Rocky Mountain Astro

[Grox]

Hi guys,

New Astro and first time Chevy owner. After seeing some of the lifted vans here I was super stoked to find a great deal on a 95 van. Turns out it wasn't such a great deal after all. My Astro needs a lot of work. New front drive shaft, new U-joints, tie rod ends, heater valve, shocks, all fluids flushed and changed, etc. I think the old-timer I bought it from didn't do a thing for all 130K miles. Going to be a fun weekend! Thanks in advance for all the tips and advice I'm sure to need.

Cheers!

[mdmead]

Welcome!

Sorry about your van issues, but once you take care of them, you should be good to go for another 100K.

[1Gary]

Welcome to ASV.As you go threw the process of making it right,ask any questions you might have.We'll help.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Welcome! Looks like a very clean van - rust wise. The mechanical stuff is easy to fix. Like Matt said, get her fixed up and you will get another 100k out of her.

How long before the 4" lift and 31's go on?

[ihatemybike]

Luckily everything you listed isn't too hard for the shade tree mechanic to do. Nice looking van. Welcome.

[Grox]

Thanks guys. Already sourced a front drive shaft from a local pick n pull. The other parts I'll pickup tonight from Napa. It's not so much the work that bothers me, I was just excited to spend my time and money on the fun stuff... like lift kits!!! And getting those embarrassing 90's graphics off the side of the van!

For the last 10 years or so I've been busy restoring old Alfa Romeo (see pics) so believe it or not, working on Chevy's seems weird to me. Uncharted waters. I'm sure once I get into it, it'll be a piece of cake.

[ihatemybike]

Tips
Service spark plugs through the wheel wells.

Remove the fan and fan shroud when working under the hood.

Engine cover can be removed without removing the the seats. Move driver's seat all the way back, unbolt cover, turn 45 degrees towards the drivers side, tilt front/top towards engine, lift back/bottom past the corner of the driver's seat.

[leadtrombone]

Good tips there bike. Yeah. if you have some good long extensions and a floppy end for your ratchets the plugs arent bad. Through the wheel wells.

And i have found that most cars are just the same as anyother. Sure some quirks here and there. But they all run pretty much the same.

If you are a gear head then you will do fine.

Have fun. I know i do with mine.

Welcome