Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana RWD Van Info thread (All years / 1500, 2500, 3500)

[Mat Mobile]

I added information about Moog Coil springs in this post on the first page. The information is useful for a small lift or an adjustment for adding weight on the front.

 

[Mat Mobile]

I added the "Weldtec designs Leveling spacers and installation guide by ynowgn" to post #3 and "Move Bumpers [...]" to post #6 of this thread.

:Mechanic:

 

[freedrive]

Anyone know of an IFS 4x4 DIY kit/instructions for for these vans?

 

[Len.Barron]

Anyone know of an IFS 4x4 DIY kit/instructions for for these vans?

There is no "DIY kit" for any type of 4x4 conversion for the express/savana. Weldtec builds a beautiful coil-over IFS system but they don't sell it for DIY. There is a pretty good bit of info/pictures on this thread: http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/76.../442522-2500-3500-van-ifs-4wd-conversion.html

 

[DRLexpress]

....Weldtec builds a beautiful coil-over IFS system but they don't sell it for DIY.....

Are you sure? I thought theirs was a DIY. The one for something like $10,000?

Doug

 

[Len.Barron]

Are you sure? I thought theirs was a DIY. The one for something like $10,000?

Doug

Last post I read from Jeremy on that kit was that it was not DIY; now if you already have a Quigley 4x4 converted van he may be able to put together a DIY coilover upgrade kit ...but that's a pretty small percentage of the Express/Savana population..

 

[DRLexpress]

I guess I was wrong, never talked to him. Just reading on the website.

Doug

 

[Mat Mobile]

I guess I was wrong, never talked to him. Just reading on the website.

Doug

To my understanding it's kind of DIY... Just a very advanced "Expert level" DIY.

 

[freedrive]

There is no "DIY kit" for any type of 4x4 conversion for the express/savana. Weldtec builds a beautiful coil-over IFS system but they don't sell it for DIY. There is a pretty good bit of info/pictures on this thread: http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/76.../442522-2500-3500-van-ifs-4wd-conversion.html

Thanks for that link, informative, and depressing at the same time.

 

[freedrive]

Are you sure? I thought theirs was a DIY. The one for something like $10,000?

Doug

Their website certainly implies it's DIY. But it doesn't include the 4x4 conversion. "The WeldTec Designs Chevrolet Express 4×4 Coilover Suspension lift kit is designed to set you up for your future 4×4 conversion"

And, I personally don't like dry heim joints in a daily driver.

 

[DRLexpress]

.....And, I personally don't like dry heim joints in a daily driver.

I was thinking the same thing. I wish he would come up with a kit a little less capable, more for the daily driver. What he has is way more capable than the rest of my van.

Doug

 

[Len.Barron]

Thanks for that link, informative, and depressing at the same time.

Yep, I doubt there ever will be a "kit" to convert them, it's one of those vehicles that is just going to require a lot of tooling and metal fabrication to convert; and the guys that have those tools/skills typically will just make their own parts rather than buy a "kit"...and then you have guys like me that don't want IFS and want a solid axle which waters down the market size further..

 

[freedrive]

I think I'd be just fine with a solid axle.

 

[JoeFr8tus]

2wd Lifted Express Van Shock Options?

Any information on shock options for lifted 2003 and up 2wd 1500/2500/3500 Express? I have a 2007 1500 passenger van and I want to install 3500 diesel coil springs (Moog 81004) and possibly a spacer on top of that. Will stock length shocks work or do I have to get creative? Out back, the plan is for 2" lift blocks and possibly 2900 lb Suburban springs. Again, does anyone know what shocks will work apart from the expensive Fox shocks that Weldtec is offering? I'd love to put a set of those on, but this is a low budget build.

 

[Mat Mobile]

Added link to 14-Bolt differential information in post #3.

Thanks blazen71!