Chevrolet Express

[wheels5150]

Hey guys - been lurking a while and wanted to get any feedback on something that caught my eye tonight. I've been shopping for an expedition type van for a couple of months, going in the never ending spiral of "crap that Sportsmobile is nice, but I could build/buy my own and save $20k for fuel", and have exactly what I want on the inside. My focus has been primarily on the E350 as I'd like a reliable platform that I can get repairs completed anywhere in the US - not planning any trips outside CONUS. I'd probably have most work done for me.

I saw this on eBay tonight - Express - and was wondering how big a pain in the butt a less commonly modified base vehicle would be to get the following accomplished.

4x4 - transfer case & 4-6" lift (get 33" or greater tires on)

I'm spoiled with my wrangler as I can find anything imaginable for it - is the Express Van hard to equip for expedition use? Roof racks & bumpers - custom work?

Any POC that I can speak to would be great, don't want to start down this path (Chevrolet Express) if it's a dead end or a terrible idea.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Herbie]

Mike, as the builder on another "less than common" platform, I can empathize with your fears. Some are worthwhile.

The biggest issue for the Express/Savanna builders thus far seems to be this: Nobody that I've seen has conclusively documented an AWD->4x4 transfer case swap.

In the end, I settled on the Astro/Safari platform specifically because of the (well documented) ease of converting AWD to 4x4. Depending on the years of donor and recipient vehicles, it can be as little as a couple hundred dollars in bolt-on junkyard parts. (i.e. custom driveshafts aren't even always needed). This has been done dozens of times, and well documented to boot. I already know where the cross member will need notching, which signal wires to add to the transmission controller, etc. - NO SURPRISES.

There has been a lot of supposition that a similar transfer case swap is possible using Silverado donor parts onto the Express/Savanna, but since I have yet to see a build thread with this step, preferably with part numbers and discussion of fitment issues, then I was hesitant to go down the path myself, even though the extra space in a fullsize van would have been nice.

I would really like to see the Express/Savanna get the same treatment. Just as people are only recently starting to see the potential in the Astro/Safari after the pioneering efforts of guys like T.Low, I think the bigger vans offer untapped potential to be an awesome build platform.

 

[wheels5150]

Herbie - thanks for the feedback. I just read your build thread on the astro - great job. I guess I'm just torn between the ease and simplicity of having the vehicle that 4x4 conversionis somewhat documented and maybe more routinely modified vs a similarly capable more unique vehicle. The duramax seems a little less problem prone than the 6.0PS, but then I'm a little leary of the extended wheelbase of the chevy vs ford - yet still want the ext cab. Yes I'd like it all please...

My mechanic is a GM fan so I'll hit him up and see if he has any feedback. I also noticed that Quigley does the 4x4 conversion as well - would love to be a fly on the wall in their shop.

I'm off to read T.Low's thread now - and I'll be following your build.

I'm just up the road from you in the San Marcos area.

Regards, Mike

 

[JMyerz]

Hey Mike,

I was going to get an Astro for the exact reasons Herbie mentioned in his prior post. All of it excellent advice...

I ended up with a 2007 Express AWD. Found a KILLER deal on my Van that I could not pass up. I loved the added room and being a bigger guy (6'3" 190) I fit better...

I had every intention of plowing the way on conversions for this thing, but the economy finally hit us too and now we must wait.

The research I have done is the Revtek torsion keys SHOULD work for about 2" or so of lift. I spent time comparing a 2006 AWD Suburban which has a 4LO option and the tcase / wires look identical so there is a possibility there too.

J

 

[wheels5150]

I'm going to gather as much info on the Chevy Express and E350, both extended cab versions. I'm also set on Diesel so I'm going to shoot for > 2006 if a ford, and I'm still reading up on the duramax for the chevy. That AWD Express sounds like a good option - about 50% of my desire for 4WD stems from driving my 2wd Tundra in Idaho during the winter - a bit nerve racking. It looks like Salem Kroger in NorCal and A4WD in SLC do conversions out here on the left coast - it would be great to see their parts list.

 

[wheels5150]

Sold!

Well the dealer that had that unit dropped it to $20k on Thursday night, down from $23k. I talked him down a little more and took the beast home. It won't fit in any of my garages as it sits with 18" wheels. Looks like A4WD in SLC will get the 4x4 & lift done early next year, that gives me time to think about the interior and top...

 

[1sweetvan]

That back seat looks like it came out of a Ford.

 

[wheels5150]

That back seat looks like it came out of a Ford.

Could be - I like the fact it's small enough to get around either side, seat belts for three but they would be tight. Ideally I've have 4 captains chairs and the little bench maybe sideways in the rear.

Are seat mounting bolt patterns common to ford and chevy?

One of the guys at the dealer showed me a conversion van he picked up for a song - less than 3k, it had four leather captains chairs and the electric fold down bench in the back. Must be nice working at a dealer, some great deals to be had if you are at the right place & right time.

 

[zuren]

...Nobody that I've seen has conclusively documented an AWD->4x4 transfer case swap.

I was busy over the week of Thanksgiving.........in the process of documenting now! =)

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52106