Zombie is back and looking for an AWD...and I need your help

[zombie{[six]}]

So Im finally going to get another Astro.
Here is the background: This is going to be for my business (AZ HID), Im going to keep the V6 in there this time around, I live in Flagstaff so I want to get an AWD with a 4-5" overlands lift and get it looking like how Vondoom looked...but lifted and loaded with the various offroad lighting I sell
Im thinking of getting the cargo body style.

My question is, when Im looking at the AWD vans, is there anything to be weary of? Are there any common issues with the AWD vans?

Pic semi-related to how the new one will look (minus a roof rack loaded with lights and a bully bar..also loaded with lights)

[ihatemybike]

Only thing extra on the AWDs to watch out for is leaking front diff seals. Any van over 100k, I'd check for leaks every oil change and swap the seals as soon as a leak is noticed.

[Big_kid]

Welcome back!

[Gary]

Not being a AWD guy,this is all I have to offer with what I have read.I would not buy a 1995 because of it's being a transitional GM yr and if you can swing the cash for a later yrs van,the 2003's and up does have rear dics braking and 16" wheels.Common sense says to me before you plan for a mod,do spend the time to get your purchase in the shape you need.

['cudapaul]

Gary, and Others;

I think the 1995 Astro's get a bad rap. I've had one since 96 and it is not a "b.astard collection" of odd GM parts or even a transitional item. While it has the nose of Gen2 and the body of Gen 1, the undersides, insides, drivetrain, and other bits and pieces are all standard, common parts, and I have never had any difficulty buying parts, or getting service.

And while the trans is the first year M/L vans had PWM TC's, it wasn't the first year of 4L60E's and it wasn't the last year for PWM TC's.

I would confidently state that I have no problem in recommending a 1995 M/L van to someone, and I don't see any "special" problems in operating, maintaining, or repairing that model year.

BTW, our 95 has over 175K miles and still hasn't had any major components replaced.

And that's what it's all about: Reliabilty and Durability.