I put a 98 AWD frame under my 89 RS. Should be on the road soon.
99 Astro 2wd > 4x4 build
I've read all the posts about how the best way to convert a 2wd Astro to 4x4 is to
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The willing donor
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I've had my Astro for a little while now, and ever since I lifted it I wished that I had gotten an AWD one. AWD Astros are ridiculously expensive in my area so I just kept on waiting.
Got the full rust free SoCal subframe from a 99 Astro AWD, 2 days after it showed up in my local junk yard. I still need to collect some more parts, but soon my van will be a true 4x4.
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Transplant recipient.
I will post updates to this thread.
But when I tried to remove my gas cap, I found that it was tethered to my van! So I went to the junkyard and started the next best thing.
The willing donor
I've had my Astro for a little while now, and ever since I lifted it I wished that I had gotten an AWD one. AWD Astros are ridiculously expensive in my area so I just kept on waiting.
Got the full rust free SoCal subframe from a 99 Astro AWD, 2 days after it showed up in my local junk yard. I still need to collect some more parts, but soon my van will be a true 4x4.
Transplant recipient.
I will post updates to this thread.
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I've got some parts in the mail. My 4x4 output shaft, transfer case adapter, and NP233c transfer case are all here. Once the scrapyard picks up the engine and interior donor car I bought for my girlfriend (her Isuzu Rodeo developed a nasty rod knock), I should have enough to buy all the remaining parts for my subframe swap in one fell swoop.
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I'm getting excited, even got a custom emblem designed. Going to be getting a few of these 3d printed out soon.
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I'm getting excited, even got a custom emblem designed. Going to be getting a few of these 3d printed out soon.
Attachments
Well the transmission has started exhibiting signs of failure, so I am getting ready to pull it out and have it rebuilt. Since I will be getting it rebuilt, I will have the shop swap the output shaft. Then I will be able to get the subframe swapped over as well, and bolt up my transfer case.
I did also purchase a parts van, mostly for the door seals, grill + lights, and the 3.73 G80 rear end. This does mean that I need to find a 3.73 from diff instead of the 3.42 front diff that I have currently. This does mean that I have a plethora of parts available for now, including the base for my custom built high roof. If anyone needs any parts, let me know now - I will not keep the parts van for long - just long enough to swap over the stuff I need, cut out the sheet metal I need, and move it along.
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It even came with an original Astro cassette tape, and it works in the original tape deck.
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I did also purchase a parts van, mostly for the door seals, grill + lights, and the 3.73 G80 rear end. This does mean that I need to find a 3.73 from diff instead of the 3.42 front diff that I have currently. This does mean that I have a plethora of parts available for now, including the base for my custom built high roof. If anyone needs any parts, let me know now - I will not keep the parts van for long - just long enough to swap over the stuff I need, cut out the sheet metal I need, and move it along.
It even came with an original Astro cassette tape, and it works in the original tape deck.
G80 is out of the parts van and in my van now!
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Well, I spent about 4 hours after work and pulled the trans out. Nice thing about the 4" lift is I didn't have to jack up the van to get the transmission out. I have the 4x4 output shaft and transfer case adapter ready to go. I'll be delivering this trans to the shop next week, after they finish with the rebuild the 4x4 conversion fun can really start.
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If anyone wants to see the video of the not-so- spectacular failure of my 4l60e, I can post it. Tried to do a burnout to see if the G80 was working, ended up with all neutral forward gears. Still has reverse though!
If anyone wants to see the video of the not-so- spectacular failure of my 4l60e, I can post it. Tried to do a burnout to see if the G80 was working, ended up with all neutral forward gears. Still has reverse though!
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