Stroless...

[chemist]

A sad week...

I'd like to thank all you for all of the help and this forum where I have been able to contribute the how-tos. But after looking at all my van's issues, I realized it needed much more time and money than I had to give it--catalytic converter (you guy's were right on that one), transmission (there were real tranny issue too), transfer case, rear diff, and most recently a nasty oil burning habit (engine issue). So with a tear in my eye, I let it go Teusday.

Make no mistake, if it had just one or two issues less, I'd have kept it. So, for the moment, I'm stroless until I have the funding to pick one up as a project vehicle, which in the future is likely.

What I replaced it with: 09 Silverado 1500 WT, ext cab, long bed, 4WD, manual t-case with heavy duty tow package. It's a nice truck, and I got an unbelievable deal on it because it's late in the year and I watched that same truck sit on a dealership lot for several months...but comes with a payment book. I'd rather have had the Astro with less issues and a title, but life doesn't always give you what you want... What I've got now will legally tow 7300# with WD hitch, 5000# with DW hitch and probably take whatever I put in the bed.

Still upsets me that I couldn't get an 09 Astro or a shorter express with read 4WD...at least what I got has a LOT of room under the hood when I start needing to fix it...

I still plan to be around though. Anyone needs to know something and I'm not on feel free to pm me--I get instant email notifications when you do.

[astroturf]

chemist, Sorry to see you stroless. I enjoyed reading your write ups. Stay in touch.

[crash]

very sad day. especially on something so new with low miles 03 and an awd to boot

congrats on your new truck though. hopefully, it'll do ya well

[astrozam]

Thats a bummer, but there comes a time when ya gotta cut your losses. Your always welcome on the forum whether you got a stro or not, so make sure to stop by

[phr1$k37]

Some times life kicks us hard ... just dont stay down
Have lots of fun with the truck I am sure you will put it to good use. In fact in the near future please get a flatbed so you can tow your dragster, an Astro / Safari

[chemist]

Update: If someone can come up with a way to stick a new 5.3 L Vortec in an Astro, that would be very good. That new engine generates an unbelievable amount out horsepower. Truck doesn't know whether it's a workhorse or a track vehicle... The 5.7 is probably sufficient, but the 5.3 is getting better milage--sounds like project if someone is doing an engine swap and has the cash to put to it. You'd need the computer too, though. When I put it on stands, I'll let you know if the tranny is a 4L60E.

[astroturf]

Sounds good chemist, Also sounds like you may have been down, but not out. Maybe that's the combo you will throw at your project 2nd gen astro. Keep us posted.