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thinking about buying an awd
#80471 January 15th 2006 9:40 pm
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I've been out looking at vans and I found a 2003 Astro AWD. Anything I should be looking for (problem areas,etc)? Any help or comments appreciated.

Re: thinking about buying an awd
#80472 March 08th 2006 3:52 pm
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Problem in later AWDs 95 and newer is electronic motor that triggers awd action is weak link. Cost $150 to replace

Re: thinking about buying an awd
#80473 April 16th 2006 10:47 pm
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not bad cost repair...we have a 2000 awd astro & 92 gmc safari awd...really like them both...next to purchase is a 2005 awd astro,not sure when

Re: thinking about buying an awd
VanVida_Israel #331775 October 06th 2009 7:54 pm
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We've had our '99 AWD for about 5 years now, wouldn't want to be without it. It did seem sluggish compared to the 2wd versions I assume because of the extra rotating mass, recently the transmission took a powder thanks to pulling our camper up a long mountain grade. I put another in with this kit https://www.700r4l60e.com/store/product.php?productid=366&cat=64&page=1 the difference is almost overwhelming. It does shift hard, probably too hard on 1-2 for most people but since this van sees a good bit of towing, I can live with it. The performance is a HUGE difference and picked up 2-3 mpg in the process. It is getting tons more power to the ground and pulls hard and steady, the shift points are perfect for everyday driving as well. I would highly recommend a tranny cooler after you get the van, the transmissions work hard in the little Astros. I put a 30k gvw cooler in it and it runs 70-80 mph pulling 2500 lbs of camper and gear and the tranny runs around 200 degrees all the time. It's a great family workhorse and still strong after 160k miles.


'85 GMC Shorty
'98 Suburban K2500
'98 Pontiac G8 GT
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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #543118 February 27th 2012 7:44 am
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the only issues i have had with my 2000 astro is the heater vent selector diddnt work cause of a couple of bad vacuum lines (one across the engine to the pcv valve connection, and the other to the vacuum resivoir) and the transfer case binding cause of old fluid there is a tsb on the fluid use in your 96-05's where you use GM's AUTO-TRAK II fluid, other then those i have had no trouble

Re: thinking about buying an awd
astro_ruhroh #543123 February 27th 2012 8:51 am
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I say go for it if its your everyday ride its best to have a 4X4 in WNY.


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
MrHoney #543170 February 27th 2012 1:04 pm
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AWD astro's make excellent daily drivers ,,, smile


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #543513 February 28th 2012 4:54 am
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I almost wish my Astro was a AWD, specially when the snow/ice flies around here. . . . . Would make me feel a bit safer, you know?

Just to tease you, check THIS GUY OUT


My van : 1989 Ford E-150 Econoline, currently named “WOLF-DEN II”


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #543536 February 28th 2012 8:51 am
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Phrog had one and the engine went south on him.....scrapped it as that particular engine was problematic and the hard to find in the wreckers


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #543895 February 29th 2012 10:07 am
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I saw one over on one of the Astro Safari channels that lifted his and put a 502 Ramjet in it with a 4L80E. Just goes to show you, if you stand back and throw enough $100 bills at it, you can do anything. With the lift which lowered the front subframe, he put the stock doghouse right back on it. Very cool van.

I too had vent issues, the heat made the hard plastic vacuum tubing pop like a toothpick.


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'98 Suburban K2500
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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #543897 February 29th 2012 10:34 am
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That was Peter's van from one of the Astro Safari forums with the 502. He had a matching lifted trailer he did for it too. Did all the work himself. He brought it to VanWest once for us to see.

Astros after they get to a certain age can be expensive to maintain, if you can't do the work yourself. The AWD versions are even more expensive to maintain.
Do check out the Astro Safari forums to get some insight from people who have owned them. Unlike classic Chevy/Dodge/Ford vans Astros do not hold their value as well so if you do sink a lot of money into one of these plan on keeping it a long time because you won't likely get it back.

Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #543898 February 29th 2012 10:50 am
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Originally Posted by gypsy
I've been out looking at vans and I found a 2003 Astro AWD. Anything I should be looking for (problem areas,etc)? Any help or comments appreciated.


You never stated how you want to use the van. Daily Driver or do you want to go crazy and customize ? It makes a difference in the replys you will get.


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
MrHoney #544276 March 01st 2012 3:28 pm
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Originally Posted by MrHoney
Originally Posted by gypsy
I've been out looking at vans and I found a 2003 Astro AWD. Anything I should be looking for (problem areas,etc)? Any help or comments appreciated.


You never stated how you want to use the van. Daily Driver or do you want to go crazy and customize ? It makes a difference in the replys you will get.


Before spending a lot of time trying to help the original poster of this thread, may want to look at the date it was posted, a little over 6 years ago. Some areas of this site draw a lot of dust from lack of action.

They can be expensive to keep up, I'll have mine 'til one of us dies I guess. I like it that much anyway.


