2013 EXPRESS 3500 (DURAMAX) BUILD

[Silverhorse]

current specs- 2013 Duramax 3500 extended passenger van, 6l90 trans, 14 bolt rear FF


All I have done to the van so far is roof rack, I added honda headrests to the second row seat and tow mirrors.. My goal is to do a 4wd conversion with a 31-33" tire, minimal lift.. I have already done a ton of research found here.. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/76.../442522-2500-3500-van-ifs-4wd-conversion.html More than likely I will not do the IFS(just not a fan)

Leaning towards a Dana 60 front set-up from a F-250/350 from 2005-2007 with either the stock coil or coilovers with radius arms...

The van is my DD also used for towing our 30' travel trailer.... so stability and safety is the main priority( 5 carseats) YES 5!

ONLY issue I have not resolved for the build is which ABS sensors will be compatible to use in the Dana 60 that will work with the Chevy ABS ...

 

[njtacoma]

I would like to know more about the Honda Headrests if you have pictures or a link.

I can't help on the ABS sensor, but look forward to seeing what you do with the express.

 

[Silverhorse]

I have pics and specifics I can do a thread, but not sure where to post them?

 

[njtacoma]

you can post them here or start a new thread, I think it would be good tech to have somewhere.

 

[Johny5]

Loving the long wheelbase and duramax. Van will look sweet lifted .

 

[Silverhorse]

you can post them here or start a new thread, I think it would be good tech to have somewhere.

PM'D YOU. I KNOW I'M A LITTLE LATE.. ;0

 

[Silverhorse]

I installed some Velvac 2020xg tow mirrors. they come in many different options and two different lengths. I got the shorter version with power, defrost and park/blinker lights. they really help when towing something wide! http://velvac.thomasnet.com/viewite...placement-parts-and-accessories-2020xg-mirror

 

[Silverhorse]

I have procured axles for my 4x4 conversion! Rolling chassis 2008 F-350 Dana 60/ Sterling.. 3.73 ratio The rear seams to have a posi. anybody know what these rigs came with? Trac lok ? I assume its stock but I have not pulled the diff cover yet....

 

[adventr]

As for your ABS sensors in front axle, use the GM ones. I went through all of this when I did my swap. Had read multiple places to use the Ford sensors and splice them into the harness. I purchased new OEM ford harness connectors and installed them onto my GM ABS harness, so that it would be a clean plug-n-play deal.
You can imagine my disappointment whenever that didn't work and I finally figured out that I just needed to swap over my GM sensors.

 

[RC413]

ooooo. More info please.

 

[Silverhorse]

Thanks @adventr for the tip! I have not heard that before and I have called all over trying to figure that one out... I read about the Ford sensors and had been told to use the Dodge sensors... I assume you used the stock Ford tone rings? Do you have a link to your build?

 

[86cj]

I have procured axles for my 4x4 conversion! Rolling chassis 2008 F-350 Dana 60/ Sterling.. 3.73 ratio The rear seams to have a posi. anybody know what these rigs came with? Trac lok ? I assume its stock but I have not pulled the diff cover yet....

I can't wait to see this come together!...

Have you looked into what the rear axle in your van is worth to help with the cost? A van Full Float single tire rear axle has been rare since the 2003 changes to the big vans and is a sweet axle. The FF axle used to come in some gas vans depending on GVW, but I think the only way to get one since 2003 has been with a Duramax which is kind of rare. I have not tried to source one used, but when I was ordering a new van the gas 3500 did not give a FF axle. My research in 2013 showed the only difference in a 2500-3500 van was stiffer front coils, one leaf spring and a huge price jump, maybe someone knows the subject a little better?

 

[Silverhorse]

Me either! A little nerve wrecking to tear into a perfectly good van though! :Wow1: I believe you are correct, most have dana 60 rears. I will actually hang on to the 14 bolt in case I need it I only choose to go with the Sterling because--I got it for basically nothing, ( it was in a wreck and spun the axle tube on one side, where it goes into the center section, hopefully I can repair it. seems to operate fine....) I wont have to change the 14 bolt gear ratio, add a posi, and an adapter/spacer to match the 8x170 wheel bolt pattern of the front 60.... So it saved me some serious coin to just go with the Sterling...

 

[adventr]

Thanks @adventr for the tip! I have not heard that before and I have called all over trying to figure that one out... I read about the Ford sensors and had been told to use the Dodge sensors... I assume you used the stock Ford tone rings? Do you have a link to your build?

Yes, I'm using a 2009 superduty D60 in my truck, using new OEM ford hub assemblies. When I first did it, I bought brand new Ford sensors and pigtails. Couldn't figure out why it wasn't working, so I borrowed a buddy's $5000 matco scan tool. Allowed me to see the incoming data from the ABS sensors in real time. Rear sensor was perfect, fronts were showing no data. Something about the way that the ford sensor returns the signal appears to be incompatible with the GM stuff.
GM sensors drop right into the ford unit hubs. :ylsmoke:


Here's a link to my build. Before I found this truck, I looked long and hard for a van just like yours to build!


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/chevy/2379705-multipurpose-duramax-build.html

 

[Silverhorse]

Yep the diesel vans are amazingly rare. when i was looking for mine there were two for sale in my home town... what are the odds.. :victory:

Your build thread is top notch!