I had a Safari AWD, I bought it with 67K miles for $1200. I put about $1000 in lights, a front bumper and body work (rust). I actually raised mine to 7 inches by making my own lift and finding the correct linkage steering for about $300. I insulated and completed the floors, sides and ceiling for about $300, I tested it in Flagstaff. The night fell to 28deg, inside was 55deg. I built a roof rack, put a 375Watt solar panel, front lights rack, maxx air fan, storage pod on top. removed the rear tire, made a drop box in the area accessible from inside of the van to put my 600Ah lithium batteries, dc - dc charger, MPPT, 3000watt inverter, and 12 volt fuse box. I built a box/rack in back that holds fuel, gas generator, spare tire and my rear door also has my AC unit in the window. I have LED puck lights, 40ft of dim blue lights I leave on when I sleep, a custom built full size futon bed that folds up to a couch, TV, 12 USB ports, 4 120VAC plugs. I have a 2 burner electric stove, small convection oven, small microwave, small MR coffee for my wife. The kitchen is only about 3 feet wide, the bed is sideways, im 5ft 8in tall. my 12 volt fridge is on the sliding door side taking up about 1/3 of the opening. Surprisingly, if you can customize your own cabinets, youd be surprised what yo can fit in the little van. We are comfortable, I also have a chinese diesel heater that works, ive tested it in 0 deg weather, I can keep it at 65deg at the lowest setting. The bed has an 8 inch thick mattress (do not use memory foam), my wife sleeps like a baby. we put a plastic liner on the mattress, fitted sheet, one thick comforter, 1 Mexican blanket. We keep the maxx air fan at setting 1 or 2 just to keep the condensation out. You might want to get some window visors, they help a lot with condensation, I never have any because I crack a window or use the maxx air fan, sometimes both.
Damn. I just paid a shop to do this exact lift on my Safari mtb hauler literally days before you dropped this video. If this existed before I might've had the confidence to do it myself. I watched every related instructional out there and this is easily the best.
Stev, out of curiosity, what did you pay a shop to do the install. I'm torn on whether or not I have the confidence to do this. The video done here is encouraging!
@@ycartnerraw I went to a nice shop that does a lot of lifts. They charged 140/hr and really made it sound like they'd be able to do it in 3 hours or less given their expertise. It ended up stumping them and after some back and forth with Journey's taking them 6 hours.
@@QuixoteCoyote Thanks for the note, I literally live two miles from Mike Collin's "Journey's Off Road" shop. Man, they just knocked 'er out and did a whale of a job. Couldn't be happier. Now it's about replacing those Arizona control arm bushings ( a bit dry ) and what to do about a tired steering box. I will be promoting my automotive gift brand business THE BUSTED KNUCKLE GARAGE with this van. It will be the second one to be used at shows throughout the country. See you at Overlander next year? (If we have one.) Great, great sit and videos Stev. Thanks for all the help with this build!
@@ycartnerraw Glad that worked out so well for you. If I lived that close to them idk if I'd be able to resist picking up one of their fancy astro off-road bumpers. Best of luck!
I just got done putting the exact same lift kit on my 2000 GMC Safari. I put 60's style rally rims painted black on it. The front was easy, like 30 minutes. The rear lift kid was a huge pain in the ass! Took me like 10 hours total!
My buddy has one of these with a lift kit and tires and it can go most places you would want. He goes camping all the time and fit a queen sized bed in it. You definitely picked the right van to build up on a budget!
Welp, I just watched part 5 and I'm hooked.. Somehow ended up going back and landing at part 2.... then realized that you named him after Scruffy.... the janitor... and I tell you what.. I believe in this company. If you're ever in Maine, lemme buy you a beer and admire your van. Acadia national park is van life heaven in early summer.
I've got an Astro and I'm interning at a buddy's mechanic shop. This has encouraged me to want to put a lift kit on my van while I have access to the equipment
That body lift also helps when servicing the trans in it, if you have to remove the trans you'll have better access to the top bolts with the body lift.
