2005 AWD Astro...Back in the game!!!!!

[H2OJoe]

Nice job Dean! I too like it better with the cover on but it still looks a little un-finished. Maybe some trim around the holes similar to that used with recessed ceiling lights?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Everyone seems to like it with the cover...I like it better without it! I also do agree it isn't finished off without some trim or something. I'll have to see what I can find. The cover doesn't sit tight to the lights, there is a small, maybe 3/16" gap between the cover and rubber grommet. Maybe I'll have to try placing the grommet in the cover and see if it holds well that way. That would definitely make it look finished.

[H2OJoe]

Let us know what you come up with. It looks like another idea I might have to steal from you.

[dunedog]

hhmmmm,........seems I've seen this before!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Yeah Jim...wonder where I got the idea from? Thanks!

[Logan]

I gotta get me a plow... lol
Our new house is on a hill. You go down the hill to the cal-de-sac, then back UP the hill on our driveway. ugh Our neighbors "love" us!! We're in an older, mostly white (our kids are black) golf course community and Cindy has her stright piped '84 Sport Van (TBI 355) and I'm still driving Bill's '93 4x4 with duals. LOL The neighbors are driving New Honda Odysseys and Lexus. Plus there's a school bus in the yard!! We're the new "redneck" or the Clampetts! lol Wouldn't they love it if I showed up with a plow or something like the SPB!!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

LMAO! That is definitely a scene from a redneck movie! I can see the neighbors now...peeking through the windows waiting to see what happens next! You definitely need a plow for the 93 4x4!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Finished the backup lights. Much better now. I also washed the filthy beast!

[Smiliesafari]

YUP.....looks good.

[WoodButcher]

How's the plow working out for you?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Works great except I haven't had to use it much. 5 times last winter (2 were a neighbor) and none yet this year.

[WoodButcher]

Really. I thought your area was considered in the snow belt.

Have you found many differences between the '05 and the '98? Are they similar to repair and rebuild? If you had your druthers and all things were equal (both new) which would you choose?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

We are in the snow belt and are finally getting snow now. Last year sucked as it was too warm most of the time for any snow to stay. We would get a few inches and in the next day or 2 it would melt.

If I had my choice between the 98 and 05, both being new...I would hands down take the 98. Here's why. It had a better transfer case, I like the drum brakes better than disc in the rear (due to sand and salt) It had more robust wheel bearings up front and it got better fuel economy. Other than that, they are the same. The repairs are the same more or less.