New User - Santa Cruz CA

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Topic author
vandolf
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2018 12:45 pm
Location: Santa Cruz, CA

New User - Santa Cruz CA

Post by vandolf »

New user here, thought I'd take the time to introduce the van. This site has been really helpful for me during my first year of Safari ownership so thank you!

Tried posting a thread of pics for my build but couldn't figure out how to post more than 5 (Newb)
Some general specs:
3" Journeys Off Road Lift
Rancho 9000 Adjustables
BFG ATs
Sparco Rear Tire Carrier and Ladder
Rhino Rack 108x58" Pioneer Platform
ARB 8' Awning

I look forward to sharing more pics as there is still plenty of stuff to do to the van!
Attachments
IMG_0953.jpg
IMG_0952.jpg
IMG_0871.jpg
IMG_1603.jpg
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2004 Safari AWD - 3" Lift
Rancho 9000 Adjustables
Journeys added rear leaf

Astrophysics
I sleep in my van
I sleep in my van
Posts: 974
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm

Re: New User - Santa Cruz CA

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi,

Welcome

You have done nice work on the Safari. The 3" JOR lift looks good.
What size tires?
Did you change axle ratios or add a Posi in rear or Torsen type gear driven locker?

AP
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Herbie
I sleep in my van
I sleep in my van
Posts: 674
Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:45 am
Location: San Diego, CA
Contact:

Re: New User - Santa Cruz CA

Post by Herbie »

Welcome!

Great photos, and a High-Five to yet another owner of a "That Color" van.

I swear GM only made them in like three colors for those last few years.
"My minivan is cooler than your bro-truck"
2003 Astro AWD Astrolander/ZMB - GTRV Top Transplant, 4" OLV Lift, NP233 T-case, evolving interior
1995 Safari GTRV Organ donor - gutted and gone.
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okie1
I sleep in my van
I sleep in my van
Posts: 252
Joined: Mon Nov 21, 2011 6:05 am
Location: central Oklahoma

Re: New User - Santa Cruz CA

Post by okie1 »

Good job & nice van. Keep up the good work. More pics when you can. :supz:

Topic author
vandolf
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2018 12:45 pm
Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Re: New User - Santa Cruz CA

Post by vandolf »

Thanks guys, yeah no changes to the rear axle or gearing and no locker.

Tire specs:
BFG AT T/A K02
Size: 245/70-16
Diameter: 29.53”
Width: 9.65”

Wheels:
American Racing AR172 Black Baja
16”x8”

Waiting on the added leaf which should be in the mail.
Will post more pics soon!

:cheers:
2004 Safari AWD - 3" Lift
Rancho 9000 Adjustables
Journeys added rear leaf

Sur Far I
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu May 02, 2019 10:05 am

Re: New User - Santa Cruz CA

Post by Sur Far I »

Hey bro, just joined today and this is my first post! I am down in Big Sur and wanted to know if you can recommend any shops to do a journeys lift like yours. Plus I can’t find that sparco tire rack and once I get the lift I’m gonna need one so My ride can look bad a$$ like yours. Thanks! Chris
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MountainManJoe
Sheriff
Sheriff
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I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet

Re: New User - Santa Cruz CA

Post by MountainManJoe »

vandolf wrote:Thanks guys, yeah no changes to the rear axle or gearing and no locker.
I'm sure this driver can attest that you can have a lot of fun, and reach a lot of cool places, with just a stock AWD van. Just having AWD makes a huge impact on offroad driving already. Some grippy tires really help, and a few inches of lift go a long way too.

Unless you plan to do a lot of rock crawling (and really why would you do that with a van to begin with), you don't need to spend a ton of money on fancy driveline upgrades. The fact that I could get an offroad ready vehicle for around $6k was one of the top selling points for me.

sc-surfer
I am smitten with my van
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:04 pm

Re: New User - Santa Cruz CA

Post by sc-surfer »

Sweet van. I'm in Santa Cruz too, Seabright area. Hope to see you around.

Our vans are almost twins!
h5Ou5gimQN+kat02AWu0nw.jpg
2003 Astro AWD 27x.xxx Miles
Journeys 7" lift set to about 6in.
BFG 30 x 9.5s on factory 16" wheels
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