Great video. I have 2001 safari AWD and have been thinking about a lift kit. After watching this video and seeing the simplicity of the install I'm going do it. Appreciate it. Also when off-road, keep the tire side down.
Honestly man , i just picked ip this channel because of the first part of the van build, since where i live its been really dificult to find a truck i thought about getting a van , now this has inspired me to try and get a van just like that one , might even have to import it from the states to aruba , but hell it seems like it would be worth it, please keep us up to date with this build , cant wait to see what you do with it next.😎
@@TheShredist What size tires are you running? Also, when are you getting the 3" pucks and lifting the back some more. I find it to be kind of addicting. th-cam.com/video/XWYafbt9tzU/w-d-xo.html
lol scruffy is a sick name, love Futurama, was my childhood, anyway I got a 1998 Astro (same year I was born) really appreciate you making these videos, it's been a rocky road so far, tis my third van xD other two were write offs
If someone viewing this is not an auto mechanic - wouldnt the cost of labor / installaion at a body shop for the lift and everything youve done so far up to this video double the cost of what you already spent? really stoked youre so transparent about the financial aspect of this. super helpful man.
It definitely would add up, but its not something I'm including since I'm doing all the work myself. Total DIY project! Anything I can't do myself, like mounting and balancing tires, I include in the total.
JOURNEY'S JUST ROCKS!!!! BUT IT IS RECOMMENDED TO INSTALL S10 ZR2 SPRINGS BEFORE LIFT. AND WORD IS WITH THOSE NEW SPRINGS YOU CAN USE THE FACTORY SHACKELS AND SHOULD HAVE 2.5>3" LIFT. HOPE THIS HELPS!
THANK YOU for this series. I have been eagerly waiting for someone to put out high quality astro content for so long. I’m assuming you have had this lift on for too long, but could you give any cons that you’ve found? Does cutting the fan shroud really do nothing? The shroud debate can get heated on the astrosafari forums.
Excellent clear concise explanation ! Thanks....Also, How long are the bumper relocation bolts from JOR and how long is the spacer that fits over them? Thanks!
Torsion bar adjusting bolts just raise and lower the front suspension minor amounts. Assembly line workers use these to level vehicles at the factory. Adjusting these bolts doesn't change the spring rates.
Oh, hey! You're in Butte! I'm in Belgrade. I was just browsing van videos and really enjoyed the quality of your video. The van looks great, too! I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my E-150 I got from my job with 360 Office.
Hey, should have done this earlier considering how long I've been tagging along. But I've now joined on Patreon ✊ Your content is SO good, keep shredding!
$2,910 + labor of love = $2,910 In all honesty, excellent video! I’m very impress with production quality. I suspect you’ll make it all back eventually through monetization of this video.
I am emotionally invested in this.
You should put new bumpers, rally lights and a roof rack thing on
I had a Safari AWD, I bought it with 67K miles for $1200. I put about $1000 in lights, a front bumper and body work (rust). I actually raised mine to 7 inches by making my own lift and finding the correct linkage steering for about $300. I insulated and completed the floors, sides and ceiling for about $300, I tested it in Flagstaff. The night fell to 28deg, inside was 55deg. I built a roof rack, put a 375Watt solar panel, front lights rack, maxx air fan, storage pod on top. removed the rear tire, made a drop box in the area accessible from inside of the van to put my 600Ah lithium batteries, dc - dc charger, MPPT, 3000watt inverter, and 12 volt fuse box. I built a box/rack in back that holds fuel, gas generator, spare tire and my rear door also has my AC unit in the window. I have LED puck lights, 40ft of dim blue lights I leave on when I sleep, a custom built full size futon bed that folds up to a couch, TV, 12 USB ports, 4 120VAC plugs. I have a 2 burner electric stove, small convection oven, small microwave, small MR coffee for my wife. The kitchen is only about 3 feet wide, the bed is sideways, im 5ft 8in tall. my 12 volt fridge is on the sliding door side taking up about 1/3 of the opening. Surprisingly, if you can customize your own cabinets, youd be surprised what yo can fit in the little van. We are comfortable, I also have a chinese diesel heater that works, ive tested it in 0 deg weather, I can keep it at 65deg at the lowest setting. The bed has an 8 inch thick mattress (do not use memory foam), my wife sleeps like a baby. we put a plastic liner on the mattress, fitted sheet, one thick comforter, 1 Mexican blanket. We keep the maxx air fan at setting 1 or 2 just to keep the condensation out. You might want to get some window visors, they help a lot with condensation, I never have any because I crack a window or use the maxx air fan, sometimes both.
