The Resource Centre
Guides & Gear
Field-tested how-to's from our Astro build. If we did it, we wrote it down — parts, part numbers, cost, and what we'd do differently.
Diagnostics
Reading the van before you wrench on it.
Why Every Adventure Van Needs an OBD-II Scanner
The one tool that pays for itself the first time it saves a tow.
Read the guideLearning Live Data on the 4.3L Vortec
What normal looks like — coolant temp, fuel trims, MAP, O2.
Read the guideDiagnosing the P0420 Code on an Astro
How we chased it, what we ruled out, and the fix that finally held.
Read the guideCooling & Engine
Keep the 4.3 alive on gravel switchbacks.
The Mechanical Baseline — Fix It Before You Trust It
Every fluid, every filter, every hose we touched before the first FSR.
Read the guideThermostat & Cooling System Repair
The symptoms, the parts, the procedure, and what to check while you're in there.
Read the guideO2 Sensor Spacer Install
The $18 fix that quieted a P0420 without a new cat.
Read the guideElectrical & Power
Amps, watts, and the plan that survives the backcountry.
Recovery & Build
Winches, bumpers, lift, and the metal that holds it all together.
The Hidden Winch Bumper
A custom front bumper with a Smittybilt X2O tucked out of sight.
Read the guideJOR 5" Lift on a 2WD Astro — Full Spec
The kit that finally made this van work off pavement.
Read the guideChoosing a 270° Awning
The frames we shortlisted and how we picked one for a 60" roof rack.
Read the guideRoof Rack Planning
Load ratings, mount points, and what actually goes up top.
Read the guideTrip Planning
How to run BC's gravel without wrecking your rig — or your day.