ground clearance for forest roads

[follow maggie]

I did some looking and you can actually get a lift kit for an Astro pretty cheap. I kind of dig it: http://www.overlandvans.com/0104_liftkits.html

[GBoyd]

I did some looking and you can actually get a lift kit for an Astro pretty cheap. I kind of dig it: http://www.overlandvans.com/0104_liftkits.html

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking of doing at the moment. I'm just trying to track down some guys who have done it to ask them what they think about the kits, if it causes any other problems with the suspension, etc.

There's also a lot of information on other mods for Astros for camping. If I go this route, I'll make a platform in the back I can use for sleeping, with gear storage underneath. I'll try to design it to be removable so I can put the seats back in and haul a crew when I need to.

I guess I'll also need to find an elegant and clean way to carry a dead elk back home.

[follow maggie]

Found that same exact website, but with a different domain name.  I mean, it's identical. May want to stay away from that one, seems kind of hinky.

[FC]

AWD Astro's are money pits, keep looking! I've made an awful lot of $$$ repairing them. If you want a tough capable AWD look at Subaru's. If you want something that will get you around in the woods and haul meat etc without need of constant repair, get a 4wd truck.

[jeepasaurusrex]

Can't ever go wrong with a Jeep

[wildmanoutdoors]

Can't ever go wrong with a Jeep

Were do you put your camping gear and Elk?

[Elkrunner]

Can't ever go wrong with a Jeep

Were do you put your camping gear and Elk?

Quarter them out or debone them.  Its a lot easier than hoisting one of those things up. 

[Jingles]

If you plan on using the forest service roads here in the Methow make sure it has a good suspension the roads here will beat even some Abrams tanks to pieces they are so washboarded potholed and rutted

[Stein]

Get yourself a Suburban, I bet the price is about the same for a used one and you have a full 8' behind the front seat that would be much more suitable for in-truck camping.  You also would have a much superior 4wd system if you get stuck in a snowstorm or mud.

[fastdam]

Get a toyota or a jeep if you want to go to the mountains.  Subarus and mini vans are for the road. You'll ruin a mini van or car in the hills.

[JimmyHoffa]

AWD Astro's are money pits, keep looking! I've made an awful lot of $$$ repairing them. If you want a tough capable AWD look at Subaru's. If you want something that will get you around in the woods and haul meat etc without need of constant repair, get a 4wd truck.

A few people I know have Subaru Outbacks and have lists of all the things going wrong.  Nothing catastrophic that would necessarily strand one in the woods, but seems every other week something new is developing.  Things like temps going up, head gaskets, fuel pumps, increasing idles. 

[Thehowler]

I will say jeep also, But not if your to lazy to quarter your animal. Yj and Xj's are simple to maintain and are total work horses. Yes, I own both. Even stock are fine for most forest service roads. A mild lift with 31 inch tires and your set.

[RadSav]

I used to have a VW hippy bus.  That thing was sweet!!!    Far fewer troubles than an Astro Van even though it was only two wheel drive.

I ended up selling it to the pot dealer/teacher from the local highschool   He modified it to run on propane and added a hot water heater and a range.

[T Pearce]

I bought a mid 90's k1500 sub and like it. Been trouble free. Ive added some things to make sure we can get out if the weather turns  but a good set of chains do that. the thing is a caddy when moving around up there. And you wont get the mini up these roads, but they are not fs rds either.
Is that a fs rd between Haney meadow and beehive? We call it the road to hell!  And no, we dont camp there.