Van Life Update - I Converted My $700 Van into a 4x4 Off Road Chevy for Camping and Overlanding
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- Опубликовано: 19 ноя 2021
- I converted an AWD Chevy Astrovan into an epic 4x4 off road camping van! Check out the conversion!
Hello my friends! I know, I know it's been too long, but don't worry I didn't forget about my trusty $700 van conversion. I have been working hard trying to get this transmission rebuilt and then get the 4x4 conversion going. The AWD system in these Astrovans are nice but not very reliable and not ideal for off roading so I said let's just swap it out! I still have a lot of trail riding and off roading to do but I didn't want to wait any longer and had to show you how it turned out!
Make sure you check out the original video I posted on my $700 dollar van to see the inside!
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All the hate mail probably came from the people who realized your van can do all the same things their $40k jeeps can do but with more character. 😁 So much appreciation for fun, unique rigs like this. It shows that you don't need anything super modified or expensive to go out and have a good time. Hope you do more videos with it.
It's not going to do everything. But for someone whose interest is what they find on the trail, versus the trail itself, it's probably good enough. Take a van with a factory 4x4 system based on a shared platform SUV, upgrade that van with the goodies that fit from the SUV model where possible, and it's likely to do the forest roads and two-tracks just fine.
It won't be as good off-camber, it probably won't have as many off-the-shelf options for things like skidplates and rock sliders, and it'll have some overhead clearance issues in some circumstances, but if the driver isn't specifically looking to challenge him or herself by intentionally taking on obstacles and is careful about things like dragging pans, it will get there and offer a place to sleep out of the weather.
Or, $200k conversions. They are not wise.
My God! What a beautiful canyon!..... what a beautiful canyon!
Great find on the Astro van. I used to drive the 2wd for a airport shuttle company in San Diego. Those vans were so solid. We would load 6-7 passengers and luggage all day everyday and those vans took the abuse. Our company had about 50 vans and loved them for their durability. 300k out of a engine was normal. Lots of the vans lasted 300-500K until the company got rid of them and bought new ones. Good luck with the build out and safe travels.
Hannah, you are great! You even get into the mechanical aspects of your vehicle. As you and I know we learn something every day and that prevents Bodrum. Anyway, I can't think of a more beautiful person than you to give us instructions and information. You are a super lady!
Thank you Charles!! You're too kind=) Happy holidays=)
Happy Holidays to you also......
I love this project! Its so cool to repurpose old rigs and give them new life. Well done Doc!
So cool, Doc. Zooming around the hills and valleys with you. Let's do it again real soon!
I really like what you did with the van! I hope it takes you on many great adventures!! Have a great day Dr. Straight 👍
These vans were so useful for everything. Towing, hauling, moving and camping.
I've got a 98 with full time awd that still works great off road. I put a 2 inch lift and 31 inch tires on it. I go camping and overlanding all the time and I can sleep in it.
You certainly don't ever run out of great ideas of how to spend your days having fun and living life to the fullest. Oye! Keep the pedal to the metal. Cheers.
If it does the job, why worry about what others think. Having recently discovered your videos I see nothing wrong with the lifestyle you have chosen, keep up the great work and enjoy your life.
Doesn't matter what people think of your ride, you seem to be having a lot of fun with it. You truly are an amazing girl! There are a lot of guys that wouldn't take on a conversion like this. Very smart, very money wise. Keep having fun!
That's become a nice van, they have a 4.3L V6 engine, some of them have the extended back end, from where the back tire ends, they stick out some more, if the engine dies, you can put a used one from the salvage yard, but hopefully it will last you for many more years. Love your channel.
You did well with the 4x4 conversion. Don't know who would complain about that . Looks like the van will suit your needs and budget .
So far so fun=)
@@DrHannahStraight great videos, can you convert a 2 wheel drive Astro to 4x4? or only the AWD?
@@ShlomoWalfish you have to find a junkyard awd van and replace the wheel bearings, axel, drive shaft, and the new transfer case for the 4x4 conversion kit
Great job I like your no BS approach to how much it is costing. Still when all is said and done you will have a very nice van at a decent price.
You are such an inspiration! So thankful for people like you that help share and teach a good way of living.
Great video Dr. Hannah, great purpose, details, costs, and clear camera shots on worn parts, thanks! So funny too!
