Chevy AWD

[foytix]

Looks like Boulder Off-Road is offering a 6 inch lift for GM AWD vans
http://boulderoffroadvans.com/new_chevy__gmc_awd_lift_kits_suspension_systems_and_accessories

hahaha, my wife is already fussing about how much harder it is to get in the van (especially with the kids)......I don't even want to think about 6in. Maybe when the kids get older and I can afford some of those power running boards LOL.

I see they are offering a 2" kit though, I imagine it's the same thing we have already installed (lift keys, blocks and shocks).

 

[Mr. Nacho]

Looks Sweet..... What rear blocks did you use? 2". The 275/16r look real nice, do they rub or did you do a little trimming?

Some current modes for me have been Stereo,Speakers and "Fatmat" sound deadener so the doors don't sound like tin cans when you shut them, keeps road noise out and improves the speaker sound big time. I also added a Magnaflow exhaust, K&N Air Filter and BullyDog engine tuner to the mix, sounds real nice and I got it opened up to breathe for towing..... Rear door ladder also helped for loading the roof racks. I'm hoping to get to the tires/wheels before winter just using up the old rubber now.... I'm happy to report I averaged 18.2 MPG with 8 people and 3 Mtn. bikes on the rear hitch rack comeing back from Canada on the last road trip, That was at 65MPH I notice it starts dropping quick at 75MPH...

Oh Yea, I put on some side molding to prevent door dings, I seem to be getting lots around our busy Kite spot....

 

[Mr. Nacho]

Looks Good!

 

[hitekhobo]

What is the largest sized tire that you have put on a non-lifted Savana/Express without causing issues?

 

[aksavanaman]

Without my lift I was running 235/85R16's (about 31.7") no problem. I actually still have those same tires on currently...but contemplating on going to 285/75's... not a whole lot of options if I'm staying with the 17" rim

 

[Mr. Nacho]

265/75R 16 are the largest I've seen on a non-lifted Savana/Express van, they are a tight fit but work without rubbing. The extra lift just helps with low undercarriage clearance that can be a problem with any light duty off road driving. I'm pretty sure the 285'S won't fit, that's a 33" tire....

You can verify this at your local tire store, I'm sure they will test fit anything you want.....

 

[Mr. Nacho]

Tire Size Calulator

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4LoCalc.shtml

 

[Mr. Nacho]

Almost complete


Well I pulled the trigger on some Eagle Alloy 140 series with a set of 265/75R-16 Wild Country XTX Sport from Les Schwab. I also added some trim molding to help with door dings....

 

[pgchustla]

On another note, I am debating towing a subaru from Denver to Maryland with my AWD 2004 Chevy. I would rent a uhaul trailer. I am under the posted towing limits but paranoid. Bad idea?:beer:

 

[zuren]

On another note, I am debating towing a subaru from Denver to Maryland with my AWD 2004 Chevy. I would rent a uhaul trailer. I am under the posted towing limits but paranoid. Bad idea?:beer:

Pretty sure the van is rated for 6400 lbs. towing capacity. Based on the numbers I found below, you are about 800 lbs. under the rating. Provided you have a tow package (transmission cooling), appropriately rated hitch (probably a Class IV at minimum) and everything is in top shape (brakes, tires, fluids, etc.), I would do it. Make sure the surge brake on the trailer works well. You don't have any mountainous terrain to speak of until you get to the Appalachian region. I would just take it slow and make lots of stops to make sure bearings and tires aren't overheating. It also helps keep your mind sharp. Things can get ugly in a hurry when pulling a heavy trailer.

U-Haul flatbed auto carrier - 2210 lbs.
2013 Subaru Outback (not sure which model you have so I picked one) - 3386 lbs. (curb)
Total - 5596 lbs.

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

On another note, I am debating towing a subaru from Denver to Maryland with my AWD 2004 Chevy. I would rent a uhaul trailer. I am under the posted towing limits but paranoid. Bad idea?:beer:

Flat tow it if you can...

There has been a change to the policy regarding towing of Subaru vehicles behind motorhomes. The following applies to 1990 through present model year Legacy (Including Outback), 1993 through present year Impreza (incl. Outback Sport), and 1992 through present year SVX. (Note: should also include 1998 through present year Forester. Joe)

The factory hitch is 1.25" a 2" hitch can be installed aftermarket

Manual Transmission:
All Wheel Drive vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground or with all four wheels off the ground on a trailer but towing an AWD vehicle must never be attempted with only two wheels on the ground or two wheels on a dolly.

STI, to tow: DCCD must be in manual mode, with the DCCD control dial set to the furthest rearward position (rolled toward rear seat).

Front Wheel Drive vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground in neutral or with the two front wheels off the ground.

Automatic Transmission

November 2009. Automatic transmission and CVT vehicles can be towed with all wheels on the ground in an emergency for very short distance (under 31 miles) and at very slow speed (under 20mph).

AWD automatic 4 and 5 speed vehicles should not be towed with any wheels on the ground. The vehicle can only be towed on a trailer with all 4 wheels off the ground and the transmission in park

 

[pgchustla]

Thanks for the insight. I ended up getting several quotes to have it moved - - lame. I can do it for about $750. I'm thinking it's worth it as the trailer rental is around $300.

 

[r_w]

Much better than towing up to denver, or west over the divide--but it isn't fun and your mileage will SUCK. If you can ship it for 750, that is probably less than the trailer and gas (not to mention wear and tear) and an extra day on the road.

 

[kntr]

I was the one that started this thread. I haven't done a lot to mine... wheels, slightly bigger tires, stickers, killer system with 2 TV screens, and a bike rack inside that holds five bikes. I was going to lift it, but it wont fit in the parking garage if I do. I don't do a lot of offroading with it.

We have a blow up Queen mattress that goes over the rack when we sleep inside.

Camp. Bike rack folds back so you can get in and out of the back.

 

[skier222]

fyi you can lift that bad boy awd of yours! Boulder Offroad out of CO offers a 3" and a 6" check it out:

http://boulderoffroadvans.com/new_chevy__gmc_awd_lift_kits_suspension_systems_and_accessories