Chevy Express

[JMyerz]

I've been trying to do as much searching on this van as possible
but very little is out there, I did find this thread:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8158

I've been on a van quest for a few weeks, initially we had our hearts set on a westy but reality kicked in especially since this will be a daily driver of sorts and I have no interest in restoring one at this time.

A Astro van like T.Lows quickly came the next option and still is but I'm having a hard time finding a nice one.

Now a Chevy express AWD 1500 Passenger has dropped into my lap for a deal. 68k miles and more than affordable. I even know its one owner.

From the above thread people mentioned the IFS / AWD reliability and I'm really curious if thats an issue for my plans. Since this is going to double as a DD and the adventure rig my build plans are modest.

I was planning on building a lightweight westy, no sink, stove etc. It has to be good in sand and snow for skiing and surfing and support us for a week or so not a month.

My build would include:

Mild Lift (if any at all)
BFG AT
Pop top
Rear seat / bed combo
Fridge
Racks
Storage system in rear for packable stove, cameras (I'm a commercial photographer) and misc supplies.
Awning


So for my uses I'd love to hear the opinions of the Express. To be honest the MPG kinda scares me as I've never driven anything under 20mpg sans my Rover I had a long time ago. But I have a home office and we plan to use the 4cyl car we have when in town errands call, I also use my bike as much as I can as it is.

Thanks!

Justin

 

[Herbie]

As I'm currently trying to stone-cold-copy T.Low's Astro van, I too had some concerns about the IFS AWD setup.

However, for a "light duty" rig like you and I plan, it seems like it will be adequate. I prefer the IFS for the daily road driving (stick front axle isn't comfy for DD duty), and for all the flak it takes, its a very compact arrangement that keeps most of the delicate bits out of the way. Tom has done and gone way rougher with his "weak" IFS setup than a lot of Jeeps see here in SoCal, so it can't be all THAT bad.

For the Astro at least (and probably the Express if the IFS is similar), it seems ball joints are a high-wear item if you lift the suspension by cranking the torsion bars. I plan to replace on a short interval and keep spares when wheeling.

If you have any plans about building out the interior, the extra room in an Express will probably be welcome. I'm sticking to the Astro, but as I plan my interior build, I'm finding space to be VERY tight. The shorter wheelbase means that provisions for a "Westy" style bed system leaves little extra room in the fore-end. The shorter roofline means that I can't raise the bed platform very much without negatively impacting headroom (wife wants to be able to sit up in bed without "ducking"). A low bed platform means that the bed extension in the cargo area has to be similarly low, which creates problems finding space for taller items like a fridge... etc. etc. etc.
For a strictly "weekender" style build, the Astro is plenty big enough, but it won't be competing directly against fullsize sportsmobiles the way a bigger van could.

 

[JMyerz]

Thanks for the input Herbie.

Like you I can't imagine the IFS being all that weak, especially for my intended uses of sand, snow and maybe a fire road here and there. I won't be rock crawling or doing any heavy lifting.

I really liked the size of the astro, but two problems have arose. One, I seem to be too tall, at 6'2" my head is cramming into the roof and I couldn't seem to find a adjustment on the seat for that. Two, I can't find one with under 120k!

So since this express has fallen into my lap and its AWD I think its game on. Just going to have to learn to drive a larger vehicle around town...

J

 

[thelouv]

Could I jump onto your thread please? Purchased a 2014 Express 3500 2wd and simply want to give it a cosmetic upgrade. I'm allowed cause my trail vehicle is a slightly modded JKU. Pulled a wheel off my 3/4 ton Chevy p-up to try but the 285/75/16 tire was way too plump. My one question here would be: has anyone simply put larger tires without lift and what is that larger allowable size? Thanks in advance!

 

[Herbie]

Wow, a 5-year-old thread resurrection.

Well, the maximum tire size will be "whatever fits". You'll have some room to increase width and/or diameter without a lift, but it probably won't be much. Clearance to the rear of the front wheel openings is usually the sticking point. Sometimes you can go taller but not much wider. Side door a slider or barn door? That makes a difference too, since sliders need to have the door clear the right-rear tire.

For a better idea of what will/won't fit, you'll likely have to go to a more Express/Savanna dedicated site. There's only a handful of Express vans here, and even fewer want big tires on stock 2WD suspension...

 

[Porterdog]

I dig mine!

Hello Justin,

Welcome! I own a 2008 Express AWD and use mine as a DD (when I'm too lazy to ride my bike) and weekender adventure rig. My "build" was not much of a true build like some of the amazing vans on this forum. However, it fits my needs very well in Western MT. I use it for skiing, all kinds of river activities, camping and road trips. I don't have a fridge, but a nice cooler. I too looked at VW vans and other smaller options due to MPG concerns. I eventually decided AWD, more room and a larger engine was worth it for my wants/needs. I average 13-14 around town miles and 17-19 highway. Driving up snowy mountain roads it drops to 10-12. I could not be more happy with my van. As far as I know, Chevy discontinued making the AWD vans, so if you've got a sweet deal and know the van's history, I would jump on it. Happy building!

 

[thelouv]

Wow, a 5-year-old thread resurrection.

Well, the maximum tire size will be "whatever fits". You'll have some room to increase width and/or diameter without a lift, but it probably won't be much. Clearance to the rear of the front wheel openings is usually the sticking point. Sometimes you can go taller but not much wider. Side door a slider or barn door? That makes a difference too, since sliders need to have the door clear the right-rear tire.

For a better idea of what will/won't fit, you'll likely have to go to a more Express/Savanna dedicated site. There's only a handful of Express vans here, and even fewer want big tires on stock 2WD suspension...

Yep, honestly didn't pay attention to date of thread since I had found it thru a search. Good point about the slider door which I have. Consulting with tirerack today on size. Hoping 265/70/16 might be the sweet spot.

 

[ClubWagon]

Let us know what you find out. I would be interested in knowing. I just bought an '06 Express 3500. I'm wanting to get some BFG ATs for it. Just not sure if I want to stay with the stock 245/75 size or to see if anything else would fit. I'm guessing the stock size is probably all I can get on it. The front looks pretty tight as it is and I also have a slider door too. I'm hoping to get by a tire shop maybe next week. I'm not looking to make this one a monster van thats what my E350 is going to be.... eventually....😀