Your channel is so underrated.
Hopefully you get more views in the future 👍🏻
This is the best Astro series on YT. Wrecking yard is gold.
Great production values. Very informative and entertaining!
I love your voiceover voice sounds great
He really does know how to speak properly and not make it sound like he is winging it.
I like that one side is badged Safari, the other is Astro. It's a Safastro.
Lol
4:08 Missed opportunity - RockChox
Oh man it looks so sick already! I'm looking forward to the next upgrade on this van as much as I'm looking forward to the next Berm Peak feature now!
A nice all black paint job would be nice with an addition of your Shredist logo!
what if he keeps the janitor logo on the back to "remember your roots" tho, like helps to tell the story ahaha
Love the van content!
Me too
Such a fun series. Totally digging the budget van build!
Damn. I just paid a shop to do this exact lift on my Safari mtb hauler literally days before you dropped this video. If this existed before I might've had the confidence to do it myself. I watched every related instructional out there and this is easily the best.
Stev, out of curiosity, what did you pay a shop to do the install. I'm torn on whether or not I have the confidence to do this. The video done here is encouraging!
@@ycartnerraw I went to a nice shop that does a lot of lifts. They charged 140/hr and really made it sound like they'd be able to do it in 3 hours or less given their expertise. It ended up stumping them and after some back and forth with Journey's taking them 6 hours.
@@QuixoteCoyote Thanks for the note, I literally live two miles from Mike Collin's "Journey's Off Road" shop. Man, they just knocked 'er out and did a whale of a job. Couldn't be happier. Now it's about replacing those Arizona control arm bushings ( a bit dry ) and what to do about a tired steering box. I will be promoting my automotive gift brand business THE BUSTED KNUCKLE GARAGE with this van. It will be the second one to be used at shows throughout the country. See you at Overlander next year? (If we have one.) Great, great sit and videos Stev. Thanks for all the help with this build!
@@ycartnerraw Glad that worked out so well for you. If I lived that close to them idk if I'd be able to resist picking up one of their fancy astro off-road bumpers. Best of luck!
Scruffy, the janitor is the glue that holds Planet Express together
🙌🙌🙌
Those wheels alone gave it a whole new makeover.
Painting it would be the icing on the cake.
I love it! You should consider replacing the headlights with LED ones. They’re another cheap upgrade that makes it look way better
You’re making me want a van even more now!
Love seeing harbor freight tools. I’ve done tons of work on my own cars and trucks and man that jack is familiar to me.
Everything else on my channel is budget, so naturally the tools are too 😂
... I just realized that I watched almost 12 minutes of someone work on an old GMC minivan.
F Off 2020!
;)
Hard to resist a good minivan build
SHREDIST SUNNNNDDDDDAAAAAYYYYYYY YYYYEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
This was so well done - to the point, helpful without being textbook tedious, and fun. Definitely earned a subscribe!
My dad had an awd Astro. Transmission went out. I used to drive it through the woods in 1st and 2nd when I was like 14.
I just got done putting the exact same lift kit on my 2000 GMC Safari. I put 60's style rally rims painted black on it. The front was easy, like 30 minutes. The rear lift kid was a huge pain in the ass! Took me like 10 hours total!
My buddy has one of these with a lift kit and tires and it can go most places you would want. He goes camping all the time and fit a queen sized bed in it. You definitely picked the right van to build up on a budget!
Looking to fit a queen in this too!
