How's the Chevy Express AWD Van and it's capabilities?

[lazybummm]

I have only recently started looking and have limited funds on building up a vehicle, so I am looking to piecemeal something together myself.

The Chevy Express vans with AWD caught my and I haven't been able to find many people go into some detail on what this AWD unit is capable. I don't excpect to do any rockcrawling or serious trails, but I would like to go on pretty moderate trails with the van.

I would like to get a newer E350 with a 4x4 conversion, but for similar model years a express van for AWD is just much cheaper.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JMyerz]

Lazy,

That was my criteria as well, and honestly I've gone places with a stock AWD that in hindsight I shouldn't have gone but came out without a scratch. Mine does have the rear factory "locker" installed FWIW.

There isn't as much support as there is for the fords but there are people doing some cool things with them.

Best,

J

 

[smbisig]

This guy on my Dad's forum may have some answers for you. I have seen is van in person, its pretty sweet.

http://www.pnwadventures.com/forum/adventure-vehicles/12369-pop-top-installed-my-van.html

 

[Accrete]

I got turned on to the express 1500 AWD vans from a friend who suggested it as a rig for our use as they were 1500 AWD truck owners and liked the capabilities. I realize there are probably some differences between the chevy 1500 truck and van drive-lines (i'm still doing research) though i've found nothing definitive. Our 2010 has the locking rear dif and replaced the bogus stock tires with wild country XTX traction tires...i've had it on our beach trails in packed and not-so-packed sand and had no problems even at street-tire-pressures. We will use the rig on easy fire and forestry roads, no rock crawling.

Best wishes on your hunt for a rig