because I suck at google/ the internet. Heres the deal, I'm having trouble finding an lsd for my van (highly doubt there even is one) or some good coilovers etc...
Reason for me taking an interest in the van is for one, its getting to hard to find a 240 [for the moment, and in the model I want ( RMS/MS13, 5 spd, base model, under 1500, in houston area, in alright condition, no rust)] So I have taken a huge interest in using my van to get my fix (drifting/autox). I also think f'in hilarious to see a huge arse van like mine trying, maybe even getting sideways at 40mph (while not tipping over). And I think it'd be loads of fun, like me taking it out to one of the grind 101 events and see everyone with a smile on their face. The entertainment value is very high I think and its something everyone will talk about on the way home etc...How often do you see a van in any form of motorsports?!
So what I ask of you, fellow NICOnians is if you could help me in my search for finding anything (suspension mostly) related to my van so that I can get sideways for our amusement. Please!:)
1996 GMC Safari/Astro conversion van4.3l Vortec, RWD, automatic.
The engine is the same one that can be found in the S10/Blazer, but thats all I know.
BTW, once I do get an S13 of some sort, this will be my second car (so I can haul the 240 to wherever I please)
Plans so far are to paint it black or white, with some 16x hell if I know rims (black or gun metal w/ polished lip) dropped an inch or two, and of course stiffen up the chassis.
I have, quite a few times, pulled a few nice fishtails on accident;) and in the rain. Nothing I would, nor you would ever consider a drift. If you don't wanna help thats cool, I'l just continue my search...by myself:( LINKS PLEASE!
I need NICOs help...
-
ricebike
- Posts: 3381
- Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2003 7:03 pm
- Car: 1989 240sx se 5spd (donated to my brother in law)
2002 Quest
2005 Altima - Location: CNJ
http://www.batauto.com are full of mechs/techs who'll help u out on this... just don't tell them the reasons why u want to "upgrade" from an open diff to a lsd!
You have the GM c-clip type 10 bolt rear end, found in so many GM's it disgusts me. There are countless SERIOUS severe duty locking diffs and lsd available. the cheapest will be an lsd from a junkyard off a newer 4x4 model so equipped.
You can go to an off road shop(similar but better than import shops) and ask for a Detroit locker (or any of the lesser models, Lock-right, Ox locker, etc..) after you've identified the exact rear end you have. A mammoth Detroit locking diff and install around here will run about ~$400 parts and labor.. for what is widely known as a bombproof design. Detroit lockers are just next to indestructible.
One minor item to contend with, if you decide to work on the rear end of the van, is replace the axle seals, when you have the axles out of the housing, during locker install. We call this notorious axle seal failure a factory GM option because nearly every GM van/truck we see has leaking seals. Either puking or seeping, they all leak eventually, usually sooner than later.
You can go to an off road shop(similar but better than import shops) and ask for a Detroit locker (or any of the lesser models, Lock-right, Ox locker, etc..) after you've identified the exact rear end you have. A mammoth Detroit locking diff and install around here will run about ~$400 parts and labor.. for what is widely known as a bombproof design. Detroit lockers are just next to indestructible.
One minor item to contend with, if you decide to work on the rear end of the van, is replace the axle seals, when you have the axles out of the housing, during locker install. We call this notorious axle seal failure a factory GM option because nearly every GM van/truck we see has leaking seals. Either puking or seeping, they all leak eventually, usually sooner than later.
The van axle flange has the 5-5" bolt pattern, yes? which (check on this to confirm) will have the same actual axle shaft diameter as the 6-5.5" bolt pattern axles. This saves on peripheral parts costs for GM, and makes it easier for you to access an lsd or locker.
GM rear suspension is the definition of simplicity(although Ford is still better). You could rip the whole axle assy out from underneath the van in an hour, drop it off at a shop and have it fitted with a locker and have the whole project wrapped up by the next afternoon.
You could go crazy and outfit the axle housing with lower gears(high numerically) and new axle shafts with higher spline count for extra strength, although that will be overkill and get costly. Either way, all the parts are available from a junkyard or a local offroad shop, just depends on how much you wanna invest..
GM rear suspension is the definition of simplicity(although Ford is still better). You could rip the whole axle assy out from underneath the van in an hour, drop it off at a shop and have it fitted with a locker and have the whole project wrapped up by the next afternoon.
You could go crazy and outfit the axle housing with lower gears(high numerically) and new axle shafts with higher spline count for extra strength, although that will be overkill and get costly. Either way, all the parts are available from a junkyard or a local offroad shop, just depends on how much you wanna invest..
That's the whole idea...dramatic power oversteer, aided with some backyard mechanical knowledge thrown into the stir pot.
I liken the experience to cornering in my bronco with the Detroit'd 9", 31 spline, and 4.88 gears, with super swampers on wet pavement. None of these items assist composed street cornering.
I mean, it won't even go in a straight line.. hit the gas and hang on cuz we're goin sideways, dawg.
I liken the experience to cornering in my bronco with the Detroit'd 9", 31 spline, and 4.88 gears, with super swampers on wet pavement. None of these items assist composed street cornering.
I mean, it won't even go in a straight line.. hit the gas and hang on cuz we're goin sideways, dawg.
Daily, oh yeah...oops
I do have some massive pics I scanned, I'll take more probably tomorrow. Had a wiring incident aka, fire. I've stripped the front half of the vehicle and am installing a new complete harness, braided m/c to prop valve lines, etc etc, catching up on all the little stuff I didn't do before.. I'll take some progess pics and let ya know, mr1der
I do have some massive pics I scanned, I'll take more probably tomorrow. Had a wiring incident aka, fire. I've stripped the front half of the vehicle and am installing a new complete harness, braided m/c to prop valve lines, etc etc, catching up on all the little stuff I didn't do before.. I'll take some progess pics and let ya know, mr1der
"The Bronco concept showcases significant advanced powertrain technologies, mating a 2.0-liter intercooled turbo diesel with an efficient six-speed PowerShift™ transmission and Intelligent™ four-wheel-drive system for a powerful, sure-footed off-roader," said Graham Hoare, director, Powertrain Advanced and Research Engineering. "Then comes the fun part. We’ve added nitrous-oxide injection for a burst of power at your fingertips."
Although only a concept, the Bronco demonstrates how Ford could further complement its extensive SUV lineup that includes Escape, Explorer, Expedition and Excursion.
The Bronco concept strikes a familiar profile of the authentic SUVs of the late 1960s and at the same time is contemporary, appealing and relevant for today’s market. The Bronco concept adds modern technologies to an original theme for a fresh new approach. The headlamps use LED and halogen light sources to cast a wider beam for better peripheral vision in off-road situations.-autointell.net
-
Mr1der
- Posts: 36020
- Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2003 8:35 am
- Car: It's still not a Nissan...
- Location: Lebanon TN
I'd have to get rid of some of the blockiness to it, and maybe give it a few more inches of ride.
the 2 liter diesel seems like a weird choice of powerplants, but Ford seems to do a good job at making some *****in' diesel engines with really good power output.
if it weighs like 3000 pounds, that'd be awesome.
the 2 liter diesel seems like a weird choice of powerplants, but Ford seems to do a good job at making some *****in' diesel engines with really good power output.
if it weighs like 3000 pounds, that'd be awesome.
You're right this is straight outta Halo. I miss that game
One of the major auto mags did a story in depth about this concept, with closeups of the suspension, drivetrain, etc.. If I had a nickle for every article that I remember seeing but have no idea where I saw it.. I'd have like, $2.10 in change.