Was thinking today driving down the road and a GMC Astro van drove by,
I know that they were avail. in AWD, But would it be possible to remove the AWD front axle and transfer case and put a standard 233 or 236 transfer case, then body lift it, tweek the torsion bars and some 33" B.F.G. mud terrans. Like a Mini van 4x4.. possibly some one with photoshop skills could make this happen, but is the chassis any thing like a Blazer.... Just a thought,
Thanks,
Robert

 

When I was in High School, eBay had this ridiculous Astro Van on 38's or larger and it had a flame job and looked completely ridic.... so it has been done before...

 

I always see a few at the Woodward Dream Cruise every year, so people do it (the lifting anyway) I don't know about swapping the T-cases.

Body Lift + Rear Shackles


4" Lift w/shackles, torsion keys, HD leafs


Photos compliments of
http://www.overlandvans.com/0104_liftkits.html

 

You should be able to swap out the T-cases... but the issue would either be wiring up the electronic control or cutting a hole and conecting the shift linkage for the manual shift T-case...

The other issue with the shifter is that you're pretty much sitting on the engine in an Astro, so you'd need the T-case out of a Blazer with the applicable electronics...

 

I read a whole build article on this at another forum, his brother-n-law was a GM Mechanic and wired up the electronics in his garage so he could run the blazer transfer case. The guy is on here, his user name is T.Low. Shot him a PM, his van is killer, has a pop up top too.

 

You wouldn't need to change anything in the front end. Just swap out TC's using a 233 and wire it up. No need to worry about the vacuum crap.

 

Also the TCCM you think, what about the PCM, and wire harness???
this may be my next project, Imagin some surf boards on top of those vans, looking pretty cool....
Robert

 

I think that it would make a very cool and user friendly beach rig. Load all your gear with plenty of space inside and just think of the size of the roof rack you could put on it.

 

Roof rack would be pointless on a lifted Safari though... my buddy has a stock one and damn near needs a cherry picker to get to the roof...

 

Guy in my city has one with a V8 and must have 10inches lift and 35s, its so badass. Ill get a pic if I see it again and ask if I get a chance whats done to it.