As always Dr Hannah! Love your videos! So inspiring. Hope to be able to do what you're able to do!
An advantage (sometimes) for the AstroVan, being smaller than the Sprinter it will be more nimble and probably go places the Sprinter won't. Or shouldn't. Keeping cheap will reduce the hurt if it gets pranged. :)
Plus, the drivetrain is easy to find parts for.
I've been eyeing an Astro AWD van for a small van camper conversion, this sealed the deal for me. Add a modest lift kit and the van will go wherever I want to go. Great video... first time watcher too.
Great Video! I just bought a 2001 Astrovan AWD about 3 months ago for $600. I came across your video, because I’m in the process of building mine up also. Looking forward to seeing more Astrovan vids! Great job!
The haters I would assume have Perception Bias. Running around in a $200 000.oo sportsmobile is great! All the power to you. But many people just don't have that kind of cash to beat something up offroad. The Astro and Safari vans are an excellent option as they are cheap cheap. I have had just about every 4x4 that one can have and if you plan to sleep in it as well then the comfort and safety of the van is great! I don't care for campers personally as they limit where you can go much more than even an AWD Astro would. Also it is amazing how many people that have no savings at all drive really nice vehicles while many millionaires will drive old vehicles. Good on you for not being so high and mighty to not give the Astro a shot.
Exactly. You said it all spot on. Cheers my friend=)
I couldn’t agree more, now I would
Lock down those recovery points, fuel and water storage and everything else will just follow when needed. A DIY roof rack with some extra lighting would come in handy. Who knows We end up seeing the Van at the Overland Expo West one of these years.
Okay, I'm only one minute in and this is GREAT! Gorgeous host, great energy, bubbly personality, sense of humor, and a rockin' van that is taking on some puddles and gettin' it off road. NIOCE!!!
Glad to see you still have the van, still many uses left in it. I would suggest a roof rake , propane heater, mini frig, maybe some more aggressive off-road tires? This would help on some longer adventures and the stove would enable you to heat water for your mushroom tea! The cave was smaller than it looked from afar, that rocky floor did make a camp out less desirable, but I have found a blow up mattress to work well on a rough terrain.
Great job with the van conversion. Enjoy your videos; always light hearted and entertaining. Thanks.
You show a great example how to off road on a budget for people like me. Thank you. It's not rocket science. I really love you videos Hannah. Keep up on uploading on your adventures.
I love your van. Always liked the look of the Astro vans. Even though i would prefer a standard (lower) 2wd , the 4wd stance does look badass ☺
I wouldn’t think you could find an Astro van in this day and time. I bought one new in the 90s but Ive only seen one or two on the road in recent years. Thanks for sharing your project van. Good job with finding and converting it.
I have a 2003 AWD Astro, Mine has a 3” lift. I haven’t pulled the trigger on the 4x4 swap but it’s on my List of things to do. Along with upgrading the Rear Shocks and springs. Great job! I hope to see more.
When Hannah ask if you need a ride, you always say yes.
Got it!
I agree totally
Are you insured?
Yes.
By Survival?
No.
I can't take that ride.
It’s the kind of thing one can only dream of!
That's not real 4wd driving come to Australia and come out with us will show you real 4wd driving, climbing goat tracks, big mud hollows sand etc.. your most welcome to head out with our 4x4 group should you ever make it to Queensland Australia
I actually think the van is pretty cool. That would be a blast doing all that off-roading..
It rolls around like jello compared to the stiff suspension on my truck!
@@DrHannahStraight I'm sure it still would be fun . I should see what my truck can do off road.
Wow you are not just beautiful but extremely smart. I own a shop in Dallas TX and I still get a couple of customers that I still do maintenance services on those ASTRO van and they are working great. But what amazingly see is that you learn from everything you do including the idea of rebuilding your own transmission is fantastic. You are just amazing keep posting and keep having fun
Thank you for the update!
I was wondering what was going on with the van.
You are such a welcome distraction to a stressfull day!
Thank you!!
🤣🤣🤣 that intro was 👌👌👌 I ❤️ you Hannah
I liked it too=)
Very well done. Probably not many AWD Astro vans around anymore, I only see 2WD. That was a great find.
I like the budget build...showing others how simply freedom and a fulfilling life can be. Good Job.
