Savana/ Express Van Builds
- Thread starter hitekhobo
- Start date
OK It's been almost two years and no replies. I'll start.
I don't have a build thread but here's a picture of it.
The following are not mine but are cool builds by others.
Build Treads
2WD
dar395's Overland Van - 1998 Savana 2500
Advantr's Adventure Van - 2005 Savana 2500
hitek79 - 2011 Express 1500 Passenger
AWD
86cj - 2013 Savana 1500 AWD
Accrete's Light Overland Vehicle - 2010 Express 1500 AWD
aksavanaman's Big Red - 2007 Savana 1500 AWD Passenger
BoardRider's Great White Fun Hog - 2010 Savana 1500 AWD
Desert8rat - 2008 Express 1500 AWD Cargo
Gnarvan - 2010 AWD Express
iridewhellies - 2014 Express AWD cargo van PNW 4 season camper
kntr - 2006 Express 1500 AWD (this has become a much larger thread)
LYlqoY2Fo - 2008 Chevy Express AWD Project
mutumbo - 2011 Express 1500 AWD
NYCO - 2005 Savana 1500 AWD Pro
- 2004 GMC Savana AWD from conversion to camper
Zuren's The White Buffalo - 2005 Express 1500 AWD
4WD
Clydesdale - Express 3500 4x4 Conversion
Johny5's Stealth Camper Van - 2003 Savana 2500 4x4
sgosine's VanGo - 2010 Express 1500 4x4
Zuren's The White Buffalo - 2005 Express 1500 AWD
Write Ups
Tahoevan's DIY Poptop on an Express/Savana
Zuren's AWD to 4x4 conversion
Zuren's 1" body lift
Other Stuff
AWD in the sand
The end
I don't have a build thread but here's a picture of it.
The following are not mine but are cool builds by others.
Build Treads
2WD
dar395's Overland Van - 1998 Savana 2500
Advantr's Adventure Van - 2005 Savana 2500
hitek79 - 2011 Express 1500 Passenger
AWD
86cj - 2013 Savana 1500 AWD
Accrete's Light Overland Vehicle - 2010 Express 1500 AWD
aksavanaman's Big Red - 2007 Savana 1500 AWD Passenger
BoardRider's Great White Fun Hog - 2010 Savana 1500 AWD
Desert8rat - 2008 Express 1500 AWD Cargo
Gnarvan - 2010 AWD Express
iridewhellies - 2014 Express AWD cargo van PNW 4 season camper
kntr - 2006 Express 1500 AWD (this has become a much larger thread)
LYlqoY2Fo - 2008 Chevy Express AWD Project
mutumbo - 2011 Express 1500 AWD
NYCO - 2005 Savana 1500 AWD Pro
- 2004 GMC Savana AWD from conversion to camper
Zuren's The White Buffalo - 2005 Express 1500 AWD
4WD
Clydesdale - Express 3500 4x4 Conversion
Johny5's Stealth Camper Van - 2003 Savana 2500 4x4
sgosine's VanGo - 2010 Express 1500 4x4
Zuren's The White Buffalo - 2005 Express 1500 AWD
Write Ups
Tahoevan's DIY Poptop on an Express/Savana
Zuren's AWD to 4x4 conversion
Zuren's 1" body lift
Other Stuff
AWD in the sand
The end
Last edited:
Herbie
Rendezvous Conspirator
I wanna play too!
Not quite a fullsize, but we share a lot of parts/architecture, so I wanna play too!
Herbie's Astrolander Build
Not quite a fullsize, but we share a lot of parts/architecture, so I wanna play too!
Herbie's Astrolander Build
2004 GMC Savana AWD from conversion to camper
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ana-AWD-De-Conversion-(Dodge-Ram-replacement)
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ana-AWD-De-Conversion-(Dodge-Ram-replacement)
LYlqoY2Fo
Builder
I'm just starting on my build...a 2008 Chevy Express 1500 AWD Passenger....currently named N.A.R.V. Working on interior now. Lift is next.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/132224-N-A-R-V-2008-Chevy-Express-AWD-Project
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/132224-N-A-R-V-2008-Chevy-Express-AWD-Project
agelessGIANT
Observer
Question for owners with lifts installed... Do you think you can fit 255/85r16s? I know they are 33" but they are narrow so maybe there would be less if any rubbing. I have read the 285/65r16s rub. Any input would be appreciated.
agelessGIANT
Observer
I hope everyone is out enjoying their vans.....
:REOutCampFire03:
:REOutCampFire03:
I just installed the Rough Country lift in my 2009 Savana AWD van. I used everything in the kit but the rear shocks. I ended up using NAPA gas shocks off a 2500 van. The part number is NS 76763, and bolted right in. They are a couple of inches longer than the 1500 rear shocks. I have 285/70R17 Coopers on factory GMC alloy wheels and they fit great. I trimmed the rear edge of the front fender opening on the wheel well side, but I probably didn't need to. The cut isn't visible unless you look in the wheel well. They rub a little at full lock on the frame side. I think 295's would fit. The biggest thing is wheel offset.
Hello Hobbs67, I'd like to see some Pics of your van? I'm starting a new build next month with a 2010 GMC AWD Savana and would like to go with a larger tire than the 265/75R-16 with the 2.5" Maxx torsion Key lift I currently have. I agree offset is the deciding factor and I have long contemplated trimming that front fender piece you speak of. My van is also coming with a slider door so aftermarket wheel offset will have to be spot on
I'd like to use Cooper A/T3's with Fuel D524 Dunes or Fuel Boost D534, the boost offer more offset options so are most likely candidate.. Mr.Nacho
I'd like to use Cooper A/T3's with Fuel D524 Dunes or Fuel Boost D534, the boost offer more offset options so are most likely candidate.. Mr.Nachodavid.lemke
Adventurer
ok I think mine is far enough along to be considered a build thread
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/146834-the-quot-TONKA-quot-express-budget-van-build
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/146834-the-quot-TONKA-quot-express-budget-van-build
How's it going?
fog cutter
Adventurer
got it in july. got three layers of 3 oz. primaloft in the walls and two 4 oz. in the ceiling, formica wall & ceiling panels fabricated and fitted in august. working on the cabinets now. send $$$ !
Michael Crouch
New member
Curious for those with AWD - what kind of roads are you capable of getting on? I'm lurking around for a van and the Express is looking good, but I end up in Mexico and other spots that I'd be worried about without 4L.
I've been hitting up forest roads all over CO and mine does pretty well with a small lift but you need to adjust your technique (momentum is your friend). Doesn't hurt to have a high risk tolerance for damage either. Where the lack of low really hurts you is when you need to use reverse so planning is key.