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Chevy Express/GMC Savana

654 messages,  Last post on Jun 24, 2012 at 9:26 PM

You are in the Chevy Express & GMC Savana Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, Chevrolet Express Cargo, Chevrolet Sportvan, Chevrolet Chevy Van, Chevrolet Chevy Van Classic, Van

Messages Page 30 of 66

#285 of 654 Stay with factory originals by xfiles

Dec 06, 2002 (10:07 pm)

Unless the GMC shocks are very expensive, I would stay with them. I have found in the past that aftermarket shocks do not give as a good a ride. I bought shocks before (can't remember off hand the name of them) at Pep Boys and loved the lifetime warranty. Then I got fed up and purchased some from Toyota because I got tired of the rough ride whenever temperatures dropped. Went through 2 sets of Pep Boy shocks and the problem stayed.

Maybe there are nice shocks out there, but I still believe in factory originals. After all they are concerned about ride more then some after market company trying to whip out cheap junk. Also you won't know what you get for a ride until it's installed, and by then it will be too late. I have the 2001 Savana extended 2500 passenger van, and I don't think your going to get a better ride, the ride in my opinion is great.

I don't know what you mean by better control, I got a feeling you had a defective shock from teh beginning. I don't experience any control problems.

#286 of 654 Shocks by akjim

Dec 12, 2002 (7:56 pm)

I think you'll be fine with the Monroe shocks. They probably made the OEM shocks too. In my experience (over 30 years of owning/operating vans..) you'll need new shocks about every 20-30K miles, depending upon the load and road surfaces you operate on. Just plan on it... and if you're going to keep the van longer than one shock wear-out interal... best to buy them only once. Older technology shocks did get pretty stiff due to the fluid getting cold and more viscus. Newer designs are not as temperature sensitive.

#287 of 654 by steve_ HOST

Dec 19, 2002 (9:30 am)

My Edmunds Vans newsletter arrived this morning with this tidbit:
 
Chevy Express Updated for '03
Change comes slowly to the full-size van market, but for 2003 Chevrolet has updated the Express van with a new look, better access and better powertrains. For the first time, the Express comes with a 60/40 left-hand-side hinged door -- a big concession to the minivan crowd that allows pass-through access to the middle row of seats. The front end has been restyled and reinforced for better crash protection, and a new range of Vortec V8 engines bumps horsepower on most models; a 4.3-liter V-6 is the base motor. All-wheel drive remains an option.
 
Steve, Host

#288 of 654 just a question about your experiences with the Express by luvmyvan

Jan 14, 2003 (9:06 am)

I have a chance to purchase 1 0f 2 2001 leftover conversions at a really good deal. 29,000? The only problem with going through this is that I already have an Astro which I'm trading in. The problem with that is it really stinks in the snow. I'm wondering how the Express is in the snow I live in New England where this year has been terrible but I really like my van other than sometimes I feel a little timid about driving it in the snow.The dealer says it goes great(but anything to sell a car) My children play travel hockey and I just don't want to get stuck. Any help or experiences you can give me would be great.

#289 of 654 Why are Turbo Diesel Injected engines not offered by GMC or any other make by kenavo

Jan 16, 2003 (1:27 pm)

I like my Savana van; I would like it more if it were a TDI engine (Turbo Diesel Injected). I drove 3 different passenger cars last March year in France. They were all quiet, fast and very powerful - and they got tremendeous milage. They don't smell.
 
Open your eyes out there!
 
The GMC Duramax engine offered in the 4X4 sucks: it is loud (it sounds like a rock crusher).
 
The preconceived notions of EVERYONE that I talk to about this subject boggle the mind. The auto industry here is behind the eight ball-as usual. Every SUV on the road here should have a diesel TDI option.

#290 of 654 Express in snow by wsc9tt

Jan 22, 2003 (11:12 am)

I just bought an Extended Express 3500 so that
is bigger than the conversion you are considering, but I have to say that the snow traction is horrible. I got stuck in the middle of a snow covered road on a mild incline. The rear just spins and can't get traction. Extra weight helps, so now I have an extra 400 pounds of softener salt store behind the back seat and that helps.
 
I suspect a limited slip differential would help alot. I have considered adding one, it seems you can do it aftermarket for ~$400-500.

#291 of 654 That was your problem by xfiles

Jan 24, 2003 (6:59 pm)

No limited slip differential. I haven't had my 2500 Savana extended passenger van (with limited slip) in heavy deep snow, but it handled itself well on snowy roads. Two wheel drive gives twice the traction over one wheel drive.It's a lot of weight to push (3 tons) with only one wheel in snow or sand to do the work, traction has to give way.

#292 of 654 Limited Slip by jgmilberg

Feb 04, 2003 (1:18 am)

The term you are looking for is a locking differential. You have a limited slip differential if only one tire spins. Locking differential spins both tires so if one slips the power don't go all to that side, the path of least resistance.
 
If you are running the factory tires that is another slip factor. What tires came on the van Tombstone Steeltex? I had those on my 2500 4WD Yukon XL, they really performed poorly even in 4 WD they slid all over the place.

#293 of 654 Jgmilberg by xfiles

Feb 04, 2003 (11:30 pm)

Your right, locking differential is the correct term (confirmed it at the GM site). It makes a BIG difference in snow. The term limited slip was used in the article previous to mine, guess I got confused.

#294 of 654 by mrnimmo

Feb 05, 2003 (4:05 pm)

EDITED
 
Open differential is the standard diff. If one rear tire loses traction, you're not going anywhere.
 
Limited slip an option on most trucks and vans. Limited slip will send SOME torque--like 1/4 to 1/3-- to the other tire when one tire slips. For some reason, GM calls its limited slip a "locking differential." It is not, but it sounds better I suppose. Your factory limited slip will wear out within 30-40,000 miles or so and will need to be rebuild (clutch packs). Also, make sure that any grease put in your rear axle has the limited slip additive.
 
Locked diffs are not available from the factory anymore (but they used to be available on serious 4wds-- landcruiser etc). They are available for most fullsize vans and trucks, from aftermarket sources, but make some noise when engaging and disengaging. The normal state of affairs is that both tires are spinning with equal torque while the vehicle is driving straight ahead. If the vehicle makes then the differential must unlock, making the noise I mentioned. Most modern ones aren't very noticeable.
 
Differential info is here: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

Messages Page 30 of 66

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