👍👍 You Sprint so fast 😊😊 and your bubliness that springs up anytime makes my 💓 smile! 😄.
Best damned looking Doc*on*wheels I've ever seen for sure!
Hey Hannah, have you considered perhaps strengthening your van's front end (easy and inexpensive enough to do) and installing a front end winch on it? The more off-roading you do, the more chances that you could find yourself stuck at one point or another which is where a winch would be considered a necessity.. and a godsend! You might even find some used functional winch models in junkyards or used and reconditioned vehicle parts stores.
I think her front end is pretty solid already.
@@renalshomlmes338 LOL I'm not going to ask you to elaborate but I strongly suspect that you and I are talking about two very different things!
The 4.3 GM engine in these are hands down the best six cylinder engine ever made by the big three. I wish they still made Astro vans. They are frame-on construction, have a great engine, can tow a decent amount and aren't as prone to rust as other vans are. In short. Astro vans are awesome.
I wouldn't say "hands down" the best but they're right up there. Personally, I believe that inline 6s are better than V-6 engines but, if there's no room for one, then there's no room for one. The 4.3 is indeed an acceptable substitute in this application.
It was a good motor, had one in my 95 Blazer. It was like a 350 with 2 Cylinders less. Sure beats the 3.7 in my Jeep Liberty.
i drive fords ,at that these are still excellent engines
Yep this Saturn same its not the frame I want , can't reach many things, it and the back plugs things , but its a work horse I've had a flat bottom boat n 7 bi g adults, all our luggage, for almostv2 weeks, gear to fish tunes, snorkeling packed over flowing, ut pulled choice didn't know it was there I very woken up many times n some driver u know be running 100 , 2 trips 1800 miles that way full loads its maybe a but bigger id have to check its got trailer kit on it
I’m not a huge Chevy guy but I had a 1999 Astro through high school and it was and is the best car I have ever owned.
Wonderful video - I love your posts.
I thought you might like to know; at 2:00 in the vid, you show us your van just after dusk, door is open and the golden glow of internal lighting - so nice.
Middle of your van, above your open slide-door, the first star in your night sky...,
that is Vega.
Wow, you are so blessed there :-)
I had a 1997 Astro. It was an awesome vehicle. The powertrain lasted over 300K miles. I never had to do anything but change the fluids. I went through multiple alternators, and other parts which you might expect but I used the heck out of that thing and it just kept running. I had to laugh when you mentioned the windshield. I probably replaced 5 of those. The angle of the windshield makes it vulnerable to stone chips. Don't be surprised if you have a chip within the next 6 months in the new one. Nice job on the 4x4 conversion.
Nice project ! Good job converting it to a 4X4. Put a skid plate for the transmission/transfer case and 33 inch tires and it will go most anywhere !
Yeah, I was going to say with delays etc it must be more around 4- 5k and this is more my style for adventuring( Or an old ghostbusters style sleeper car) 👍
Chevy Astro Van, so cool! I had wanted of those vehicles for years but so fat i have not come across one, (not that I have been actively looking for one) You are living a life that many only dream about including me. I do enjoy you immensly dear and do hope you continue with this wonderful business you have for at least for the next good number of years. You are so clean and so precious to me and many others here. Why you get such rude remarks on your pick of vehicles is absurd. The reason you do I imagine they are so darn jealous of what you do for a living which is a barrel of fun, at least what we can see. I do know you have posted of your busy life and the youtube vids you post is a lot of work but do not compare it to all the off line stuff you accomplish to make the vids a reality. Way to go Hanna, you are good stuff.
GM 4.3 liter 90 degree v6 was derived from the infamous 350 small block v8 platform which began in 1955. Arguably one the best V8 engines ever to be mass produced on the planet. As well many valvetrain and engine components are interchangeable as well as transmissions, it's no wonder it's just as tough. Pretttty neat conversion, still have a 97 2wd GMC handicap equipped i purchased to shuttle my mom around in her last days. Thank you so much for sharing.
She can work on any of my vehicles and turn them into a 4x4.
Even my 4x4’s !
