Inspired Adventurist
Member
Where do I look for the RPO codes? Are those the random array of numbers and letters on the door?
Purchasing 2003 Chevy Express AWD - What repairs/maintenance/upgrades should I plan for?
- Thread starter Inspired Adventurist
- Start date
Choff
Adventurer
Correct, on the door post, look them up on line.
took mine off and put it away for safe keeping.
found out ours has LOCKING REAREND
this is why my 2009 silverado is a 4.8l and a manual shift transfer case. also the 5.3l express gets a bit better MPG than the awd 4.3l astro van it replaced
ThundahBeagle
Well-known member
My next truck may be a GMt 800 or 900 platform
ThundahBeagle
Well-known member
GM's Eaton auto locking rear end RPO code is G80
Inspired Adventurist
Member
It's been great hearing the support folks have for these vans. I built up an '03 Sprinter last year, but that has been a nightmare for repairs. I still like it, but it's kind of my version of a Vanagon. Lots of panache, great gas mileage, simple machine, but breaks down often, and if I can't fix it myself, expensive and time consuming.
I need a vehicle that's solid, stable, and when it breaks, I can take it almost anywhere for a quick fix.
Inspired Adventurist
Member
I ordered a pre-purchase inspection last week, and should get the report today. I haven't been able to get a full run down on the door jam codes to see if this is one with the G80. I'd be super stoked if so, but won't derail the purchase if not.
Inspired Adventurist
Member
I looked at a manual Silverado. I thought about going to a truck and slide-in camper. I'm on the east coast, and cities are an inevitable and significant part of driving around. A slide-in is too much for being in the city, and limits ability to stash gear (skis, bikes, etc) inside out of sight, and limits me to 5 seats. With the van, I'll have 8 seats.
vintageracer
To Infinity and Beyond!
I suggest you consider a 2WD van which opens up far more vans for sale to consider, much better pricing (Cheaper) and the ability to get much better lift options and ground clearance with a 2WD van that is possible with any GM AWD van.
Install a Selectable Locker (Not a G80 Limited Slip) such as an ARB Air Locker or an Eaton Electric Locker in the rear-end of a 2WD van That selectable locker will allow your 2WD with a Selectable Locking Rear-End to go 80+% of same places Off-Road a 4WD van will go and MORE PLACES OFF-ROAD than any GM AWD van will go given the limited lift options and therefore limited ground clearance on a GM AWD van platform due to the AWD front suspension design limitations.
Install a Selectable Locker (Not a G80 Limited Slip) such as an ARB Air Locker or an Eaton Electric Locker in the rear-end of a 2WD van That selectable locker will allow your 2WD with a Selectable Locking Rear-End to go 80+% of same places Off-Road a 4WD van will go and MORE PLACES OFF-ROAD than any GM AWD van will go given the limited lift options and therefore limited ground clearance on a GM AWD van platform due to the AWD front suspension design limitations.
Inspired Adventurist
Member
I thought about going this route. The difference in availability it huge, the difference in price is much smaller. I've also focused on the smaller 1500 size van, and the altogether package is attractive without having to start significant mechanical upgrades. I'm not super mechanically inclined, or a big into mods, and going 2wd and installing a locker starts a slippery slope. At least for me, it seems easier, if perhaps less capable at the end of the day, to go AWD right from the beginning. If I want to get more rad (or qualify to put truck nuts on the hitch) at some point, I'll sell it, and purchase something new down the road.
Now all that said, I just found an e350 Quigley 4x4 with a few more miles, same seating arrangement, and only about $4k more. Oooph! That would be one hell of a rig. It's at the upper end of my price range (I don't finance), but might be worth it.
I'm guessing you'd 100% suggest going the Quigley route? How would the stronger Chevy Express AWD folks vote on the subject?
vintageracer
To Infinity and Beyond!
I currently own a 1 ton 3500 4WD Quigley Chevy Express Van and I am still suggesting to you the 2WD van option with an easily installed rear locker might be better option for you and most folks currently looking at purchasing an expensive 4WD converted van or an AWD GM van.
How does "Installing a Locker starts a slippery slope"?
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Inspired Adventurist
Member
Slippery slope...Tongue in cheek. I say that, as I have targeted a new set of tires (Falken Wildpeak/BFG KO2-esque) in a slightly larger size 31/32" ($1000 for 5 tires), a 2-2.5" torsion key and block lift (~$500), locker + installation ($2500). Maybe I'm in the dark on the true cost of a locker + install. With the AWD, it's got a basically capable setup already. THe Quigley already has a lift, lockers, and upgraded tires. The Chevy Express AWD I'm looking at already has solid tires (80% life remaining BFG KO2), so the only "need" would be the slight lift (most inexpensive and easy of the possible options).
If I found a basic van 2wd passenger, it would need to be $3500 less than the AWD, and I'd lose a chunk of time with getting the drivetrain stuff complete. I don't know. I'll admit my ignorance in this world, and so default to the most simple direct path I can wrap my head around.
Chiming in as a current chevy awd van owner. Mine had rust issues that has come back. Apparently I didnt do a good enough job getting rid of it. I stripped the paint, used a chemical rust stripper and grinded out the bad rust spots. Painted over with rustoleum. It came back. Not much I can do about it now except wait and see. Im not going through that process again. Other than that, no issues just regular maintenance. Van has been a beast through the snow and all over baja.
Am curious though as to how a front wheel drive van with a rear locker would be a better alternative. I myself went with the AWD b/c it was an easy solution for getting through snow, mud, sand etc... I am not mechanically inclined, at all, but if a van is fwd and those wheels are spinning out in something how would a rear locker help?
Am curious though as to how a front wheel drive van with a rear locker would be a better alternative. I myself went with the AWD b/c it was an easy solution for getting through snow, mud, sand etc... I am not mechanically inclined, at all, but if a van is fwd and those wheels are spinning out in something how would a rear locker help?
Inspired Adventurist
Member
Yeah. The rust is really difficult to beat back. Based on folks I know up here in New England, they shy away from painting over the rust, and instead treat the rust with a lanolin or petroleum based rust inhibitor. It does have to be treated every year, some even do it twice a year, but it seems to work really well at stopping rust from progressing, plus the spray nozzles they use can really get into the nooks and crannies, even inside frame rails. If you're hanging in Baja, the rust remediation may not be as strong out your way, but you could do that job DIY or probably still find a shop to do the work within a hundred mile radius.
I think we're talking about Rear wheel drive (RWD) with a locker. A vehicle with a rear locking differential is very capable. Per Vintageracer's comments, it's a solid option that opens up more vans. I spend a lot of my winter on snowy-ish backroads where I locker isn't quite necessary, but awd is helpful since it's always on and active. Same thing goes for some of the muddy-ish forest roads I frequent for fishing/mtn biking. The best option would be the Ford/Chevy trucks with 4-Auto, and then the full range of 2wd/4Hi/Lo. But alas, it's all compromises, and I feel like AWD, in my use case, minimizes my compromises in the most useable package with the minimal expense.