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

[vintageracer]

The KYB "Gas Adjust" shocks you mentioned above are what they advertised as which is a CHEAP Gas Shock with lot's of "Compression" on the downstroke and little to no "Rebound" on the return stroke. Not a good shock absorber at all.

It's that "Lot's of Compression" that makes folks think those shocks really do something to improve the handling of their vehicle which in reality is all KYB Gas Adjust shocks do is help to mask a worn out suspension.

Good shocks with "Proper" Compression, Rebound and Working Length are not cheap and worth every penny when properly spec'd to a vehicle based upon size, weight, suspension setup and vehicle use.

 

[Shane Mulligan]

Anyone have any experience fitting an auxiliary transmission cooler to the diesel vans? Thinking about doing some towing with my 2.8 but don't want to burn up the tranny. I've seen derale has a barb fitting that works with the 4.3 and 6.0 gas vans but not sure if it will work for the lines on the diesel.

 

[whith]

My 6.6 has a factory cooler. You could try one of those? Its a pipe cleaner looking thing that doesn’t look too impressive but its done the job for 100k miles now.

 

[Shane Mulligan]

My 6.6 has a factory cooler. You could try one of those? Its a pipe cleaner looking thing that doesn’t look too impressive but its done the job for 100k miles now.

yeah I was thinking of getting one of those, would think it should bolt right on.

 

[hansu]

New to the forum so before I ask my question I'll also ask how to search a specific thread only? As in this thread.

I'm converting all of the external lights on my '17 3500 to LED. I'm getting hyperflash on the turns signals -- no surprise -- and on another forum I've found that the turn signals are controlled by the BCM. Anyone know of a good solution to get rid of the hyperflash? It doesn't bother me but I've heard you can get ticketed for it and I'd prefer to avoid the drama. I'd prefer to avoid resisters at, kinda, all cost.

thx

(Going outside to pull the cladding around the steering column to see if I can spot anything interesting...)

PS: I know this is pretty pedestrian for this forum. New wheels and armor are coming in this week and I've already installed an Eaton LSD.

 

[squonk23]

If you would like a fold-down rear seat, you can swap the folding seatback from an Astro/Safari directly to the bench of any of the 3-pasenger seats in an Express/Savanna. Astros are getting cheap enough that you could pick one up just for the interior. I found my seat at a local pick-a-part and it had covers over the seats, so the stock surface was immaculate. At least in southern CA, there's still a bunch of these things running around and I had my choice of 6 at the yard.

I know this was 5 years ago but maybe you'll get this.. is it a straight swap, same connection on the floor? I have a 2012 saVANa and hoping to do just that. Looking to build a removable bed platform that I could pop in after just folding the 3rd row down.

 

[whith]

I have done this in mine with Astro seats for the second and third row. I just bolted the tops of the Astro seats to the Express bottoms. Super easy.

 

[wantahertzdonut]

I know this was 5 years ago but maybe you'll get this.. is it a straight swap, same connection on the floor? I have a 2012 saVANa and hoping to do just that. Looking to build a removable bed platform that I could pop in after just folding the 3rd row down.

Lucky you! I haven't been on here in a while and never got an email notice.

You'll have to unbolt the backrest of the Savana seat and replace it with the backrest from the Astro. The folding hinges bolt directly in place to the bottom of the Savana. I think it's like 6 bolts to swap to remove the backrest.

Let me know if that makes sense or if you have any further questions.

 

[hansh]

Looking at new front coils for my 1997 Savana. Looking at sizes it appears stock spring is Moog 81012. Options include 81008 which is the same rate as 81012 but taller statically about 1.1". Above posts state anywhere from 2-5" lift with that spring.

Moog 81010 is statically taller than both 81012 (1.5") and 81008 (0.4") , but has a lower spring rate. All 3 springs are same outside diameter. Bar diameter is smaller for the 81010 (0.93) vs the other two (1.03).

Has anyone used the Moog 81010. I want to keep my ride close to stock but lift it a 1-2".

 

[ferdaphoto]

Didn't want to make a new thread when this exists, but also couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

4.8 vs 5.3 vs 6.0...
is the 4.8 going to be vastly undersized in the PNW? lots of mountain passes to drive through over here. wouldn't be doing a full time living build, just a small bed and climate control, and lots of outdoor gear.

 

[vintageracer]

Didn't want to make a new thread when this exists, but also couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

4.8 vs 5.3 vs 6.0...
is the 4.8 going to be vastly undersized in the PNW? lots of mountain passes to drive through over here. wouldn't be doing a full time living build, just a small bed and climate control, and lots of outdoor gear.

Yes!

I believe you would be disappointed!

The 5.3 can be made to easily make 500HP with a few changes. The biggest problem might be the 4l60E transmission which is not known for durability and that's what comes with all the 4.8/5.3's and with the 6.0 in the the 1500 series vans and trucks. You gotta get to the 2500 series to get the better 4L80E transmission with a 6.0.

I have had several 6.0's in 2500 GMC Yukon XL's and currently have 8.1's in my Chevrolet Express 3500 4WD van and another 2500 GMC Yukon XL. The 8.1 is miles ahead of the 6.0 in power and torque. The 6.0's do Ok however when you put a trailer behind them they get real lazy real quick. The same can be said for the 4.8 versus the 5.3.

You would be better off with the 6.0 IF you are not willing to spend the money on a 5.3 make the HP and torque it can with upgrades.

I would not consider a 4.8 unless you are a flatlander with minimal hills and valleys. I suspect you would be greatly disappointed with the 4.8 in the mountains.

 

[wantahertzdonut]

Depends on what you're carrying and how you like to drive. I'm 7800lbs empty with my 6.0/6L80E in 15 passenger Express. We have some big hills in SoCal I let back and climb them about 55-65. I could go faster but don't see the point.

I'm willing to bet the transmission will make more of a difference. The 6sp is superior to the 4sp especially with the smaller engine. I believe the 4.8/5.3 are fairly rev-happy so it might be alright although you won't be the first one to the top. Maybe the best way to tell without testing one on a grade would be to go to one of your mountain highways and look for any Express vans on the road and see if they're dogging up the hill or not. That should tell you firsthand what you want to know.

In truth it's not like any of them are underpowered, but also not everything is a sports car either.

 

[Highlander]

If you compare the GM Savana vans to the Ford Ecoline vans, how would they compare?
Which one is better in terms of ride quality and overall realibility?

 

[ferdaphoto]

If you compare the GM Savana vans to the Ford Ecoline vans, how would they compare?
Which one is better in terms of ride quality and overall realibility?

I dont have a GMC/Chevy yet, but my main draw to them is them still being in production, which means theres gonna be more and more showing up in junkyards and parts availability will last longer.

 

[vintageracer]

GM van has 2 wheel base choices, independent front A arm front suspension, still in production, the wonderful LS engine for power, 1 top height, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton options, parts galore in the JY, Little change since early 2000's. Expensive new and cheap used.

Ford Econoline van has twin I beam front suspension, no longer in production, average at best engine options, 1 top height, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 Ton a 1 1/2 tons options, parts galore in the JY. Last change around 2010 on van. Still expensive used if nice and cheap of old.

Large Ford Transit van available in 2WD and AWD, Multiple wheelbase choices, still in production, 3.5 Eco-boost engine, Multiple top heights, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton options, very few in the JY. All new in late 2018 or so very EXPENSIVE at this time.

Take your pick.

You a Ford Man or a GM Man.