thinking about buying an awd #80471 January 15th 2006 9:40 pm | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 12 stranger | OP stranger Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 12 | 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 | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 2,224 Hoavc Chairman 2006-2009 | Hoavc Chairman 2006-2009 Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 2,224 | 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 | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,571 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,571 | 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 | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,051 old hand | old hand Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,051 | 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 '77 Pontiac Astre '95 Jeep Wrangler "I thought you weren't allowed to talk to guys with vans??"
| | | Re: thinking about buying an awd | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 1 stranger | stranger Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 1 | 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 | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 3,233 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 3,233 | I say go for it if its your everyday ride its best to have a 4X4 in WNY. | | | Re: thinking about buying an awd | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 12,847 Maniac | Maniac Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 12,847 | AWD astro's make excellent daily drivers ,,, Proud member: Shenandoah Valley Vans ............" REALITY IS JUST AN ELABORATE ILLUSION".................. | | | Re: thinking about buying an awd | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 9,854 Likes: 8 Festerus Vannimus | Festerus Vannimus Joined: May 2007 Posts: 9,854 Likes: 8 | 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 IIâ€
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| | | Re: thinking about buying an awd | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 12,898 Vanner | Vanner Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 12,898 | 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
I don't need to be honoured by Vanning, I am honoured to be Vanning ! Supporting Vanning, by going Vanning In A Van ! I hate it, when real life interferes with Vanning ! Van Clan Plus One, Vanning since 1977 ! Ontario Federation Of Truckers (Vanner's) Ottawa Valley Vans I.B.O.B. Founder,Mixed Bag Truckers | | |
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