Lookin GOOOOOD!
Bookmarked.
Bookmarked.
NoS Van Build
My van is with the Tranny guy and I miss it a little, so I thought it would be a good time to start a build thread. I really want to get some video going once I do some more custom work, but for now I'll kick it off with a catch up post...
Purchased 2005 Astro LS AWD on Jan 17, 2017:
![Astro.jpg]()
I took some better stock pics, but those aren't that interesting.
The first thing was taking it by the mechanic to have it looked over and install lift. Did a basic tune up, most things looked fine, even oil change can wait, but needs engine mounts so I'm having the $40 Napa mounts and OEM Trans mount being installed today along with a 4590 trans cooler and Xcase encoder motor (I had the Service AWD light).
Anyway, here is how I got it back from the the first mechanic and after JOR 3-5" lift (sitting at 4") and ProComp shocks:
![1.jpg]()
![2.jpg]()
It got a black grille along with the bumper relocation, ext bump stops, brake line extension and all other lift needs while it was with the mechanic.
Ordered a set of 265/70x16 (30.5x10.5x16) ProComp AT Sports:
![3.jpg]()
The first time I went to Firestone to mount, balance, and align, they wouldn't let me drive home from the bumper rubbing. But they did leave me with these on all 4 corners:
![4.jpg]()
I figure its not structural, so perhaps not a huge deal? Was going to get some input from you guys on that.
I enjoyed driving the van for a few days and got some parts in:
![a.jpg]()
![b.jpg]()
![c.jpg]()
There is a 6" memory foam mattress, that I didn't take a pic of, nice an comfy. The headlights got LEDs on all spots and I tinted the lowers for now to go for the full black out look. Eventually I want to run a steel bumper in those locations and replace the parking lights entirely, so it wasn't worth spending too much on them. I also got some flat black vinyl to run a strip between the tail lights so the back will also have black stripe running across tying the lights together and "hiding" the license plate housing. While taking out the housing, I figured I will install speakers and a backup camera since I'll be pulling a seal I believe.
Eventually, I did some trimming up front:
![5.jpg]()
![6.jpg]()
And got the tires mounted and aligned:
![7.jpg]()
![8.jpg]()
![9.jpg]()
I still had rubbing on the back side of the front and just from eyeballing, figured I'd hit in the rear too, so the plastics were the first to go and more rub tests coming this weekend:
![10.jpg]()
So that's where it sits right now.
I also did some LED bulbs on the interior domes and maps.
I have this thread going about swivel seats: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=112706
But I'll pick that up in this thread once I have some parts.
I also started this thread about spray on bed liner: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=112002
That also will be brought in to this thread if I ever get there.
I replied to this thread: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=112538 with an idea for side mirror replacement and I'm looking into ordering the sportage style signal mirrors that I linked there.
As per usual, lots of big dreams... so more to come!
Purchased 2005 Astro LS AWD on Jan 17, 2017:
I took some better stock pics, but those aren't that interesting.
The first thing was taking it by the mechanic to have it looked over and install lift. Did a basic tune up, most things looked fine, even oil change can wait, but needs engine mounts so I'm having the $40 Napa mounts and OEM Trans mount being installed today along with a 4590 trans cooler and Xcase encoder motor (I had the Service AWD light).
Anyway, here is how I got it back from the the first mechanic and after JOR 3-5" lift (sitting at 4") and ProComp shocks:
It got a black grille along with the bumper relocation, ext bump stops, brake line extension and all other lift needs while it was with the mechanic.
Ordered a set of 265/70x16 (30.5x10.5x16) ProComp AT Sports:
The first time I went to Firestone to mount, balance, and align, they wouldn't let me drive home from the bumper rubbing. But they did leave me with these on all 4 corners:
I figure its not structural, so perhaps not a huge deal? Was going to get some input from you guys on that.
I enjoyed driving the van for a few days and got some parts in:
There is a 6" memory foam mattress, that I didn't take a pic of, nice an comfy. The headlights got LEDs on all spots and I tinted the lowers for now to go for the full black out look. Eventually I want to run a steel bumper in those locations and replace the parking lights entirely, so it wasn't worth spending too much on them. I also got some flat black vinyl to run a strip between the tail lights so the back will also have black stripe running across tying the lights together and "hiding" the license plate housing. While taking out the housing, I figured I will install speakers and a backup camera since I'll be pulling a seal I believe.
Eventually, I did some trimming up front:
And got the tires mounted and aligned:
I still had rubbing on the back side of the front and just from eyeballing, figured I'd hit in the rear too, so the plastics were the first to go and more rub tests coming this weekend:
So that's where it sits right now.