❤️
Just remember…As you found out with your camper/truck… 4WD gets you stuck that much worse. Is there room for a winch on the front of the van?
true story, I may look into it!
that is why you drive in 2wd until you get stuck and then it is time to go back in 4wd.
need a ride... thats hilarious. Not in a million years would that ever come true but its nice of you to give people something to think about. You are a classy lady. Have a great weekend . Kevin
I had forgotten about the van. Nice job, Doc. It was smart to do the 4x4 conversion. You'd need some lockers to do serious off-roading but I love the whole 4x4 van/camper idea. It's given me ideas myself. Nice going!
I was hoping it would!! Good luck=)
Knowing you dont need a $150k sportsmobile to be able to go play outside is priceless.
HEY DOC
I MISS HEARING FROM YOU…STAY SAFE ALWAYS…YOUR IN MY DAILY PRAYERS 🙏
Respectfully,
Jimmy USAF🇺🇸😇✈️✝️💜🙏
wow, i’m Impressed. I had a 4.3 L in my GMC Jimmy, and I replace the injectors with updated injectors nothing special and gained almost 60 hp over what was factory in 96 when it was built. That engine I swear it would break your neck I had that much power. Absolutely wonderful off-road. Mine had 273,000 miles on it when I sold it and it was still running like a top. Just prior to selling it I had also used it as a tow vehicle, and I towed a Ford focus from Virginia all the way to Iowa and it pulled the mountains in Virginia just fine.
Hannah you always look like your living life to the fullest and enjoying it!
Great job......Looks like a good vehicle and a fine place to enjoy some wonderful coffee..!!!!!
Cool video. Thx for sharing. I've done the Gambler 500 many times. Happy trails.....
Hey friend!! Thanks for NOT letting the haters get to you. It's always so easy fir them, right? Especially when they aren't doing it. I think your van is frigging great. Is there stuff I'd do differently, uh..yeah. dies that mean you did something wrong? Uh..no. the important part us...YOU'RE DOING IT!! And I'm jealous still. One day...
Very cool build, it just goes to show you can have a very capable, fun rig for not alot of money. 👍
I have a 97. 5 inch lift. Panel van astro. I'm having a blast getting it ready!
CooL! ... Most excellent build and conversion... Congratulations... Thank you for sharing. Keep on keepin on!
Very Cool 4x4 Conversion Astro, I might have to do that with my 2004 Yellow Astro van. Good video Hannah 👍
Yes ..,. The gambler is awesome 👍😎 we live close to the start..... It's so cool seeing all the vehicles staging in town. Would love to see you there 😎.
hahaha how entertaining!
Your getting beautiful as the days go by! Every time you have a new vlog!
Great deal to get the tranny rebuilt at that price. Only transmission I ever had to rebuild was in a Pontiac Fiero,my very first car,it cost $1500 to do in 1992! The engine should last forever,V6 Vortec was such a great motor they were put in industrial fork lifts and run on propane gas. Got a fork truck in my shop with over 16,000 hours on that same motor and still runs great. Happy travels Dr. Hannah 🏞️
Only in a dream would I be hitch hiking & waiting with my thumb out only to have the lovely Dr Hannah in her cool van offering me a lift !! I must be dreaming 💕
That is what I want to do for a rafting/adventure rig. You are amazing keep the awesome videos coming. I would love to hear about things you love and hate about the conversion!!!!
pros and cons video=)
Well done - I can't wait for the lift kit and 33s video. 8-) That's going to be an epic video "an Astro Van Rock Crawling".
The 4wd system seems pretty capable based on the terrain you were on. An economical way to get in the back woods with a mini place to stay.
My parents had an Astro van while I was younger. Yeah they are not the prettiest thing but I'll tell you what they are darn good rigs. My parents accumulated nearly 300k miles before they replaced it. Solid rig!
Well that means more to come with the van then. Thanks for the update on the Van and sharing your time.
You bet!
Congrats on your four-wheel-drive road toaster! I drove a same color but window-less one for 3 years for work and that's what it was christened as-the road toaster.
Very awesome that you are in an older van that is very affordable and easy to work on Way to go girl and yes I think the gambler 500 would be a blast.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
This was such a smart buy from the start, as you can find parts and fix it to your expectations. A 4x4 Astro is a gem…I wish GM still made them! Probably rides nicer than the truck, too. Thanks Hannah!
It rides so much softer, it's a nice change!
Love the van, you make everything you do look fun. Thanks for the videos!
