[doyoulikeithere]

Hi There.

I have a couple questions if anyone might have info to offer...

I want to build a basically stock astro with part time 4x4, 5 speed, on a budget.
I am looking to the S10 trucks to be the parts source for my Part time 4x4 Astro project.

I can get a used trans pretty cheap. S10 had 2 brands of transmissions in their 4x4s.
--------------------- Borg-Warner T5, and the NV Getrag trans. ---------------------------

My Questions:
Which is the best candidate for an AstroSafari conversion , and why?
Did these transmissions both use the same T-case? What Tcase is the best, and why?

 

[Casey]

Based on my T5 research, I would say the T5 is easier, since the tailhousing was Astro-specific. The position of the Astro's shifter mount on the tailhousing makes it unlike any other version, but if you're converting to a 4x4 w/transfer case, the shifter position is going to be an issue- most likely it'll be too far forward.

 

[doyoulikeithere]

Thanks Casey...

Well, yesterday I found a T5 from an s10 4x4 bolted to an NP207 for dirt cheap, So I now have a plan.
I just happen have an extra Astro 5 speed 2wd T5 #1352-164. And now this old 4x4 T5 #1352-043.

Looks like I can take the mainshaft (#672 in pdf) from the 4x4 box, along with the tailshaft housing and swap it all into the Astro gearbox. :banana:
Then it will be a 4x4 transmission with the gearing of the Astro Trans, which should be a bit stronger and more desirable gearing on the highway and in first gear.
I'm not into rock crawling, but lo range and 4x4 is nice to have when you want it.

I dont really care where the shifter pokes thru the floor, I can bend the lever a bit if I need to.
Looks like the transfer case lever will come up very close to where the stock 2wd shifter hole is.

Not sure if I will use the NP207. They have a bad rep.
:feedback:

 

[doyoulikeithere]

Ok, Update.
I took the mainshaft and tailhouse out of a 4wd S10 T5 tranny, and brought it to the tranny shop with my stock Astro T5.
I'm not hard rock climbing or abusing it. I just want part time 4x4 to get deer in the fall and trout in the spring.
Basically, I got my Astro T5 convereted to a 4wd style. I think it will do the trick just fine. Also lucky break, the astro shaft was worn out, the new 4x4 shaft is good!
Also I found a 3.73:1 S10 Front axle with the locking gizmo. So I will have a 3.73 G80 rear axle with a part time front axle, a 5 speed, and a lever shift transfer case.
I hope it comes together ok. I want to start stripping the parts I need this week from the AWD van this week.

 

[Gary]

My understanding of shift position for non Astro applications places it to the passenger side somewhat behind the passenger side seat.Could you please clear up the confusion??.Thanks.

 

[doyoulikeithere]

that confusion is hard to clear up because it has a high element of variables and misunderstanding.

There are many many non astro configurations of the T5.
None of them would come up "under" the pax seat. the trans isnt quite that far offset to the pax side.
Without the offsetting shifter device, the shifter would be about 14" closer to the pax side, but not under the seat.
Camaro and mustang T5 shifters will be way too far back on the tailhousing. S10 shifters are about an inch or 2 more forward than astro.
Its all visible in the pDF i attached above. I dont mind cutting a new floor hole for my shifter, and the transfer case lever will come thru the original shifter hole.
I will custom bend a shifter lever to make it comfortable to use.
BTW a Camaro WC T5 has all the right dimensions (main shaft length) that a simple swap with an astro tailshaft housing will produce a WC T5 configured to fit the stock astro 5 speed position.
Keep that in mind for 5 speed astro V8 projects. That will be my next project when this 4x4 is done, my Safari GT will be a great candiate.

PS I now have an "Extra" (and rare) Astro T5 Tail Shaft Housing and offsetting shifter device, just sitting in a box collecting dust.

 

[astroturf]

that confusion is hard to clear up because it has a high element of variables and misunderstanding.

