Snowplow install on 1994 Astro AWD

[ron]

hey all i'm new to this site i was looking around the net for info on converting a astro van into a astro plow came across this site alot of good stuff here i have a 94 astro awd ext since 96 the thing goes anywhere out climbed 4x4 trucks figured it would make a good plow truck anyway we started building it here are some pics of the beginning of the project excuse my etiquite never posted anything before i'll learn






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[Smiliesafari]

Hey Ron, Not to worry about the etiquite. You're doing just fine. Welcome to the best site on the web. There's lots of great folks here with lots of great info. Just ask, someone will help you out. Your project looks good so far. Keep the pics coming.

[dunedog]

Hi Ron and welcome....
What kind of plow did you find?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Ron, I fixed your pics and split your build from the plowing thread! Awesome build. Keep the pics comings and show us how it works.

One thing that concerns me is how low the frame sits. You will find the front end will drop significantly with the weight of a full hydraulic plow. Do you have plans for a lift or will you use a set of Timbrens? According to their guide this is the set for the 1996 and newer. I would think the 1990 to 1995 would used the same bumpstop on the AWD's.

[ron]

its a meyers plow w/ power angle we cranked up the torsion bars all the way and added timbrens allthough they don't seem to seat as nice as they should we got about 2" of lift holds the plow up ok but bounces up good when you drop the plow i was wondering if you can put air shocks on to stiffen it up we also mounted a salt spreader on the back i need to to stiffen up the back as well i want to store some salt bags in there any suggestions the van is going to be used mainly for a plow van not going to use it on the road much maybe to go get fuel thats about it so i am not to concerned about the ride i will take some more pics tonight

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Don't forget punctuation. Your post is hard to read.

If you de-crank the torsion bars, will the Timbrens hold the weight fine? I know I just put a set on my Ram 2500 to hold the weight of the Fisher 8.5' V-plow. The front used to drop around 2". It now drops only 5/8"! Made a huge difference and it didn't lift the front end. You can add air shocks up front, I did a set once. There are non available for an Astro or Safari so they will need to be custom and the mounts will need to be fabbed as well. Here are my pics.

For the rear I would suggest putting on air shocks as well. If the van has already been converted to steel leafs, you can do an add-a-leaf to get the extra lift and capacity. You can also get an extended length shackle as well. Lift kits are available from Overland Vans.

[ron]

thanks for the tip. i'll try that ,i still have composite leafs on the back .i will practice my punctuation

[dunedog]

Now let me get this straight....you're a cabinet maker (fine woodworking / tight tolerances and reveals) and now you're finely attaching a snow plow to the front of an Astro van
Oh the strange possiblities of life....you need to come to an NECO event to complete your sojorn grasshopper....

[ron]

here are some more pics of my astro plow.i had to put it service yesterday we got some ice . the salt spreader did the trick , didn't have enough snow to plow. i don't have this photo bucket thing down yet but i am trying

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Fixed the pics for you. Go in and edit your post and look how the pic links are done, then you'll have it down.

Plow look great! How much ground clearance is there under the frame? Can't wait to see some action pics!

[1996astro]

Any action pics or videos of this yet? I for one would like to see some.

[ron]

we got 22" snow last friday night . hammer the astroplow for 8 hours straight & it held up good, i think we cooked the alternator ,doesn,t want to charge when we start running the lift & lights anymore got another 6" last night . don't have anymore room to pile snow . i got some good action shots of astroplow in action , I will get one of my kids to help me get them on . i can't seem to fiqure out how to do it . does anyone know how to beef up the alternator (105a to 130a)

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Can you fix the picture links in the first post? There is a way to upgrade to the CS144 alternators used in full size trucks. Can't wait to see the new pics!

[ron]

here are some pics







[URL=http://s404.photobucket.com/albums/pp12 ... C01238.jpg][/URL

[ron]

here are some pics from last uearhttp://s404.photobucket.com/albums/pp12 ... plow%2009/