Chevy & GMC Vans

Well, as I mentioned I'm new here although I've been lurking for awhile. I've desired a 4wd van for years and have just recently discovered the potential with the Astro/Safari Vans. I have located a 97 with a good engine, body and interior, but it seems to have transmission problems. That doesn't intimidate me, however I would like to hear any thoughts, tips or suggestions. I like the thought of being able to get a lift kit, some more appropriate tires and the other possibilities such as a hi/lo case and the radical (to me) SAS. So . . . anything in particular to watch out for or is it just pretty much trust the seat of your pants and go for it ? I think I'm leaning toward a 4" lift, what would be a respectable healthy looking tire to have a good unit ? What would be a basic idea of the amount of time to install the 4" lift ? It also sounds like the 97's had a very good case and a 2 speed is not a requirement so much as just a good cool mod, correct ? Been checkin out some of the pictures, where have I been . . . you guys have some good lookin rides. Thanks for any help and keep on truckin . . .

Hey traveler, sorry no one answered your original post. I hope it didn't scare you off. Probably an oversite. Anyhow, if you went ahead and purchased the van I hope you got the transmission checked by a good tranny shop. If not, invest in this check. Its worth the $$. Also the 4" lift is good for starters. If you are looking for big tires then go with the 6" right off the bat. You'll save yourself some future grief with tire rub issues.

The install, at least on a 4X2 like mine was not simple but it was doable with the right tools. It'll take a good day. If you don't have the shop space and tools get a good 4x4 shop to do it for you. You'll make lots of new friends :>)

Hope this helps. And welcome to the board...if you're still around that is...

I'm surprised no one answered your post. I'm not a four wheeler but there are some serious off road types on this site. Welcome to the best Astro/Safari site on the web. Post again. I'm sure you just caught everyone sleeping.

Be sure to service the differentials, I put it off and now I'm gonna pay.

i wonder if he's still around..... and how did we miss this post in the first place?

No telling how we missed it, I'm gonna PM him.

The OP date is my birthday. I went away that Friday for a long weekend. I'm sure I just clicked on "Active Topics" when I returned and it was probably buried by then, cuz you guys yak so much!


I'm tracking the thread now, so if he's still around, I'll make sure to offer two cents worth of limited experience.

PM sent

I missed it too! :-k No idea how that happend. The OP hasn't logged in since November 18th though.

Bummer..I've been in and out so much. I normally check the "unanswered posts" to see if I can help anyone out. I've been slacking lately though but I did see this one last night. Maybe he'll answer the PM if he didn't wonder off to the "other" ASV site [-o<

If he did, I don't think he'll feel the love there as he would here with all you great guys and gals

9dawgs wrote:Bummer..I've been in and out so much. I normally check the "unanswered posts" to see if I can help anyone out. I've been slacking lately though but I did see this one last night. Maybe he'll answer the PM if he didn't wonder off to the "other" ASV site [-o<

If he did, I don't think he'll feel the love there as he would here with all you great guys and gals

yes, i'm still alive. i checked in for a month or two and then just got sidetracked by some other vehicle forums.

well, i didn't get the 97 and a couple of weeks ago checked out an 01, it just didn't feel right and i'm still trying to identify what i want from an astro or safari. i've had 4x4 pickups for years and always wanted a 4x4 van with not many choices. that is until i stumbled onto this forum, and yes i think my introduction was seeing the "spb".

i have had dealings with the 4.3 and of coarse chev 350's for decades. "9dawgs", i really like the look of your 99 and i'm probably interested in something in the late 90's. i would probably like something i could use as a daily driver and also some simple camping trips. somewhere in my notes i have the info on the transition year for the older t-case to the new, i think i might prefer the older. but, you know how that goes, the right vehicle will be what it is.

my search has been put on a slower pace as i do my part in the troubled economy . . . lay-off

it's all good though, "i can sleep on a windy night"

"9dawgs", yeah your sig is correct, tampa is on the beautiful gulf of mexico. had the pleasure of flying into tampa/st. pete about 30 years ago, really enjoyed it.

anyway, thanks for the replies and if you have any tips or pointers for the late 90's vans or any other experiences you'd like to pass on, they will be appreciated.

the traveler

1999 was when they switched to the computer controlled transfer case.

Well, you've came to the right place to get your questions answered. Just a word of warning though, stay away from that Peter guy....he still thinks that a 502 big block can fit in an AWD Safari....crazy I tell you

What part of N ky are you from? I'm in a N Ky Fbody club, but live just north of Cinci.

Hey Traveler, good to see you're still around. Sorry to hear about the layoff, seems thats going around a lot lately.

I can't say enough about how I enjoy my vans. As you can see in my post I have two. A '98 & '99 and I love them both. The bronze one I use for campimg and towing my boat to the river and the white one is my wifes. I plan on some upgrades to it. I'd like to get some ralley wheels on the white one so I can put on wider tires. Mechanically they are both sound. The 4.3 is a good little engine and there are plenty of folks who'll sell you HP parts if you want to soup it up.

Anyhow, I'm kind of rambling here so I'll stop. I'm a bit distracted with company. I'll try to post more later. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll see what I can do. There are a lot of folks on here more knowledgeable than me though!

BLAZER wrote:Well, you've came to the right place to get your questions answered. Just a word of warning though, stay away from that Peter guy....he still thinks that a 502 big block can fit in an AWD Safari....crazy I tell you

Bite me, Judas! I'll get that engine in there if it kills me... :-k