Astro Info: Off-topic discussion forum: Classic Motorsports

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July 1, 2009 10:10 a.m. alex HalfDork

It's been mentioned, even nominated into the GRM Trinity, but I can't find a proper thread on the venerable Astro. I'm in the market for a utility vehicle, and these are high on my list.

So, what about 'em? Shortcomings? Strengths? What does a prospective buyer look for when shopping? What are the weal points to check for impending failure?

I'm curious about the AWD system. I've read that it has a locking rear diff, but I'm guessing that in stock form it's not going to be pulling FJs out of mud holes, right?

Let's have it, Astro experts.
July 1, 2009 11:34 a.m. The_Jed New Reader

From what I have heard the AWD versions have front torsion bars that love to snap for no particular reason and at the most inopportune time.

I'm no expert,I had just become interested in buying one when the wife and I were in the marker for a troop transport(minivan).
July 1, 2009 12:08 p.m. ManofFewWords Reader

I've driven my Astros over 50k miles. Never had a problem with a torsion bar. No locking diffs that I've ever seen. The AWD's require more maintenance, naturally, Trans case, front diff, driveshaft u joints, halfshafts etc..The later model year the better, as they were improved, updated. I got 15-16mpg with my awd pass vans. The fiberglass rear leaf springs in some models are junk, check for those. door handles fail, ebay replacements are junk. http://astrosafarivans.org/bb2/index.php has alot of info. If I were to buy another one it would be an astro conversion van, as I am now a conversion van nut. (1992 G20 Gladiator conversion)
July 1, 2009 3:40 p.m. NYG95GA SuperDork

ManofFewWords wrote: . door handles fail,

True words. When I had my locksmith shop, I made a lot of $ replacing Astro latch/handle assemblies. I never really figured out why they were so prone to screw up, but there's no doubt that they do so pretty often.
July 1, 2009 10:08 p.m. alex HalfDork

According to Wiki, there was an optional locking rear diff.

I suppose some actual research is in order.

Keep it comin' folks!

The only two things in life that make it worth livin' are guitars that tune good and firm feelin' women.
July 1, 2009 10:14 p.m. ManofFewWords Reader

http://www.overlandvans.com/

this might put you over the top
July 1, 2009 10:35 p.m. alex HalfDork

Yeah, that just about does it. Wow, stuff is cheap for these things! $175 for a set of shocks, $440 for a posi rear end...

+2 looks just right with 29" tires, and only $300...

So, how's maintenance and longevity on the drivetrain? What's the standard service life before major work is required to the motor and transmission? How bad is maintenance, since the engine is halfway hidden under the dash?

The only two things in life that make it worth livin' are guitars that tune good and firm feelin' women.
July 2, 2009 12:29 a.m. jl1rp New Reader

I worked with a salesman that had 3 of then and had not real problems. The only thing he would get was warped front rotors. If they did not use a real torque wrenche on the lug nuts. Even found than the torque tube for impact guns was not good and would cause the warpping.
July 2, 2009 6:39 a.m. Jay Dork

The pedal spacing makes driving them in work boots a major arseache. That's all I've got.
July 2, 2009 9:48 a.m. ManofFewWords Reader

I wear a size 13 and never had a problem in the Astro. The footwell in the G20 is much narrower. The powertrain question is directly linked to mileage and maintenance. Not sure what your budget is, but cheaper high mileage vans will have more issues naturally. Maintenance is easy once you get the hang of working on a van. My 94 recently broke the crank. Removing the motor was a real PIA, as the oil pan hits the crossmember. Unless you really need AWD, I would stay away from it, as the system has a lot of wear parts, which are worn by the time the vans get to grassroots range.
July 2, 2009 4:31 p.m. alex HalfDork

Uh, yeah. Does the motor come out the bottom, or through the passenger compartment?

The only two things in life that make it worth livin' are guitars that tune good and firm feelin' women.
July 2, 2009 4:42 p.m. ManofFewWords Reader

up and out the front
July 2, 2009 5:40 p.m. alex HalfDork

Hunh. Wouldn't have guessed it would fit.

Around these parts, it seems $2500 - $3000 will get a post-'97 with around 100k - 150k miles, on an AWD model. Since I'll probably be stripping the interior, I might hold out for a cargo model.

Do I need AWD? Well, we used to get a few good snows every winter, but that hasn't been the case in a while. I like the higher tow capacity, and I may very well want to turn this thing into a light-offroad expedition...thing, to go have fun with my buddy's 4x4 Yota.

The only two things in life that make it worth livin' are guitars that tune good and firm feelin' women.
July 5, 2009 3:34 p.m. AngryCorvair Dork

my sister has one, she drives it like she stole it, maintains it sometimes, if someone reminds her. over 175k with no major problems.

my brother has one, his wife drives it like she stole it, never maintains it, drives it into immovable objects, sometimes blows the horn first so it's ok, 150k and i believe they did have a broken torsion bar once at around 110k.

they're pretty unstoppable machines, in my family's experience.

if you're gonna be a bear.... be a grizzly bear!
Aug. 3, 2009 10:44 a.m. ihatemybike New Reader

Since 1994 I've owned 7 total, with 3 currently in my possession and am a member of all known English speaking Astro/Safari van forums.

Here are them main known issues.

Stock fuel pump goes out somewhere over 100k miles. These are in a 27 gallon tank that must be lowered in order to replace. It's not really that hard of a job though.

They eat idler arms. Buy Moog when the current ones get sloppy and keep them greased.

Door handles are made out of cheap pot metal and break. Lubricate the door mechanisms every few months so the pull never becomes stiff enough to require much force. I've never broke a handle on a van in my possession.

AWD vans, if the van has over 100k miles replace the seals on the front diff. I chewed up two diffs. One by not noticing a leak during the winter, the other by not acting upon it quickly enough.

Some of the AWD vans did come with an Eaton LSD in the rear diff. This would be designated by having G80 listed in the RPO codes.

Also the easiest engine removal is to disconnect the wiring harness, remove the sub-frame to body mounting bolts, then lifting the front of the van off it. From what I've seen a standard engine hoist is capable of lifting the front of the van off the sub-frame.

I'm currently driving a 1997 Astro AWD with 306k+ miles on it, that I purchased for $250. I have less than $800 total into the van and it's proving to be quite reliable.