I have alluded to it in other threads so here is my formal build thread for my new-to-me full-size Chevy Express. The name comes from my hunting buddy who is also a Ted Nugent fan:
My family always had a full-size van when I was growing up. I have wanted a 2nd "project" vehicle for camping, hunting, fishing, etc. for a while now as some of my trips really put a beating on my station wagon. After mulling over trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and drooling over SMBs, I decided to go back to my roots!
Here is what I know about it:
I picked it up for $8000. First order of business was removing the desk and chair. The chair is going to go live in my buddy's hunting blind and I took a circular saw to the desk to create 2 drawer units in my garage:
I have since built a small platform to sleep on that used the steel brackets on the floor. The 2nd order of business was general maintenance, wheels, and tires:
A tie rod end was replaced prior to alignment and I'm in the process of swapping everything out for Mobil 1 synthetics. The running gear is Firestone Destination A/T tires (265/70-16) on ~2004 Chevy Silverado 16" rims (used from junk yard; I give dwalt credit for the idea). The Firestones got good reviews and should be a good balance of on-pavement manners with some off-pavement ability. It will see it's first major road trip starting Friday - 2500 mi. round-trip for hunting and holidays in MI.
Planned additions:
I want to keep the interior light and utilitarian. I've been researching some of the lift-out kitchen units sold in Europe for camper vans and something like that would be perfect for me.
I'll add more pics as time allows....
I have attempted to level out the front end using the torsion key bolts and have achieved nothing. I have "orange" coded torsion bars which suspension companies state won't give you any lift if you swap out the keys. I'm still researching this.
I'm also looking into a mild 4WD conversion like the Chevy Astro guys (swap out AWD transfer case for selectable). It looks like it is possible by swapping a t-case from a manual shift Silverado, install a new front driveshaft, and fabricate a way to shift. I'm not looking for the capability of a Quigley or SMB just yet.
Anyway, this should keep me busy and empty my bank account for the winter!
My family always had a full-size van when I was growing up. I have wanted a 2nd "project" vehicle for camping, hunting, fishing, etc. for a while now as some of my trips really put a beating on my station wagon. After mulling over trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and drooling over SMBs, I decided to go back to my roots!
Here is what I know about it:
- 2005
- 5.3L Vortex V8
- 4L60e automatic
- 120,xxx mi. at purchase
- 1 owner (insurance company fleet van) and appears to have been dealer maintained
- Full-time All-wheel drive
- Rear diff. locker (G80)
- Custom cargo interior
- Dual climate controls
- Dual cargo doors on both sides of van body
- Full body windows
I picked it up for $8000. First order of business was removing the desk and chair. The chair is going to go live in my buddy's hunting blind and I took a circular saw to the desk to create 2 drawer units in my garage:
I have since built a small platform to sleep on that used the steel brackets on the floor. The 2nd order of business was general maintenance, wheels, and tires:
A tie rod end was replaced prior to alignment and I'm in the process of swapping everything out for Mobil 1 synthetics. The running gear is Firestone Destination A/T tires (265/70-16) on ~2004 Chevy Silverado 16" rims (used from junk yard; I give dwalt credit for the idea). The Firestones got good reviews and should be a good balance of on-pavement manners with some off-pavement ability. It will see it's first major road trip starting Friday - 2500 mi. round-trip for hunting and holidays in MI.
Planned additions:
- Rear diff. cover w/ fill and drain plugs; LubeLocker gasket (OEM cover is leaking with no fill/drain) - hope to install this week
- Headlight upgrade
- Auxillary lighting front and rear
- Sofa bed
- Lift-out kitchen unit (Westy style)
I want to keep the interior light and utilitarian. I've been researching some of the lift-out kitchen units sold in Europe for camper vans and something like that would be perfect for me.
I'll add more pics as time allows....
I have attempted to level out the front end using the torsion key bolts and have achieved nothing. I have "orange" coded torsion bars which suspension companies state won't give you any lift if you swap out the keys. I'm still researching this.
I'm also looking into a mild 4WD conversion like the Chevy Astro guys (swap out AWD transfer case for selectable). It looks like it is possible by swapping a t-case from a manual shift Silverado, install a new front driveshaft, and fabricate a way to shift. I'm not looking for the capability of a Quigley or SMB just yet.
Anyway, this should keep me busy and empty my bank account for the winter!
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