Hi,
I just picked up an '00 awd cargo. it's got 190k on it but 30k on the transmission. it's been a work van in the past but is in much better condition than I would have thought for the miles. Ive got to do the brakes, trans flush, remove decals, better stereo, pull the running boards, and then I'm going to build out the interior a little as this van is going to get slept in quite a bit. I'm big into mountain biking and skiing so a van like this will make trips and adventures much easier. I've slept in subarus and truck canopies but this thing should be a little nicer. I'm gathering some ideas for how to do up the floor plan of the van. also I will most likely diy lift it and put on some bigger tires, a bit of sheetmetal cutting to the rear and a tube bumper that can take a 6 place bike rack and a dirt bike carrier. possibly a 4x4 transfer case but I would only do it for the 2wd mileage increase if i could put free spin hubs on the front which it doesnt seem like anyone has done. low range would be nice though for some instances but I will not likely ever take the van wheeling for wheelings sake.
just got a '00 awd cargo
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sonic reducer
Topic author - I am merely driving my van
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- Location: Seattle wa
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doyoulikeithere
- I plan to be buried in my van
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- Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
- Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.
Re: just got a '00 awd cargo
Welcome Aboard ! She is gonna be a beauty. You came to the right place ! 
Free spinning front hubs is a easy as getting the front axle (or parts of it) from an S10 of the samish year.
S10's have an extra bit in the axle tube that lock and unlocks the drive to the axle, like old school hubs kinda.
You can use a cable to actuate it, or use a vacuum from the T-case like from factory S-10. I like the cable.
I Use that S-10 axle with a S-10 231C Transfer case in my 87 4x4, so that van is basically 2wd unless I engage the transfer case in 4hi or lo, and also lock the front axle.
Thats great for in the bush but if your gonna highway drive it all winter, you will probably just prefer the fulltime AWD when it snows.
Don't worry, AWD still does great in the bush !! I've seen many a surprised snowmobiler, way way up in the mountains, long ago when I had my lifted 95 AWD on the road !!
The setup like my 87 4x4 is not for use on paved roads, when locked into 4wd. I still just use 2wd on snow packed highways, it just drives better, unless its really insanely snowing!
Just like an old school 4x4 with locking front hubs, it will suck when you hit the pavement unless you unlock the hubs. (or put the tcase in 2wd)
The good thing about the S-10 system of front hubs is you can pull the cable (lock/unlock the hubs) on the fly. Lots of people are running an S-10 unlocking front axle in their Stro.
Free spinning front hubs is a easy as getting the front axle (or parts of it) from an S10 of the samish year.
S10's have an extra bit in the axle tube that lock and unlocks the drive to the axle, like old school hubs kinda.
You can use a cable to actuate it, or use a vacuum from the T-case like from factory S-10. I like the cable.
I Use that S-10 axle with a S-10 231C Transfer case in my 87 4x4, so that van is basically 2wd unless I engage the transfer case in 4hi or lo, and also lock the front axle.
Thats great for in the bush but if your gonna highway drive it all winter, you will probably just prefer the fulltime AWD when it snows.
Don't worry, AWD still does great in the bush !! I've seen many a surprised snowmobiler, way way up in the mountains, long ago when I had my lifted 95 AWD on the road !!
The setup like my 87 4x4 is not for use on paved roads, when locked into 4wd. I still just use 2wd on snow packed highways, it just drives better, unless its really insanely snowing!
Just like an old school 4x4 with locking front hubs, it will suck when you hit the pavement unless you unlock the hubs. (or put the tcase in 2wd)
The good thing about the S-10 system of front hubs is you can pull the cable (lock/unlock the hubs) on the fly. Lots of people are running an S-10 unlocking front axle in their Stro.
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
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sonic reducer
Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue May 08, 2012 10:20 pm
- Location: Seattle wa
Re: just got a '00 awd cargo
Well that's good to know, is there any real mpg gains to be had by going to s10 stuff, or just the benefits of low range?
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doyoulikeithere
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2060
- Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
- Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.
Re: just got a '00 awd cargo
Its a little bit easier on the fuel, but not like half or anything.
Mine ends up burning less than an AWD, but slightly more than a regular 2wd, cuz its a little more weight to pack around.
Mine ends up burning less than an AWD, but slightly more than a regular 2wd, cuz its a little more weight to pack around.
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
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97CargoCrawler
- I sleep in my van
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- Location: Near Los Angeles, CA
- Contact:
Re: just got a '00 awd cargo
Cool! A cargo van that's not white! I can give you some pointers on shoring up the rear of the van for a heavy duty bumper when the time comes.
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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sonic reducer
Topic author - I am merely driving my van
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue May 08, 2012 10:20 pm
- Location: Seattle wa
Re: just got a '00 awd cargo
That would be cool man. As of now I'm thinking some pieces of 3x3x1/4 angle plug welded and stitch welded as a base for the attachment point. The bumper will probably mostly be 1.5 sch40 and 1" tube because that's what I have dies for. Ill do a rear bumper first but may not get to it for a minute.