Don I have no experience with the AWD Astro/Safari but have owned & put a bunch of HardMiles on a 93 & 96 Astro2WD pulling HorseTrailers & VeryHeavy LoadsOfHay ~ They are a VeryWellBuilt NiceRiding WorkHorse ~ According to the FamilyOwned TranyShop that I use for AutoTranyService they have one of the best Tranys on the road ~ But the V6 does have an issue that can be expensive ~ There is an Upper & Lower IntakeManifold that of course sit OnTop of the Eng' between the Heads & SomeWhere in that Stack is a CoolantGasket (I think it's between the Heads & the LowerIntakeManifold but not sure I'm recalling that correctly) & ThatGasket is a notorious weak spot & because of where the Eng' resides in the Van it is not easy to get to to replace ~ So look for Signs of CoolantLeaks & the Possible use of StopLeak ~ ORR ~ DeanB On 7 May , 2014, at 8:21 AM, Don Hanson wrote: > may be too late. > > Can anyone give me tips on what to look for in the GM small AWD vans > before I go buying one? Astro and Safari? I've been over the brand > forums and haven't found anything on their weak points or any type of > pre-purchase information checklist..so I thought I'd ask for a PM from > anyone here who's got experience with theses vans....I know there are a few > who have them. I know these must have issues like our vanagons do, so I'd > like to know what to look for... > > I am looking for an inexpensive work van with AWD to get me and my tools > around, and to tow a work trailer with...I am sick of changing 'modes' in > my Vanagon ....dragging out all the tools and putting the toys inside > several times a week, sometimes even twice a day...that is not fun and I've > found that I forget things that are needed.... I get to my bike ride > starting point sometimes and find I have no front wheel....get to the job > site and find I forgot my saw or drill....plus, I am beating up the Vanagon > inside....I'd like to minimize that... > > Thanks, sorry for the non-friday off topic post but the van I spotted is > sitting out next to the highway and looks like a Killer deal...It will > probably sell before Friday... PS it is a 97 AWD panel with tow package and > low mileage with a straight body for just $2k > > Don Hanson |
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