they looked ok.

[@AstroVanTribe]

@@Deucealive75 good work

[@kaseyk2701]

Perhaps just a 1500 dollar tahoe.....the v8 vortecs are just as reliable, and parts everywhere. 4x4. Lol im a van Guy and want to like them, but there just not that cool. Like a mini-van with the hood cut off. Ill Stick with my full size vans.

[@joelrunyan1608]

i just hit the lottery on a safari.. 2002 AWD 200k miles no rust paid $2500 feel like i stole it

[@rafaelakayuco9042]

Just bought my first one. Got it for 4k.

[@lisab3396]

👍👍

[@latinoheat210]

How about a 2002 awd?

[@AstroVanTribe]

Fine vehicles, they have 15" 5 lug wheels and drum brakes on the rear - I just prefer the 16" 6 lug wheels and 4 wheel disc brakes

[@traceyrigaud3470]

ebay has one for 15,000 dollars crazzy

[@danielhall2982]

Could you send me some information on that four wheel drive swap you did this is fully all wheel drive and I want to do the same can you maybe give me some direction on how you started and what you had to have and what you had to alter

[@AstroVanTribe]

Just go here: www.journeysoffroad.com/astro--safari.html Better to use their kit and do it yourself or have a trusted competent mechanic do it, I had some issues with their install work

[@michaelrivard4879]

I have 300,000 mi on my Astro all-wheel drive, wouldn't give it up for the world

[@timsimmons9995]

I do NOT understand the obsession. I recently test drove and considered a 2000. 1) Horrible crash safety. This is a top priority. 2) Very tight drivers and passenger front seat. No room to stretch out for long drives at all for the driver. 3) Anemic power. 4) Horrible engine work space, very compact. 5) Average build quality. These are all deal killers for me. Good luck to you that have them. FYI, there's several YT van-lifers who picked these, and had them die and stranded them, total losses or big dollar repairs.

[@AstroVanTribe]

I'd argue a few of your points but at the same time I don't care.... I love mine which is why I rebuilt it, pretty much everything is new/replaced and upgraded - There are a lot of dumb people out there who've bought these and other vehicles then built them out for "van life" but never did all the mechanical things they should have done first - It's not the vehicle, it's the people...

[@timsimmons9995]

@@AstroVanTribe What is your solution for improving the DYSMAL crash safety for the driver? Even a low speed frontal crash will put the engine in your lap and amputate your legs. If you survive you'll then graduate to a handicap van. How do you improve the 200hp for a 5000 pound vehicle? Yeah, any old vehicle will need maintenance. From my research, even plug jobs and other basics are much harder in the very tight workspaces of these vans, which leads to neglect b/c of the difficulty/costs. Nah, I'll pass on these. Too dangerous for the driver, which is top priority, not enough power, and too difficult to maintain.

[@AstroVanTribe]

@@timsimmons9995 I'm not a worry wart... I was thinking about the crash safety issue which is folding behind the front clip. I have 4"X1/4" angle I'm planning to weld onto the "frame" of the uni-body - Power isn't a problem for my van at all, I can cruise all day at 85-90 - New transmission and ECU which has been dialed for the 4:10 gears and 32" tires, had the shifting points changed for better fuel economy, as well... If this engine goes I'm planning to put a V8 in it - Zero rust and fully upgraded suspension system makes it worth it to me. You do you (which obviously means crapping on other peoples lives) & I'll do me, I'm happy... BTW, this video isn't me telling anyone to go out an purchase an Astro Van, it's just some advice - I've learned a LOT more over the years since I made this video and there are hundreds of videos right here on my channel showing everything I've gone through with the changes, good and bad ideas, upgrades, what worked and what didn't - Living in a city and being my only vehicle the Astro is the prefect vehicle for my needs/life - There is no other vehicle/van with the capacity in this size that's also this easy to make 4x4 - Parts are plentiful and it's easy to work on. Any van is a hassle until you accept "order of operation" - Once you lift the van the plugs are super easy to get to through the wheelwells - It only takes me a couple minutes to remove the doghouse and front passenger seat (if I feel the need to do so) - Some things are easier to work on with the rear of the engine so easily accessible. No vehicle is perfect for everyone & no one likes a complainer - But hey, thanks for revealing your bizarre personality disorder for all to read... Enjoy your weekend, have a great live, try being nice to people...

[@timsimmons9995]

@@AstroVanTribe You've misread my comments, and I'm not crapping on anyones' life or choices. I simply don't get the obsession with these unsafe vans that are difficult to work on. You've admitted that you have to weld steel to the frame to try to improve safety, put it on a lift or remove the seat to do simple maintenance. These are beyond the skills of most people, and/or require a lot more time/hassle/money to DIY or pay others to maintain it. Seems like you've put more money into rehabilitating an old van, than the price of a newer better van. But like you said, you-do-you. Look, I was interested in these vans and actually went to drive one and did research. For ME, safety is a top priority. I would not consider myself as a "worry wort," I'm a combat veteran and US Army paratrooper, and done plenty of "danger" in my life. I refuse to unnecessarily put myself in a unsafe vehicle, considering that's the most dangerous activity most people engage in regularly. The older Astros get a 1 out of 5 for front crash safety, the newer ones only achieve a 3 out of 5. That's unnecessarily unsafe. Bad design. You can achieve far better results with different vehicles, 4 and 5 star crash ratings. That's the top priority for me over anything else. I looked at these old vans for road trips and camping. Having done so there's a LOT better options out there. They are deceptively expensive. Takes a lot of money to rehab them to make them suitable IMO. For instance, a early 2000s Toyota Sienna is a far better choice. Yes, more expensive but by the time you do all the updates to a 25 year old Astro/Safari you'll be into it as much as a 15-20 year old Sienna. As an example. The Sienna for instance will give you much better safety, easier maintenance, better reliability, power, and overall design.

[@wholeeyschmoley580]

2oo4 van Giddingz tx... says runz-&-drivez...CHEEP