I’m happy to tell you , the awd Astro’s are absolutely the best vans ever made
Great technician vans that would go anywhere, this is awesome
Fantastic choice on a Astro. I got a AWD one during the pandemic and it's been amazing for camping and getting to the mtns. One little thing I noticed in your vid, I would suggest wrapping your transfer and shifting wiring you installed under the van to protect from wear.
That's awesome! I highly recommend a rear differential locker. It should fit the theme of being quite useful while not costing a lot of money. 👍
GREAT use of an Astro, I have a soft spot for the 2000's Astro. Wanted one for the longest time.
Love your enthusiasm and upbeat personality and zest for life! Awesome.
Awesome Hannah and it's looking great watching now and enjoying the video good job 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👌😄😎❤️ awesome video Dr.
Mushroom coffee the idea of it gives me visions of spinning color wheels of the 60's. And the expression Wow Man !
I had a GMC Safari. Must useful vehicle I have ever owned, and while only AWD, I never got stuck in the Northern winter conditions.
It's a pleasure following your adventures. Much respect...
Perfect van for what you are wanting to do. Good size for one person, good motor and frame and easy to handle. Have fun.
suspension is so much softer than on my truck, it handles well!
Great video! And great idea to make it 4x4! Looking forward to the next one! Best wishes from London England 👍🏴
Won a bid on a state auction for a 96 AWD Safari. It was owned by the state police for CSI use. It has a lot of miles on it but only 25K on a new crate motor and was very well maintained. It's in great shape and being a cargo version, was a great candidate for a camper conversion. A trip to Walmart for a folding futon, 200 watt solar panel on the roof, a couple 6 volt batteries, a diesel heater, a 12 volt compressor fridge, and a cabinet built into passenger side rear wall and I got a great adventure rig on the cheap...AND I DON'T HAVE TO PUT UP A TENT. Thanks for the lowdown on the conversion you did doc. Right now I'm just going to lift mine 2 1/2" and get better tires but in the future, I may want to have full four-wheel-drive control instead of the AWD system.
Hey Boo Boo,lol ,now I feel bad ,cause,I have a 4x4, van sitting in my yard for last ten year ,the long one.,it ran so good ,but I had injury and can't drive no more.best of luck,thanks for the adventures!!!🚐
VANTASTIC! No scratch & dent worries with this equipment!
Beautiful Hannah 😍pulls up in a 4x4 van asks if you want a ride then immediately peels out leaving you behind breaking another man’s heart lol 😆
Great video , I am certainly looking forward to new videos featuring this vehicle . until then enjoy your new wheels .
Great job Hannah and that van will last you a long time and it is fit for your needs have fun besafe and enjoy!
Thank you!! 😊
I was waiting for this update.........Great Job Hannah! I know two people that have astro vans and LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!
Yess!! Love this=) Thank you so much!
Nothing like a great cup of coffee in the morning to help me think straight (dr straight) and get me going 😃 Happy travels my friend 💜
Love seeing your comments, hope you're well=)
Great idea, you can always find cheap parts and people know how to fix it. Sprinter’s are quite the opposite I’ve worked on both.
Terrific transmission tutorial and cave....wish I was there!!
I will overdose on some of your shroom coffee 😃
Great outcome with the van! And what a great deal on the conversion & tyranny rebuild.. you'll get your $$ worth out of it! That cave is cool too. I've found many like it in Nevada, especially in the tufa formations along the edges of dry lake beds. Some have had what looks like fire soot on the ceiling 🤔
“WOW” Super gorgeous!
Cool. I was just thinking about this yesterday. Thanks Doc.
That's actually a really nice van I know a old man that had one he couldn't really afford maintenance he pretty much was hitting the starter at the bottom with a hammer to start the thing lol but that sucker ran and ran and ran nothing wrong with these vans one man's trash is another's treasure these are great vans I rather save my money buying on of these that works just as well as the newer ones being able to convert it whatever way I want :)
Never know what to expect on this channel, keep it up awesome sauce.
Hi Dr Hannah you are really good a pursuing projects and make them happen . Im jealous of all the beautiful adventures you go on and experiences you Wittness. Thanks for sharring 🐈⬛🐈
Another great video Dr. Hannah. I just wish the video was a little longer.
Good to see you again Angel.