bunch of questions.

Major projects, rebuilds and overhauls covering multiple areas
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Topic author
ricekiller85
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
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Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 12:58 pm

bunch of questions.

Post by ricekiller85 »

Not my first build. But first build on an astro. Im looking at two right now. A 2000 and 2002. Was wondering if anyone could share the typical stuff that needs to be done with air ride and large rims. From looking around im seeing z'ing the front. Drop spindles. New gas tank.

Has anyone used upper or lower control arms from michigan metal works?
I know on my fullsize i can buy notchless tierod ends? Is that an issue.
Wireing, break booster or anything else that may have to be relocated?

Few things i have kicking around.
Parallel 4link. Wattslink. Built rear out of 93 s10. 2x3 steel tube.

Any good links. Personal experience, tips you would like to share would be much appreciated .

Topic author
ricekiller85
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 12:58 pm

Re: bunch of questions.

Post by ricekiller85 »

23 view and 5 days later. No one?
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WoodButcher
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Re: bunch of questions.

Post by WoodButcher »

33 views when I leave this time!
Sorry I'm no help to you but your comment on "views" got me curious. I can click forward and back and the site counts each time.

One thing that may help, you mentioned a rear from an S10. The rear end of astro-safari's have an offset pumpkin, not centered so the rear ends unless shortened and cut to fit won't work.
'93 Safari shorty, 350 swap
'05 Astro AWD, lifted, 6 liter, cammed, ported and programmed for fast.
'69 G10, straight 6, 3 onatree, jumped at me when I had a pocketful of cash looking for a spare astro. :)
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meetthespeakers
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Re: bunch of questions.

Post by meetthespeakers »

Check out this guys build, albeit the older model, same stuff applies:

http://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopic.php?f=127&t=130

I've run 20" wheels, and currently 18x8 225/45 18s. Just drop spindles up front, 2 link with panhard on the rear with bag over axle. Not the worlds greatest setup, but it gets the job done. The stock gas tank has been cutdown and rewelded. I am not z'ed, and I am maybe 2" off the ground, maybe less with a smaller tire, but I commute 3 hours a day with here and didn't want to go with a smaller profile tire. Now I am thinking about stepping down to a 17x7 on the front 18x8 rear, and running 215/50 on the front, and 235/50 on rear. Other than that got slam bags re-6 front, re-7 rear. Just bought new bags last week re-6 front, re-8 rear. One day I may try and trim more to fit the re-7's on the front, currently it take 140-150psi front for ride height, and 75 psi rear. Good luck!
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1993 Astro, 1973 Austin Mini Clubman Estate, 1980 Trabant, 1961 Morris Minor
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meetthespeakers
I sleep in my van
Posts: 334
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 12:01 pm
Location: Vienna, VA
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Re: bunch of questions.

Post by meetthespeakers »

Image
Lastly dug up this old pic of the start of the rear suspension.

My build thread can be found here:
http://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopic.php?f=127&t=17478
Image
1993 Astro, 1973 Austin Mini Clubman Estate, 1980 Trabant, 1961 Morris Minor
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