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Author: Subject: AWD Astro Van
chuckie
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[*] posted on 4-13-2012 at 04:45 PM
AWD Astro Van


I have had a couple of these around the ranch. They do really well in Mud and Snow.Whatcha think about one with taller tires and skid plates for a Moderate get around Baja rig? I have a Dodge Diesel 4 Wd, but am not terrrible ineterested in tearing it up here...



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LaPazGringo
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[*] posted on 4-13-2012 at 04:47 PM


I know a guy who swears by Astro 4x4s. Do you have the 4.3 in it?



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[*] posted on 4-13-2012 at 04:50 PM


I toyed with lifting mine for years.never did it but be sure to check out the overland van site. everything you need.
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[*] posted on 4-13-2012 at 08:05 PM


Need: Oil Pan Skidplate:!:



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David K
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[*] posted on 4-13-2012 at 09:05 PM


AWD or 4WD... there is a difference.

If AWD, does it have a center differential lock out, to provide true 50/50 power split betwen the front and the rear (like a 4WD)?

Otherwise, it is a ways from being off road worthy, since power transfer on an AWD may be to the wrong tires to get you out.

Again, lower the tire's air pressure if you get into trouble.




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Ken Cooke
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[*] posted on 4-13-2012 at 09:21 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by David K
AWD or 4WD... there is a difference.

If AWD, does it have a center differential lock out, to provide true 50/50 power split betwen the front and the rear (like a 4WD)?

Otherwise, it is a ways from being off road worthy, since power transfer on an AWD may be to the wrong tires to get you out.

Again, lower the tire's air pressure if you get into trouble.


In Baja, these rules don't apply. Just ask Neal Johns about the Ford Aerostar van in Cohabuzo Junction.:!: We still don't know what that guy was doing there at 10:30 p.m.:lol:




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chuckie
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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 11:42 AM


I guess I'm not clear on what happened to a Ford Aerostar has to do with the question I asked? Who is Neal Johns? Does he have an Astro Van?



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David K
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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 11:58 AM


Well, you got some answers, but I am still waiting for addition information from you that I asked... In the meantime, by posting comments on OTHER street vans, this thread is 'refreshed to the top of the page... and that can only have more people seeing it and perhaps getting you more answers?


Now, Neal Johns is an Aridologist here on Nomad... an expert on all things 'desert'... He has been alive since the Jesuits buit the El Camino Real and can out brey a mule in heat if you ever think of driving a Jeep instaed of a Toyota! :lol:

Any van that can be driven on 4 instead of two tires will be better... but for real off road-ness, ground clearance and under body protection must be considered... and I as I say, tires are a big part of making you move.

[Edited on 4-14-2012 by David K]




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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 12:05 PM


overland vans I tell ya. all they do is astro's and safari's
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chuckie
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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 02:01 PM


I dint think I needed to answer any questions, The subject was Astrovans...I was looking for anyone who had experience with them, not a tutorial on drive systems...As I mentioned in a prior post, my first 4wd trip to baja was in 1957, in a Dodge WWII ambulance, purchased from a surplus yard in San Diego. Since than I have made hundreds of trips to baja in Jeeps, Large and small blazers, pickups, motorcycles, 3 wheelers, 4 wheelers, Samurais, you name it. I have lived in Mulege on and off for over 30 years. Competed in SCORE events on motorcycles, Class 5/16 class 10's..BUT NO EXPERIENCE with Astrovans..Thats why I asked the question. I have since found several places who post experience and mods ....So thanks anyhow....Thanks Willardguy (Willard is my middle name) for posting something useful...



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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 02:08 PM


:lol::lol:
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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 03:06 PM


I have a 99 Astro AWD with big tires? been all over Baja the last 5 years been in soft sand where a Jeep wrangl,er had to be helped out. Needs better motor mounts, Raise the torsion Bars, lift the rear.



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chuckie
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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 04:09 PM


Thats what I am looking for..Someone who been there done that...Thanks...



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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 04:10 PM


You are lucky Chuckie. Normally you would have gotten a number of Toyota pictures.
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chuckie
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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 04:26 PM


:yes::yes::yes::yes:



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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 06:30 PM


It's never too late. :lol:
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David K
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[*] posted on 4-14-2012 at 07:44 PM


He asked who Neal Johns was... the person who recommended I get a Toyota back in 2000.

I thought I answered what I could and that my requesting more info would help HIM get more and better answers...

It is a discussion board, after-all... extra input does not take away anyone's ability to respond... Like the American economy, it is not finite but instead an open, ever expanding place.




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chuckie
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[*] posted on 4-15-2012 at 02:53 AM


Actually I didnt dont care who Neal Johns is, unless he can contribute to the Astrovan discussion....His name was brought up in some vague comment connected with an equally vague comment about a Ford Van..I would like to keep on point rather than move into "an open ever expanding place"...I have what I needed, Thank you, Willard and Comitan...



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David K
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[*] posted on 4-15-2012 at 11:04 AM


If you got your answer, then great... So, why not have a nice chat with us so we can get to know you...? Talking about your van seemed harmless enough...

La Paz Gringo first asked: Do you have the 4.3 in it?

I then asked if it was AWD or 4WD and if AWD, does it have a center differential lock out?

Call it 'guy talk' perhaps, but no harm was intended... Just discussion.




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chuckie
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[*] posted on 4-15-2012 at 12:27 PM


Ok, I have been Chatting for a couple of months on quite a few subjects, 130 posts, I see...more than I thought...



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