Chevrolet Express Van - AWD to 4x4 conversion

[PicklesTheSnuggleBear]

Stumbled onto this thread, doing some research.

So, a van would really suit my needs, right now. Especially since my 96 Yukon got its cab crushed a bit by a tree that decided to take a nap.

Im sure i could do a full body swap, but i think it may be easier to swap parts. Does anybody know if the 1500 frames were all standard, or am i going to be stripping two vehicles and using the forklift?

-Jake

 

[zuren]

Stumbled onto this thread, doing some research.

So, a van would really suit my needs, right now. Especially since my 96 Yukon got its cab crushed a bit by a tree that decided to take a nap.

Im sure i could do a full body swap, but i think it may be easier to swap parts. Does anybody know if the 1500 frames were all standard, or am i going to be stripping two vehicles and using the forklift?

-Jake

Not quite sure what you are asking. If you get an AWD Express, the transfer case from your Yukon may fit (probably with a driveshaft mod) but it probably would end there. As I've replaced general parts because they were worn, these vans share a few parts other than the engine and transmission but not much. The 1500 frames are not "standard" across all GM half-ton vehicles to my knowledge. There are variations from platform-to-platform.

 

[photo_van]

I stumbled on to this site and thread. I'm coming in a little late on this, but it's good to see you all doing to Expresses what we've been doing to Astros for years. I put a 242j in my astro as I wanted to keep AWD and get low range. I wired a micro switch to the shifter and PCM to take care of shifting in low range- works GREAT! There's a step by step here http://astrosafarivans.org/bb2/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=7844

 

[southpier]

is there any real difference in the Express & Savana? i know about 4,000k, but what am i giving up? or gaining, depending on which way i go!

thanks

 

[86cj]

Savanna/Express van same assembly line, different emblem and grill. Pic the grill you like and a dealer you like, same van. I picked a GMC grill ................
.
Only now with the 2014 pickup truck's are their real differences in the trucks, my buddy's dad a GM executive used to allow us to tour the GM truck plants and all trucks were chevys unless converted to GMC's with an emblem and grill kit.
.
The frame on 1500 AWD van and 1500 2WD van are different, so chances any other frame working are out...........
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This is my favorite thread on the Expo right now, with 37 miles on my T-case it could be awhile before I swap it out............

 

[dieck]

Nice pictures of the conversion. Very clearly documented. I'm toying with which direction to go with my next build. This gives me some ideas.

 

[BigDan]

what are the main differences between a 1500 & 2500 ?

are the brakes bigger on the 2500 ?
diff ratios ?
frame ?

seems like both have 6 bolt lug Wheel pattern

thanks

Dan

 

[Hazelfilms]

Had questions along the same line as BigDan.. I'm just starting to look into an express 3500 4x4 conversion.. Would one just need to replace the a 1500 rear axle, with a 3500 rear axle, and for that matter, could you replace the IFS axles up front, with 1 ton IFS axles? Or are there more differences between the 1500 and 3500?

 

[45Kevin]

I read on here somewhere that the 1500 AWD has a totaly different frame from the 2WD's.

 

[BigDan]

yes 86 cj wrote that ....wonder where he read that !!!

this could be big question before I buy !

 

[BigDan]

Had questions along the same line as BigDan.. I'm just starting to look into an express 3500 4x4 conversion.. Would one just need to replace the a 1500 rear axle, with a 3500 rear axle, and for that matter, could you replace the IFS axles up front, with 1 ton IFS axles? Or are there more differences between the 1500 and 3500?

the back end is always easy .......swap the 1500 diff , heard the 1500 is not really doing the job if treated rough ....( bigger tires )
concerning the fornt IFS , I need to know too ...... If a pick up diff could fit !
there aint seem to have lots of people who knows about these .....

 

[BigDan]

Zuren , it`s been over 3 years now .....

Does the front differential still does the job being 4x4 now ? ( more stress on the 7.5" ) ?

Dan ,

 

[salto_jorge]

Transfer case question.

Has anyone researched using the TC from a 2003-2005 Envoy/Trailblazer with 2wd/AWD/4WD/4Lo as a replacement for the Express AWD unit ?

George

 

[Mwilliamshs]

Transfer case question.

Has anyone researched using the TC from a 2003-2005 Envoy/Trailblazer with 2wd/AWD/4WD/4Lo as a replacement for the Express AWD unit ?

George

Proposed donor is a MUCH lighter vehicle. I'd be concerned.

 

[jknight]

Zuren, are you still around?

Hey i plan on doing this exact same thing within the next few months and i had some questions for you