'85 GMC Shorty
'98 Suburban K2500
'98 Pontiac G8 GT
'77 Pontiac Astre
'95 Jeep Wrangler
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Re: thinking about buying an awd
Bullet #544279 March 01st 2012 3:38 pm
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Originally Posted by Bullet
Originally Posted by MrHoney
Originally Posted by gypsy
I've been out looking at vans and I found a 2003 Astro AWD. Anything I should be looking for (problem areas,etc)? Any help or comments appreciated.


You never stated how you want to use the van. Daily Driver or do you want to go crazy and customize ? It makes a difference in the replys you will get.


Before spending a lot of time trying to help the original poster of this thread, may want to look at the date it was posted, a little over 6 years ago. Some areas of this site draw a lot of dust from lack of action.

They can be expensive to keep up, I'll have mine 'til one of us dies I guess. I like it that much anyway.


lol 2006 !


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
MrHoney #544282 March 01st 2012 3:41 pm
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Originally Posted by MrHoney
[quote=Bullet][quote=MrHoney][quote=gypsy]

lol 2006 !


........Yup.... rofl


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
HighwayStar #544283 March 01st 2012 3:44 pm
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rofl

Last edited by MrHoney; March 01st 2012 3:45 pm.

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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #545300 March 04th 2012 9:42 pm
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The original poster for the question may be gone but it still bears answering. Perhaps the info will be useful to someone else.

I have a 2000 that I have owned since new and I must say the answers here are mostly spot on. Overall it has been a great little van despite some minor problems.

I would also mention the poor gas mileage to anyone looking to buy, but I would buy one again if I needed another van.


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http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2934173
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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #545333 March 04th 2012 11:11 pm
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Agreed Bryce, on all points. I do like my current astro 2wd as I get pretty good MPG (for a van) , at 20 over all average, with the best being 24 that I have ever gotten.


My van : 1989 Ford E-150 Econoline, currently named “WOLF-DEN II”


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
Uncle_Fester #575110 July 20th 2012 8:33 pm
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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.


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587128 October 08th 2012 11:02 am
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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.

Last edited by Captain_E; October 08th 2012 11:05 am.

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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587131 October 08th 2012 11:16 am
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Don't know buddy,But congrats cheers on getting a new vanner in the mix


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587155 October 08th 2012 3:12 pm
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I plan on getting alot more than just one but thanks.


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587158 October 08th 2012 3:33 pm
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Bring'em on van


Everyday above ground is a Good Day!!!
Never Stop Vannin'

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At Shenandoah Acres Family Campground

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Member of Riding High Truckers from 1982 to 1996
2nd Member of The Toopa Sinner Tribe
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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587186 October 08th 2012 6:47 pm
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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.


'85 GMC Shorty
'98 Suburban K2500
'98 Pontiac G8 GT
'77 Pontiac Astre
'95 Jeep Wrangler
"I thought you weren't allowed to talk to guys with vans??"
Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587190 October 08th 2012 7:20 pm
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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?


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587216 October 08th 2012 10:37 pm
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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.

Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587265 October 09th 2012 8:39 am
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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.


'85 GMC Shorty
'98 Suburban K2500
'98 Pontiac G8 GT
'77 Pontiac Astre
'95 Jeep Wrangler
"I thought you weren't allowed to talk to guys with vans??"
Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587266 October 09th 2012 8:45 am
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As for year models, I would suggest '97 and newer. Pre 96 had 700R4 transmissions and throttle body injectors, 95 was a transition year and there was still a few bugs in with the then new multiport injection. I haven't done any major repairs other than the tranny on my van and she's now pushing 180k miles. I did rebuild the entire front suspension with all new Moog parts but it really just need lower ball joints. Since I plan on keeping it as long as there is anything left of it, I decided to spring for a full rebuild.


'85 GMC Shorty
'98 Suburban K2500
'98 Pontiac G8 GT
'77 Pontiac Astre
'95 Jeep Wrangler
"I thought you weren't allowed to talk to guys with vans??"
Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587288 October 09th 2012 11:56 am
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Very good tip on MOOG parts for the front end.


My van : 1989 Ford E-150 Econoline, currently named “WOLF-DEN II”


Founder & President of Sooner or Later United Truckers and PROUD TO BE A S.L.U.T. ! !
Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #587296 October 09th 2012 1:15 pm
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Since the great outsourcing Boom, Moog no longer can enjoy it's good reputation unmolested. You might get some older parts Fabricated here in the USA years ago, or get some newer parts fabricated in China to 'maximum profit' standards.

I believe the Raybestos Professional grade suspension parts, which used to be Spicer, has the best chance of being a quality well engineered and fabricated product these days.

But everything is a crap shoot these days. You'll never know what will arrive in the box, if your getting what you paid the extra for in today's seemingly futile pursuit of quality aftermarket parts.

Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #669929 August 31st 2014 6:45 am
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Thanks Bullet, you answered a question I asked about fuel injestion's. When did G.M. stop useing the "Spider" type injection's......

Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #701201 December 21st 2015 12:35 pm
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They didnt , but you can swap the Spider for a newer injector style , Did it on my ex wifes 2002 s10

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