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GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Real World MPG

52 messages,  Last post on Mar 05, 2009 at 10:07 PM

You are in the GMC Safari & Chevy Astro Forum.

What is this discussion about? GMC Safari, Chevrolet Astro, Van

Messages Page 5 of 6

#36 of 52 Re: P1870 [jouls] by spike99

Jul 17, 2008 (6:36 pm)

Replying to: jouls (Jul 17, 2008 4:27 pm)
A few years back, I got the transmisison rebuilt in my 2001 AWD Safari van. Before taxes, it cost $1,200 - canadian dollars. Not too sure how much they charge in your specific region. Might be worth calling a few tranny shops in your area. If wondering, my van lost 2nd and "R" gears. It only has 1st and 3rd. Thus, completed removal and rebuild - with a special kit. Your Astro/Safari van may need the same kit.
 
If my GMC Safari van "blew up" tomorrow, I'd probably get a 2007 "demo" Uplander Van. This year has the bigger front brakes, larger size engine and a few other design improvements the other previous GM van models don't have. Demo is around $18K - compared to the $30K of a 2008 models. If I neeed to haul stuff, I'd connect my larger size engine "smaller" mini-van to my 6x10 or 4x6 utility trailer. And when not needed, I'd simply back the trailer into the bush and pull its pin (sort of speaking). Thus, no need for a larger size mini-van (that's a pig on gas).
 
Hope this helps - some how.
 
.

#37 of 52 Re: P1870 [spike99] by jouls

Jul 18, 2008 (8:27 pm)

Replying to: spike99 (Jul 17, 2008 6:36 pm)
Thanks for the info Spike99, I'll try to do everything on my side.
 
and will see if I decide to sell or fix this vehicle.
 
Have a nice day.

#38 of 52 Re: P1870 [jouls] by cob

Jul 24, 2008 (7:45 am)

Replying to: jouls (Jul 17, 2008 4:27 pm)
I had my 97 AWD trans rebuilt in 2005 for just over $2000 and that was 50,000 miles ago. I have since sold it with the camper we towed behind it and the new owner is still driving it with over 130,000 miles on it. After the rebuild it shifted smooth into each gear and never missed a beat. Make sure you use a reputable repair shop and don't get a remanufactured GM unit make sure they rebuild yours with the upgraded aftermarket parts. The GM reman will be no better than the original trans that failed.

#39 of 52 Re: P1870 [cob] by jouls

Jul 24, 2008 (5:19 pm)

Replying to: cob (Jul 24, 2008 7:45 am)
COB...I just decided to put the vehicle for sale.
 
I do not trust in any repair shop near by plus I velieve is not worth for me to spend as you said $2000 usd.
 
I'll rather get some money and use it to get a newer car.
 
BR.

#40 of 52 Re: P1870 [jouls] by greensafari

Jul 25, 2008 (8:09 pm)

Replying to: jouls (Jul 24, 2008 5:19 pm)
hi
Just wondering if you knew about flushing the transfer case? My 99 Safari was hard shifting after a 2 hr highway drive, and we got the transfer case flushed and it fixed it. There is some known issue with it that came out in a GMC bulletin. Most people assume it's the transmission, but it's not.

#41 of 52 25 MPG! by organfreak

Jul 27, 2008 (9:49 am)

Just got this '97 Astro, 2 WD. Finished a 400 mile trip with about 600 lbs of cargo in the back. 25.3 MPG 60-70 MPH!!! Wow!

#42 of 52 Re: P1870 [greensafari] by jouls

Jul 27, 2008 (9:57 am)

Replying to: greensafari (Jul 25, 2008 8:09 pm)
Hi GreenSafari,
 
Where is the transfer case located? is that the rear axle thing?
 
before I made that trip, I took the van to get the seals and bearings replaced on the rear axle, they actually remove and replace the oil.
 
Thanks.

#43 of 52 Re: 25 MPG! [organfreak] by guyonearth

Aug 05, 2008 (8:20 pm)

Replying to: organfreak (Jul 27, 2008 9:49 am)
I'd like to know what method you used to calculate this mileage, since it is about 30% too high. I've owned 3 of these vans and never got close to that.

#44 of 52 Re: Poor fuel economy [adcessories] by guyonearth

Aug 05, 2008 (8:24 pm)

Replying to: adcessories (Jul 12, 2007 9:22 am)
What are you burning? E-85? If so, that mileage is probably correct. Otherwise, do you have alot of weight in this thing?

#45 of 52 Re: gmc safari [partyd] by guyonearth

Aug 05, 2008 (8:27 pm)

Replying to: partyd (Feb 21, 2008 4:24 pm)
Where did you get a 5 speed automatic? They only have 4 speeds. (4L60E)

Messages Page 5 of 6

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