Thinking about Chevy Express AWD

[Guoseph]

Hi Everyone,

I've been looking at full size vans for multi-use (cargo, passenger, travel) and have recently gotten acquainted with the Chevy Express AWD. I've lurked on Expedition Portal for info on other 4x4 build info but didn't realize there's a wealth of info on camper vans as well. I've read quite a few of the build threads here and they are quite impressive, unfortunately I'll need to retain the seating and full cargo capacity of the van so I won't be able to do a full conversion as some of you have. I think I have a good handle on the vans from reading but wanted to ask a few things here if possible:

1.) Can the rear bench seats fold down? If not, are there folding seats available that attach to the van's oem seat tracks? I need to keep the seating capacity so I'm thinking that if I can get fold flat seats they can be part of an occasional use bed platform.

2.) What is the cost of a professionally installed high top? Is it more costly/harder if I start with a passenger van (headliner/ac installed).

3.) I'd like to run the heating/ac with an external generator (or plug in to RV campgrounds) when parked. Is there a conversion kit available to for the electrical system? Or do people opt for a rooftop unit for this purpose?

4.) I see a lot more cargo vans vs passenger vans but if you do have a passenger van w/ windows, is there a ready made set of window shades available for the Express?

5.) What's your experience with the longevity/robustness of the AWD system? It's a great option but also one more thing that could go wrong vs a regular RWD.

6.) How do I identify a van that has the factory rear locker? Is there a switch? How much benefit is it to try to find one with the locker for typical FS road/Snowy conditions type of driving (ie not planning to take this on the Rubicon).

Thanks very much for your help!

Alex

 

[45Kevin]

I'm new to the express van myself, only owning one for a little over a month now. Here is a bit of help. I'm by no means an expert... yet.

1. I've read on here of others buying after market fold down rear seats that have seat belts. I'm not sure if they used the slick factory attachment mechanism.

2. No clue, but a WAG would be $3000.

3. The factory heat and AC run of the engine, so no to an alternate power source to run them. I will use a house battery to run my alternate heat and maybe AC units. I may also design the system to run on shore power.

4. I have a passenger van. I have not seen any readily available curtains or shades on the market and am currently looking into it.

5. Everything I've read leads me to believe that with proper maintanence they will stand up well. There are lots of guys on this forum driving early 2000's vans that are still running well at over 200K miles. My 2007 has about 114K miles and fully expect to get another 100K out of it before I'm too old to use it anymore.

6. There is no factory locker available on these. But some, like mine came with a factory read limited slip diff. You can tell if a truck has it by the G80 code on the options sticker on the truck. I had a suburban with the G80 rear end for the last 10 years and it works well.

 

[Guoseph]

Thanks for your answers, a few follow ups:

3. What is Shore Power?

4. I found these http://www.conversionvan.com/body-kits?page=shop.browse&category_id=81 but no idea how well they fit and how well they work. No idea how/if the bottoms are secured once you pull it down, would had to have them flap around while I am driving.

6. Got it, so when I read "locker" people must have meant the LSD as I also saw the G80 mentioned.

 

[boardrider247]

Regarding the high top. Through exchanging some pm's with others over the years I think the price to have one installed is closer to 6k. And depending on the year of van it may not be possible with a passenger van due to the side curtain airbags.

 

[45Kevin]

Shore power is a sailors term for an external 120V power source when the boat is docked.

RVers call it "hook ups" or serviced lots maybe. Good god, people aren't going to consider me an RVer now are they? I thought I was a Vanner.

 

[Desert Dan]

There is low range in the transfer case. FYI

 

[Guoseph]

Although I would like to have a high top, it's not essential and does keep the van more stock for potential resale later. Thanks for the info about curtain airbags.

 

[Guoseph]

Shore power is a sailors term for an external 120V power source when the boat is docked.

RVers call it "hook ups" or serviced lots maybe. Good god, people aren't going to consider me an RVer now are they? I thought I was a Vanner.

I was thinking of converting to use 120V as well as the main solution, I'd rather not cut the roof if possible. Do you know what that might entail?

I think you are safe from the RV'er title until you gotta drain poop out the bottom of your vehicle

 

[Guoseph]

There is low range in the transfer case. FYI

You mean the stock Express t-case? Is it selectable or automatic?

 

[45Kevin]

The stock AWD Express TC is AWD, all day long. High range only. It is not selectable 4x4.

There is a thread in this form by a guy that did a TC swap that gives a selectable 4x4, 2x4 and a hi-lo range. It was an easy swap and only required the front drive shaft to be shortened or lengthend by an inch or two. He reported no change in mileage.

 

[Guoseph]

Well, brought one home with me today. 2006 Express 1500 AWD, 63,000 miles. No G80 code on the passenger door and no cruise control, but I think minor issues. Mismatched tires though, so I gotta debate whether I wanna swap them out or not. Need to find the thread where someone got silverado wheels for the van, those looked nice.