I have Bilstein in front and Gabriel Max Control #77638 on the rear, I like the ride of the Max Control better than the Bilstein for the rear, they seem to be a little better valved for the vans, less “jolt” a nicer ride overall. I can’t speak to the longevity yet, as I only have 1000 miles on them so far. The Max Control is a mono tube shock just like the Bilstein, big plus is, if you shop around you can probably find them for under $50. Steve
GM fullsize AWD Van Info thread
- Thread starter boardrider247
- Start date
aaronhjelt
New member
Hello, can anyone offer advice on mounting position of the ball joint on the Cognito UCA (top vs. bottom)? For reference, I have:
Suburban 6-leaf springs on the rear
Bilstein 24-186643 on the front
Bilstein 24-185615 on the rear
Maxx SMX-MC2 (probably at A4 but maybe at B3?)
Cognito 110-90289
I remember seeing one post with this but cannot find it for the life of me. Normal driving conditions include a lot of weight in the back with kids and gear. Occasional trailer towing. Thanks!
Suburban 6-leaf springs on the rear
Bilstein 24-186643 on the front
Bilstein 24-185615 on the rear
Maxx SMX-MC2 (probably at A4 but maybe at B3?)
Cognito 110-90289
I remember seeing one post with this but cannot find it for the life of me. Normal driving conditions include a lot of weight in the back with kids and gear. Occasional trailer towing. Thanks!
aaronhjelt
New member
I did get an update for Cognito customer service - they said to mount on the bottom for my situation. But if anyone has input I'd appreciate it.
I have been having some issues with intermittent Stabilitrak issues. I have had the BCM replaced along with pretty much all the wire ends to the engine Fuse box connector X3. Its been super frustrating as all seems fine then it goes crazy then is fine again. Thought I had it sorted with the wires that were corroded off...but the demon is back 2 weeks later.
Bluenosepickers
New member
Bluenosepickers
New member
I have a 2014 Express van all wheel drive 20,000 miles I bought Billstien 5100 series shocks and I set of lift keys.
Install the lift keys and the ID was a little bit sloppy compared to the factory ones 1.75 compared to 1.77 when I cranked the keys up to the same position as the old ones were in approximately six threads showing and set it back down the ground. I was still at the same height. I called the people from whom I bought the keys from and he told me that 2014 express van had torsion bars that where not tempered right and wouldn’t allow me to lift the van with their keys. It rode terrible. I put the stock keys back in. It’s still rode bad and I had to take the Billstien shocks off the front and put the stock shocks back on no it.
My van probably came new with the green keys. Can I order up factory keys of another colour and get the 2 inch lift I desire.?
Install the lift keys and the ID was a little bit sloppy compared to the factory ones 1.75 compared to 1.77 when I cranked the keys up to the same position as the old ones were in approximately six threads showing and set it back down the ground. I was still at the same height. I called the people from whom I bought the keys from and he told me that 2014 express van had torsion bars that where not tempered right and wouldn’t allow me to lift the van with their keys. It rode terrible. I put the stock keys back in. It’s still rode bad and I had to take the Billstien shocks off the front and put the stock shocks back on no it.
My van probably came new with the green keys. Can I order up factory keys of another colour and get the 2 inch lift I desire.?
Bluenosepickers
New member
I have 275 60 18 which are approximately 30” and I am 34” from the ground to the fender lip.
Pabloaguas
New member
Hi, I am shopping for another AWD GM van after mine was rear ended. See my post here if you are interested in buying a fixer upper in great shape: Link
My current van has a G80 locker and I am hoping that I can find a replacement with the same locker.
I noticed that the van without a locker have a different gear ratio than the vans with the G80. Am I reading the specs correctly?
My current van has a G80 locker and I am hoping that I can find a replacement with the same locker.
I noticed that the van without a locker have a different gear ratio than the vans with the G80. Am I reading the specs correctly?
Scotty D
Active member
Not sure if thats true
My van has very high gearing and also the G80 and I am sure that cant be normal if there is only one gearing for them
I have an almost new set of the popular Fox # 985-02-009 0-1" Front Performance Series 2.0 Smooth Body IFP Shocks. Carefully installed and removed after a short test drive. Look brand new but cannot return. I prefer the Bilsteins 5100s. If anybody would like to try/buy these for half the price of new cost send me a PM. If this is in the wrong posting area please let me know where to post it.
Last edited:
ferdaphoto
New member
Has anyone replaced an engine on one of these vans and have an approximate cost? found a AWD one locally with 225k miles and know a new engine will be in my future and just curious what to expect