The OEM holes on top of AWD cross bar are at about 20" centers which is convenient to attach to bumper.''
Also, useful to know that Astro frame mounts are at about 41" centers.
Winch capacity for AStro AWD, Warn M8000 vs M10000, vs VR100
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Astrophysics
Topic author - I sleep in my van
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Re: Winch capacity for AStro AWD, Warn M8000 vs M10000, vs V
- Attachments
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- Mock up of struts attached to top of AWD cross bar.
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97CargoCrawler
- I sleep in my van
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Re: Winch capacity for AStro AWD, Warn M8000 vs M10000, vs V
Interesting fab work. What are your plans for beefing up the front suspension to handle all that additional offset weight?
Those strut brackets add a lot of weight in a hurry.
Those strut brackets add a lot of weight in a hurry.
1997 SAFARI 2WD CARGO
"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything." Nikola Tesla
"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything." Nikola Tesla
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Astrophysics
Topic author - I sleep in my van
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Re: Winch capacity for AStro AWD, Warn M8000 vs M10000, vs V
Hi,
Yes, some day I may have a local metal fab place create some custom 1/4" steel brackets to replace the hodgepodge DIY set up I have.
Other promising news is that Journeys Off-road is creating a winch tray for Astro.
I tensioned the synthetic line on the Warn VR12 S by pulling my neighbors 4 door Wrangler while he applied a bit of brakes.
I used an Auto Zone thick rubber license plate frame and bungee cords to protect the cast iron Hawse fair lead.
AP
Yes, some day I may have a local metal fab place create some custom 1/4" steel brackets to replace the hodgepodge DIY set up I have.
Other promising news is that Journeys Off-road is creating a winch tray for Astro.
I tensioned the synthetic line on the Warn VR12 S by pulling my neighbors 4 door Wrangler while he applied a bit of brakes.
I used an Auto Zone thick rubber license plate frame and bungee cords to protect the cast iron Hawse fair lead.
AP
- Attachments
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- Winch on 2003 AWD Astro
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Astrophysics
Topic author - I sleep in my van
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
Re: Winch capacity for AStro AWD, Warn M8000 vs M10000, vs V
So far the KYB front Gas Adjusu shocks are doing OK, but may get Bilsteins to firm.
The main weigh saving was accomplished by removing the 95 lbs Manik front brush guard.
I have not yet crank torsion bars.
I plan to get Cooper tires Discovery AT3 in special size, LT215-85/16 which are nominal 30" OD.
My LT225/70-16 BFG KOs are great but only 28" nominal.
AP
The main weigh saving was accomplished by removing the 95 lbs Manik front brush guard.
I have not yet crank torsion bars.
I plan to get Cooper tires Discovery AT3 in special size, LT215-85/16 which are nominal 30" OD.
My LT225/70-16 BFG KOs are great but only 28" nominal.
AP
- Attachments
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- Winch on 2003 AWD
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Herbie
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Re: Winch capacity for AStro AWD, Warn M8000 vs M10000, vs V
Hey, that looks nice. I'm a hidden-winch kind of guy myself, so that looks good. Spendy, though.Astrophysics wrote: Other promising news is that Journeys Off-road is creating a winch tray for Astro.
"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.
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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Astrophysics
Topic author - I sleep in my van
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
Re: Winch capacity for AStro AWD, Warn M8000 vs M10000, vs VR100
Hi All,
I used my Astro WARN winch to pull an old water heater out of the basement.
Next year I may get the Journeys Off Road $399 hidden winch tray. Then I can reduce the weight on front of Astro.
Happy New Year
AP
I used my Astro WARN winch to pull an old water heater out of the basement.
Next year I may get the Journeys Off Road $399 hidden winch tray. Then I can reduce the weight on front of Astro.
Happy New Year
AP
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Astrophysics
Topic author - I sleep in my van
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
Re: Winch capacity for AStro AWD, Warn M8000 vs M10000, vs VR100
Hi Everyone,
Updated my winch and bumper set up on the 2003 4x4 Astro and also have 4,10 gears now and Eaton Tru Trac Torsen type rear locker.
Removed the heavy alum bumper and the trail gear bolt on winch tray.’’installed the awesome Manik brush guard which is welded and nice and strong at 70 lbs plus brackets .
Used a Harbir Freight Wonch tray 23 lbs which bolted nicely into Manik.
The Manik frame brackets are stout.
AP
Updated my winch and bumper set up on the 2003 4x4 Astro and also have 4,10 gears now and Eaton Tru Trac Torsen type rear locker.
Removed the heavy alum bumper and the trail gear bolt on winch tray.’’installed the awesome Manik brush guard which is welded and nice and strong at 70 lbs plus brackets .
Used a Harbir Freight Wonch tray 23 lbs which bolted nicely into Manik.
The Manik frame brackets are stout.
AP
- Attachments
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- Winch tray and Manik brush guard
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Astrophysics
Topic author - I sleep in my van
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
Re: Winch capacity for AStro AWD, Warn M8000 vs M10000, vs VR100
More photos of winch on 2003 Astro
AP
AP
- Attachments
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- Winch set up