Vannin' Home Forums Astro/Safari AWD thinking about buying an awd

I know this is a pretty dusty thread, but I must say I was very happy with my 98 Astro AWD on the trip back and forth from the Wisconsin Nats. Drove 72-77 mph for most of the trip and I was getting 19.7 mpg. That's a big woo-hoo for me because I usually average around 16.

A good friend of mine is going to buy an Astro. He wants to get into vanning. He now is considering an AWD and just getting rid of his 4wd pick up as he doesnt want two vehicles to maintain but needs 4wd to get to town in the winter. He is not much of a computer guy and has asked me to check on here for him about the pros and cons of AWD VS. 2WD.
Cons- Considerable drop in MPG, Higher maintanance costs, Pretty much no difference then between 2 or 4wd with any other vehicle is what I'm gathering.
THe AWD system in the van is a good working system except that someone mentioned an electric activation motor or something that tends to go out that cost around $150. Anything else he needs to know. THis would be his daily driver as well as taking it to van runs and camping trips etc. Thanks for theinput.

Don't know buddy,But congrats on getting a new vanner in the mix

I plan on getting alot more than just one but thanks.

Bring'em on

There is a service bulletin on AWD Astros to change the transfer case fluid out to Autotrax(?) II. The original fluid breaks down and will have a hard time engaging and disengaging like it's supposed to. I think they figured out this was the real problem rather than the servo motors, it just happened that most people changed the fluid when they put a new servo motor in so the motor seemed to fix the problem. If it jerks or bumps like a bad universal or flops the front end in a tight turn like in a parking lot when it's turned all the way to lock, it most likely needs the fluid changed. Run it about 50 miles before draining so it flows out easily, put the new stuff in and run it for a 100 or so miles. If it's still noticeable again, change it one more time. I haven't heard of any that weren't completely cured after two changes. You can also put an S-10 transfer case with a mod to the crossmember and a new driveshaft made. Then it's a true 4wd instead of AWD. Tell your friend to be sure and check under the hood in the power center (fuses, relays box). Look to be sure the ATC fuse is there. A lot of people just pop the fuse out rather than fix the transfer case. It drives fine without the fuse but the AWD will not work.

Thank you Bullet. I appreciate the info amd will pass it along. Anything else he should look for in general? Certain areas prone to rust or a bad model year maybe? anything like that?

I've found, the comments about not keeping their value must be where you live, in Tennessee, I see them with 160,000 to 200,000 with a price tag of $4000 for the 2wd, you can buy a full size van, same year, less mileage for that, and most times less.

Check the idler arms, the AWD vans seem to be hard on them but Moog has a cure in their "problem solver" line. Other than that, just typical GM stuff, power window motors and door handles. I wouldn't part with my Astro for any price.

I see vans priced about the same way here Maples, I guess beause they usually stay for sale for a month or longer and often don't sell is what makes me feel the value isn't what it should be. Even Express vans and older G series prices are all over the place. A nice vehicle will still command a proper price but vans are slow movers here. I anticipate this will change as the popularity seems to be increasing and the movement for custom vans is building a head of steam.