Bart the V8 4wd/Awd Astro

[Bigforkg]

This is Bart the Destroyer story, starting half way in. I will post earlier pictures here in the future. But for now this is where he is.
A 5.7 vortec with a cam and a few other goodies and a tune, with a NP 246 Transfer case. Starting on the front drive shaft and exhaust in my mock-up frame before pull Bart into the garage. Most likely after Christmas.

Some things I have done already 5" lift, 17" wheels, roof rack, spare tire carrier, and Bumper.

Things on my list Front bumper and rock sliders.

[Big_kid]

NICE!

[dcsleeper]

nioce!

what year donor?

[tungtide]

Sweet !!! Why the 246 enlighten me I thought the 233 was the way to go.

[Bigforkg]

Sweet !!! Why the 246 enlighten me I thought the 233 was the way to go.

The 246? Because I haven't seen one in an astro yet. And I wanted it all.. 2wd, 4 low, 4 hi, and 4 auto. I know I could have done a 236, still may but thought what the hell Ill try.

[AstroWill]

Did you see this from racrx7 over here: http://astrosafarivans.org/bb2/viewtopi ... 58&t=10182

[Bigforkg]

Did you see this from racrx7 over here: http://astrosafarivans.org/bb2/viewtopi ... 58&t=10182

I did. I didn't want to tear into the TC that far. With the engine lift I did not have to think about clocking the TC or notching the cross member. I will need little drive shaft work, but the drive line shop can do that.

[Bigforkg]

I didnt mention earlier that the Engine, trans and transfer case are all out of a 99 Tahoe. So I found the part needed to make the Tahoe front driveshaft bolt up to the astro front diff. Should be here after Christmas. Best part no need to lengthen the driveshaft. Just concerned the oil filter my be a little close to it .75 inch.

[markmitch]

what were the headers originally for? make and model and part number please.

[Bigforkg]

what were the headers originally for? make and model and part number please.

TBI c/k 1500 pickup. Im not sure if they will fit your build, I raised my engine and trans 2.25 inches.

[markmitch]

ok Thank you, I raised mine 1/4 inch just to get more room from oil pan to front differential.
Also my full sized oil filter is 1/8" from the front drive shaft I may have to use a relocation kit.

[Bigforkg]

ok Thank you, I raised mine 1/4 inch just to get more room from oil pan to front differential.
Also my full sized oil filter is 1/8" from the front drive shaft I may have to use a relocation kit.

Ya i think 1/8" is to close. Have you looked at 95-96 chevy Caprice oil filter adapter? Pushes it towards the engine more.

[Bigforkg]

Sorry nothing in a few weeks, just waiting on some parts to arrive. They did and now just a few days from getting it all back together. Did get the Tahoe front drive line set up and the stock length is just right. So far putting the NP 246, no different TC adaptors or drive line modification other than a conversion ujoint.

[markmitch]

I bought a oil filter relocation kit from summit racing but I have to bend some elbow type pipes to get it where I want it.
I will take pictures after I get it installed. Right now I have the subframe pulled back out to weld up my exhaust Y pipe and replace the upper control arms. After that it will be bolted back in for good.(I hope)
Great project you have there glad to see it coming along. Just a thought: I used to build off road rigs and have a buddy back in New England that still does them for a living and we both agreed on one thing. Bigger wheels equate to smaller sidewall tires which is not a good thing for any off roading. The sidewall takes the beating and protects the vehicle from the beating. Just think about that.

[Bigforkg]

I agree on the tire and wheel size. One thing I am looking to do down the road a bit is a Ford 8.8 rear axle. Or just do a sfa swap and do a matching real axle, not sure what way I will go yet. When I do I want to see wheel options in 15 or 16 again so I can get more tire and less wheel. 15" tires dont offer much for options.

[Bigforkg]

Worked on the exhaust flanges cut them out of 3/8". Drilled the holes, perfect first try. Modified the Tahoe and Astro dip stick tubes painted and installed. Came out good.

[Bigforkg]

Few pics of other things Ive done to Bart. Raised the rear axle shock mount. Huge difference for clearance.

[Bigforkg]

Did some more work on Bart. Sorry I get caught up in doing things and forget to take pics. Painted the frame, put the drive train in and back under the van.

[Rockridge]

Awesome job so far.

[markmitch]

When you welded the shock mounts on the axle did you do it with the assembly in it or not I ask because I was told one should never weld the rear diff with the guts inside of it due to the heat hurting the bearings and seals. I wish to do some welding on one in the future to change out the way GM designed the leaf spring attachments.