Welp, I just watched part 5 and I'm hooked.. Somehow ended up going back and landing at part 2.... then realized that you named him after Scruffy.... the janitor... and I tell you what.. I believe in this company. If you're ever in Maine, lemme buy you a beer and admire your van. Acadia national park is van life heaven in early summer.
I've got an Astro and I'm interning at a buddy's mechanic shop. This has encouraged me to want to put a lift kit on my van while I have access to the equipment
Love the new rubber and rims for the van. She will look fantastic.
Your bringing me back to the monster garage days with the cost tally at the end. Im so stocked to see a budget build like this.
My dad had (essentially) 2 of these same vans. He got almost 600,000 miles out of the 2 of them combined. Freaking run forever.
This is like an awesome crossover episode from the two topics I sub the most on TH-cam. The wrenching mountain biker. I love it!
Currently building an Astro too. Just got the Journeys Off-road lift delivered. Thanks for making the video! Helped me prep for my install.
This is the best series on TH-cam right now. Love this stuff and am super jealous!!
Best mountain bike channel out there these days. A+ content.
You totally know about vans and stuff, good job, looks great.
That body lift also helps when servicing the trans in it, if you have to remove the trans you'll have better access to the top bolts with the body lift.
Scruffy off-roaders love that music.
Damn looking fresh. I would give scruffy a wrap that has shredist on the side and blackout the chrome.
Thank you sooo much! i am currently in the "face off" stage and was looking for a bit of extra confidence!! This video was that much needed boost!!!
Great video. I have 2001 safari AWD and have been thinking about a lift kit. After watching this video and seeing the simplicity of the install I'm going do it. Appreciate it. Also when off-road, keep the tire side down.
Scruffy needs an 80's style mural on the side. Wolves,eagles, viking chicks with swords. That sorta thing. 🦅 lol Loving the van content dude.
Honestly man , i just picked ip this channel because of the first part of the van build, since where i live its been really dificult to find a truck i thought about getting a van , now this has inspired me to try and get a van just like that one , might even have to import it from the states to aruba , but hell it seems like it would be worth it, please keep us up to date with this build , cant wait to see what you do with it next.😎
Dude you make great videos! Also thanks for not trying to act like seths bike hacks. Extra points for originality
I won't lie, you're probably the first guy to say that 🤣
@@TheShredist What size tires are you running? Also, when are you getting the 3" pucks and lifting the back some more. I find it to be kind of addicting. th-cam.com/video/XWYafbt9tzU/w-d-xo.html
Awesome content I'm following your videos with great interest 👍
God bless you and stay safe in these troubled times 🙋♂️🇬🇧
Awesome work man. I use delta fork hitches in the back to hold my bikes. Work great as a temporary solution until I can build a fancy drawer.
This is a great series, getting ready to upsize from my tiny Ford Transit Connect to something bigger this winter.
Look great! Can’t wait to see your progress!
Just found this build... its epic! Love it, man!
Nice build. I've been working on a 2003 Tahoe. Did a t-case swap and gutted the rear with 33x11.50. Reminds me a lot of your van👍👍
Dude this is everything I’ve been looking. I will be following this build 🙏
Absolutely would love to have one in mint condition then do wat you did incredible 👏🏽
Ayyyyy it's getting less sketch! I think... we keep the janitor on the back... 😅
My wife’s aunt van i’m about to buy took me here!👍🏽👍🏽
Damn. Looks so good lifted with new shoes.
lol scruffy is a sick name, love Futurama, was my childhood, anyway I got a 1998 Astro (same year I was born) really appreciate you making these videos, it's been a rocky road so far, tis my third van xD other two were write offs
I've always wanted a astro and i'm about to pick one up soon. Thanks for a great video, it's going to help me tremendously.
I think you acquired my buddy Bills 1970 Z .... But I really came for the Astro build!
Wow I’m early! Thanks to post notifications! I recommend everyone to enable them.
Just needs some epic Shredist decals!
Looks amazing!! I have a feeling this series is going to convince me to get a Safari or Astro as our speedboard mobile.
