Date:         Fri, 6 Jun 2014 06:02:12 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      OT Fri. more on my Poor Man's Syncro (Astro/Safari) a sort of
              review..long
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

  This past week I've been going through my new to me '97 Safari AWD van,
checking stuff and getting familiar with it.   Some observations, skip this
post if you are 'Vanagon Only'.

   I bought this rather than a Syncro because these vans are well priced
and have a reputation for bullet-proof dependability.  I needed a work van,
one to leave loaded with  all my tools and one with traction to get me
around on snow and ice.

   The one I bought  was a one owner vehicle that seems to have been
exceptionally well maintained, so I held my nose (I prefer less fancy
vehicles) and paid $2k for it.  Leather seating for 7, front and rear AC
and power everything..  OBD II V-6 motor with 190hp and 260ft/lbs of torque
and built on the Chevy/GM small truck chassis using many small truck
components.  4sp auto trans with a syncro style coupling to the front
differential.  After 97 they changed the AWD to be electronic from the ECM
and wheel speed sensors..Said to be slightly more economical on fuel
consumption.

  One of the first differences I noticed between the Safari and my 84
vanagon is the rear access.   Without the engine deck of the VW, one can
walk right in and out of the back of the 'dutch door' Safari..It has an
upper-half hatch and two swinging 'lower' rear doors...a bit strange at
first, three doors...but I see the reasoning after using it for a week.
The side slider is a lot smoother than a Vanagons. GM vans have notoriously
weak door handles.

  These vans have a 25 gal fuel tank.   I am seeing ~17-19mpg mentioned as
fuel consumption for the AWDs...Not great, but they are really 'little
trucks' with a lot of power and weight.   Towing rated at 5000lbs.  Mine
came with a factory tow package including an extra trans cooler...   The
towing capacity is one factor that led me to get one of these...not
something a Vanagon is really any good at, towing a heavy load.

   I've removed all the extra seats from mine...during that process I've
confirmed my dislike of 'power crap'!   The vehicle requires frequent trips
to the driver's door, turning on the key and listening to the 'warning
tones" flipping switches and pushing buttons for 'automatic' power locks
and stuff...One must spend a lot of time learning to 'defeat' all the
so-called convenience extras.   I guess you learn all the work-arounds
eventually, but I don't find all this power stuff very convenient at
all...It seems to constantly do automatic programmed-in stuff that I have
to un do...

   I noticed the front end is more like a normal car...it sticks out there
further than a Vanagon's.   Some have mentioned the foot room is tight,
what with the engine housing intruding inside, but I don't get that.... The
body is wider inside, too and so is the wheel track...many Safari/Astro
camper vans arrange the sleeping cross-wise...I don't think that would work
for me at 6'1", but it would be close.   I carried a 4x8 plywood sheet in
back flat on the floor, once I got all those leather chairs out.  Mine has
a minivan style roof rack, lower and more reachable, compared to my
Vanagon.   Ground clearance looks similar to a Syncro, maybe slightly less.
  Many owners raise em up with lift kits and big tires and wheels..Lots of
aftermarket options for that..Quite a few owners attempt to  turn them into
'wanna-be rock crawlers' and Dakar-style trucks.They stick in Chebby V-8s
(the V6 stock motors are based on the venerable Chevy 350 V-8)  the parts
are mostly interchangeable and all kinds of truck 4wd hubs and locker
differentials are too. These parts mostly fit right in.

   I can move this van around on my sloping grass yard without spinning the
wheels, unlike my 2wd vanagon.   It climbs up onto ramps without digging
holes.   It's heavy at 4600lbs and it drives more like a small truck or a
full size car (remember those?) than a Vanagon does.....  The dead animal
skin (leather) seating is comfortable, but it has a distinct odor..  Lottsa
little servos and pumps under both front seats, and buttons to make them
move around...Why?..... and yeah, you gotta turn on the key and listen to
buzzers to move the seats, plus the headlights go on every time, etc etc
etc...

   There you go, more than you ever wanted to hear about GM smaller AWD
vans on the Vanagon list, but it is friday and I warned you.