There are many many non astro configurations of the T5.
None of them would come up "under" the pax seat. the trans isnt quite that far offset to the pax side.
Without the offsetting shifter device, the shifter would be about 14" closer to the pax side, but not under the seat.
Camaro and mustang T5 shifters will be way too far back on the tailhousing. S10 shifters are about an inch or 2 more forward than astro.
Its all visible in the pDF i attached above. I dont mind cutting a new floor hole for my shifter, and the transfer case lever will come thru the original shifter hole.
I will custom bend a shifter lever to make it comfortable to use.
BTW a Camaro WC T5 has all the right dimensions (main shaft length) that a simple swap with an astro tailshaft housing will produce a WC T5 configured to fit the stock astro 5 speed position.
Keep that in mind for 5 speed astro V8 projects. That will be my next project when this 4x4 is done, my Safari GT will be a great candiate.

PS I now have an "Extra" (and rare) Astro T5 Tail Shaft Housing and offsetting shifter device, just sitting in a box collecting dust.

How tough is the clutch pedal assy going to be? Thanks, Jim

 

[Gary]

that confusion is hard to clear up because it has a high element of variables and misunderstanding.

There are many many non astro configurations of the T5.
None of them would come up "under" the pax seat. the trans isnt quite that far offset to the pax side.
Without the offsetting shifter device, the shifter would be about 14" closer to the pax side, but not under the seat.
Camaro and mustang T5 shifters will be way too far back on the tailhousing. S10 shifters are about an inch or 2 more forward than astro.
Its all visible in the pDF i attached above. I dont mind cutting a new floor hole for my shifter, and the transfer case lever will come thru the original shifter hole.
I will custom bend a shifter lever to make it comfortable to use.
BTW a Camaro WC T5 has all the right dimensions (main shaft length) that a simple swap with an astro tailshaft housing will produce a WC T5 configured to fit the stock astro 5 speed position.
Keep that in mind for 5 speed astro V8 projects. That will be my next project when this 4x4 is done, my Safari GT will be a great candiate.

PS I now have an "Extra" (and rare) Astro T5 Tail Shaft Housing and offsetting shifter device, just sitting in a box collecting dust.

How tough is the clutch pedal assy going to be? Thanks, Jim

Jim I think with his current 5 speed set up he has the peddles all set already and using the slave cylinder for his clutch from that as well.

What I was under the impression was the shifter would not be under the passenger seat,but some what to the passenger side and somewhat behind the passenger seat.This comes from the thread yrs ago about the ultimate 5 speed build up.Think the user name was "Yeyhoo" that did the work.He did a build using NWC parts and truly it was a high dollar built to stand the punishment behind a SBC 383.You could look into the archives and might find some of the info there.

 

[Gary]

Please send me a PM if you want to sell the tailshaft and shifter.Thanks,Gary.

 

[doyoulikeithere]

Yes I already have a clutch in my 1987. My Safari GT is a 1990 though, and so no pedal hanger built in.
I posted pic a while back of the whole trans, clutch, flywheel bellhouse etc that I pulled for 150 bucks.
I have 1 extra of everything. I think it might take a bit of arm twisting to pull any of that stuff out of my collection.
But you can try....
Now that I used my "Spare" parts to build the 4x4 transmission, I will soon be removing the complete T5 that I have been shifting for the past 2 years.
Time to keep an open eye for a Camaro WC T5 to mod for a 5spd V8 Van. Thats an easier trans mod than the 4x4 mod was cuz the mainshaft is the same length, so all you do is swap the housing.
Thats also way lo buck compared to that old write up that was referd to in the thread here.

 

[Gary]

I do remember you from the old board.Good to see some of the "old Timers" still around doing mods.

 

[silverblue]

i know this is an old thread but I'm trying to find out how many years they put a T5 into the Astro van ?

I know 1989 was the last year, anyone know which year it began ?

Also I'm looking for one to buy in case you have one or even just a tailshaft from an Astro T5. You can email me at [email protected]

Thanks-
Dan

 

[Zebediah III]

My 85 was a 5 speed.
That was when they first came out. Car of the year.
Zero to sixty in 4 months