astro van suspension
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,662
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From: Las Vegas NV
astro van suspension
Hello guys.
I been thinking about using an astro van for the donor on my coe.
This van have the right steering set up for a coe so I hear,the issue is that It has a subframe.
I was thinking of drafting the subframe to my f1 frame and using the vans rear axle drive shaft etc.
Thoughts or Ideas welcome.
I been thinking about using an astro van for the donor on my coe.
This van have the right steering set up for a coe so I hear,the issue is that It has a subframe.
I was thinking of drafting the subframe to my f1 frame and using the vans rear axle drive shaft etc.
Thoughts or Ideas welcome.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 838
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From: 50 miles west of Chicago
I think the first step would be to drag out the tape measure and start checking frame widths and most everything else. That will tell you if it is possible. Then you have to decided if it is practical.
good luck.
jim
good luck.
jim
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 28
From: manitoba
don`t know squat about the astro suspension but why don`t you look in mounting a aerostar front clip,from the research i did 2 years ago if i remember corectly there a bolt in application, the only problem we had with regular 1/2 tons was the steering shaft position is upwards which would probably be ideal for a COE
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,662
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From: Las Vegas NV
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
More importantly, does the Astro have a 5-sp? They are perfect for an F-1 if the Astro is 2WD (it's a T-5 with the shifter even further forward than a S-10 T-5)
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From: I live in Leitchfield, KY
I agree with the others about the Aerostar route, also its a rack and pinion setup which would adapt easier and be a little more forgiving on the steering cause you could easily roll the rack either way if you need to. If I remember correctly on the Astro's they have a composite type leaf spring on them which may or may not be the best choice if you are goin to be hauling much of a load in your COE? Not sure?? What I mean is I dont think they're made out of steel, I think that's when they got cute and made them out of some sort of space age composite plastic stuff?? I'm wrong alot but sometimes I'm right too.
Again, the Aerostar has a triangulated 4 bar setup with coil springs that you may be able to adapt the whole portion of subframe out of and use that whole section of subframe and use the rear axle and all? Just a thought. You could always change to heavier coil springs if you wanted more towing capacity or add air shocks.
Again, the Aerostar has a triangulated 4 bar setup with coil springs that you may be able to adapt the whole portion of subframe out of and use that whole section of subframe and use the rear axle and all? Just a thought. You could always change to heavier coil springs if you wanted more towing capacity or add air shocks.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 859
Likes: 3
From: Newberg, OR
My boss just changed out one leaf spring on his 89 Astro van. He said the one he tool off was "fiberglass" and was disintegrated. The noisy clunking sounds went away. He also feels the suspension on the older ones is much stiffer than the newer ones.
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