I also did some LED bulbs on the interior domes and maps.
I have this thread going about swivel seats: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=112706
But I'll pick that up in this thread once I have some parts.
I also started this thread about spray on bed liner: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=112002
That also will be brought in to this thread if I ever get there.
I replied to this thread: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=112538 with an idea for side mirror replacement and I'm looking into ordering the sportage style signal mirrors that I linked there.
As per usual, lots of big dreams... so more to come!
1 - 20 of 173 Posts
Ya, I talked to Firestone and I'll swing by for the manager to inspect next week. We'll see what happens. I may see if I can get a free collision shop repair estimate first.
As for the lights...
Spyder, yes, got them on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-95-05-Ast ... Eh&vxp=mtr
I have LED high and low beams from Hikari: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LC ... UTF8&psc=1
With halos and markers wired in to the lower marker. They don't light up the way I thought they would and most of the time the halos don't even come on. Only when hazards are on and headlights or off? Could be my wiring? Perhaps I need to wire it in series instead of parallel?
As for light output, they do shoot some random beams to the sides, but the forward beam is comparable to stock if not a little better. Now, the housing says that it is NOT HID compatible, so I got lucky that I ordered LEDs. BUT! I had to trip the plastic mounting bracket to get the low beam bulbs to fit, since they aren't meant for a bulb that bulges out so far. NOT HID compatible also makes me think that they are designed for Halogens and that using HIDs or LEDs will not produce the best outcome.
I think they are fine, better than what I had, and the high beams are good too. I'm sure its a personal thing too, and if someone was picky about having that perfect cast of light, then I'd stay away from these housings. I don't mind much as I'm planning on some LED light bars for those truly critical times.
I'll get some pics/video posted once I get everything working properly. But now that I think of it, I should have taken some pictures when I was half done, for comparison. The beams they put out have a nice cut off and strong center so they are easy to aim.
I'm curious about the lowers you mention 1lowcab... I searched a bit and couldn't find nice replacements, just mostly stock stuff. There is one with a black outline, but I'm thinking something more blacked out.
As far as the Tcase, the only reason I mention it so far is that I had the Service AWD light when I bought it and the wonderful folks here on the forum pointed me at the Encoder Motor first. So I'm having one put in right now so that this weekend I can test the AWD out a bit.
I'm gathering info on the NP236 swap though... and have bookmarked some posts here. I got to have that low range selectable! I put an Atlas Tcase in my Cherokee and can't live with out my selectables!
As for the lights...
Spyder, yes, got them on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-95-05-Ast ... Eh&vxp=mtr
I have LED high and low beams from Hikari: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LC ... UTF8&psc=1
With halos and markers wired in to the lower marker. They don't light up the way I thought they would and most of the time the halos don't even come on. Only when hazards are on and headlights or off? Could be my wiring? Perhaps I need to wire it in series instead of parallel?
As for light output, they do shoot some random beams to the sides, but the forward beam is comparable to stock if not a little better. Now, the housing says that it is NOT HID compatible, so I got lucky that I ordered LEDs. BUT! I had to trip the plastic mounting bracket to get the low beam bulbs to fit, since they aren't meant for a bulb that bulges out so far. NOT HID compatible also makes me think that they are designed for Halogens and that using HIDs or LEDs will not produce the best outcome.
I think they are fine, better than what I had, and the high beams are good too. I'm sure its a personal thing too, and if someone was picky about having that perfect cast of light, then I'd stay away from these housings. I don't mind much as I'm planning on some LED light bars for those truly critical times.
I'll get some pics/video posted once I get everything working properly. But now that I think of it, I should have taken some pictures when I was half done, for comparison. The beams they put out have a nice cut off and strong center so they are easy to aim.
I'm curious about the lowers you mention 1lowcab... I searched a bit and couldn't find nice replacements, just mostly stock stuff. There is one with a black outline, but I'm thinking something more blacked out.
As far as the Tcase, the only reason I mention it so far is that I had the Service AWD light when I bought it and the wonderful folks here on the forum pointed me at the Encoder Motor first. So I'm having one put in right now so that this weekend I can test the AWD out a bit.
I'm gathering info on the NP236 swap though... and have bookmarked some posts here. I got to have that low range selectable! I put an Atlas Tcase in my Cherokee and can't live with out my selectables!
These here.
It took me awhile to find them, I'll see if I can find them again and post up a link.
1 - 20 of 173 Posts