If someone viewing this is not an auto mechanic - wouldnt the cost of labor / installaion at a body shop for the lift and everything youve done so far up to this video double the cost of what you already spent? really stoked youre so transparent about the financial aspect of this. super helpful man.
It definitely would add up, but its not something I'm including since I'm doing all the work myself. Total DIY project! Anything I can't do myself, like mounting and balancing tires, I include in the total.
What a great video!! You did a awesome job and the van looks amazing! Thank you for the shout out!
Thank you! I'm super happy with the lift, might need the 4x4 conversion kit soon! 👍
Nice vid....i had to replace the all body bushings on my Safari Awd
when I lifted mine
JOURNEY'S JUST ROCKS!!!! BUT IT IS RECOMMENDED TO INSTALL S10 ZR2 SPRINGS BEFORE LIFT. AND WORD IS WITH THOSE NEW SPRINGS YOU CAN USE THE FACTORY SHACKELS AND SHOULD HAVE 2.5>3" LIFT. HOPE THIS HELPS!
Shame GM couldn’t sell more of these in awd back in the day. They were way ahead of there time. Now 4wd vans are in huge demand
The prices of these used are definitely going up!
Nice build. Just one thing. I would wait with the ride height after you put your bed/storage in the back, because od the additional weight.
THANK YOU for this series. I have been eagerly waiting for someone to put out high quality astro content for so long. I’m assuming you have had this lift on for too long, but could you give any cons that you’ve found? Does cutting the fan shroud really do nothing? The shroud debate can get heated on the astrosafari forums.
If your friends pretend that they don´t know you because you have old wheels on your van ...change your friends, not your wheels. Nice ride
Fun build. I wonder if a sliding tray would clear the rear opening?
DUDE that would be so cool!
Excellent clear concise explanation ! Thanks....Also, How long are the bumper relocation bolts from JOR and how long is the spacer that fits over them? Thanks!
Wish we had a lift in our astro awd camper conversion!!!
Torsion bar adjusting bolts just raise and lower the front suspension minor amounts. Assembly line workers use these to level vehicles at the factory. Adjusting these bolts doesn't change the spring rates.
you definitely gotta cover it in bed liner! and a huge light bar on the roof!
Pretty sweet, man. Nice work!
Them dang elves are back
- scruffy
Very well edited!
Here for the build
I hope camo is in your plans. Old school camo.
Looking good scruffy!
Oh, hey! You're in Butte! I'm in Belgrade. I was just browsing van videos and really enjoyed the quality of your video. The van looks great, too! I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my E-150 I got from my job with 360 Office.
Love the Van build!
12 yards long, 2 lanes wide, 65 tons of American pride!
definately give alex's videos on his van conversion a watch, single track sampler
Looks great compared to the old cleaners van nice one
Congrats! It's beautyfull! 👋😎😌☺️❤️😁👍
Dude, this video is very well done. Im totally doing this.
Montana, County 4... I know it well. Plenty of country around there to test this rig out.
I think I'm going to look for the AstroéSafari with the flip up back window with two half height doors. Deff needs a 6 bike North shore rack on it
You told a old yucky plumbers van, threw on a lift kit and a new set a wheels, and it looks 2 times better.
Another way of saying its 100% better ;)
Light bars and a roof rack lets goooooo
Sick build cant wait to see more, Keep it up!
Did you need a steering gear extender?
Subscribed to your channel just because of this video, thanks bro! Been thinking about that lift for my 2000 astro awd 👍
Hey, should have done this earlier considering how long I've been tagging along. But I've now joined on Patreon ✊
Your content is SO good, keep shredding!
Awesome! I appriciate the help more than you know 🤟
Van is SICK!!!👍
Awesome build
I watched this video again great video
Great project man this is rad!
welp I am sold definitely buying this for my astro
What a transformation.
$2,910 + labor of love = $2,910
In all honesty, excellent video! I’m very impress with production quality. I suspect you’ll make it all back eventually through monetization of this video.