Chevy Express/GMC Savana

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

You are in the Chevy Express & GMC Savana Forum.

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

#311 of 654 Tranny by rsmmac

Mar 18, 2003 (6:31 pm)

Just crossed 50,000 mile mark with my 2001 GMC 3500 extended. Transmission feels like it did when new. So does the rest of the van - no rattles.

My prior 1997 GMC 1500 was starting to chew through its second tranny at the 50,000 mark, and as I posted previously, I was on my third transmission when I sold it.

On another subject: is it just me or does anyone else think the 2003 Savana front end is ugly?

#312 of 654 Front end of new chevy van by xfiles

Mar 18, 2003 (7:53 pm)

It's not just you, I think it is ugly too, and so is the new dashboard. Styling took a step backwards. I'll wait for the next generation, hopefully this time when they introduce a new generation vehicle it will have a new body like it should have. I so far like my 2001 extended 2500 series passenger van and it's nicer dash and front end.

#313 of 654 Coming Tranny troubles by gonetomaui99

Mar 27, 2003 (8:56 pm)

99 1500 has 65,000 on it and I am starting to see some of the tranny warning signs I have read here. Run on the highway for a few hours, then switch to stop and go and I get rough shifts for maybe 5 minutes after which it goes back to normal. As this is just starting and doesn't happen all the time, what should I do to prolong the life of the tranny? Does anyone know what is going on with the tranny? Acts like it is overheated or something, then goes normal when it settles down.

#314 of 654 INACTIVE VEHICLE by ssack

Apr 08, 2003 (5:22 pm)

LAST MARCH I GOT A GREAT DEAL ON A 2001 GMC SAVANA CONVERSION VAN. AS OF THIS MONTH I HAVE TRAVELLED ONLY 9000 MILES. IT IS ABOUT 50/50 HWY/CITY MILES. DOES THIS TYPE OF INACTIVITY CAUSE ANY PROBLEMS OR SHOULD I TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS. IT RUNS GREAT AND WE LOVE IT, WE JUST DON'T NEED TO DRIVE IT THAT OFTEN.

#315 of 654 shouldn't be a problem by steve_ HOST

Apr 08, 2003 (11:31 pm)

At least I hope not - I just bought a 7 year old car with 34,000 miles on it.

I'd pay a bit more attention to the recommended fluid change interval based on time rather than mileage.

Oh, and please lose the all caps - too hard to read. Thanks!

Steve, Host

#316 of 654 rear end noise.(373 lim-slip) by richito

Apr 10, 2003 (8:41 pm)

I own a 2001 GMC-Savanna 1500,350-auto with limited slip 373differential.the actual mileage in my van is 18980. At around 3000miles in the odometer it started making a noise from the rear end. GM has done nothing to repair or take the noise away,and provided me whith an extended warranty to 100,000 miles on this part.

the problems is that it makes a deep whinning noise that starts at aroud 30mph and increases till it peaks at 47 to 50mph. dealer claims it is whithin normal limits, but you can not hear the radio if the speed is kept constant at this 45/50 area.After 53 it lowers it intensity till about 70 when it starts again.
It is an annoying type of noise. I do not believe that this is part of the ride of the veh.
. when my mother rides in our van she has to take her hearing aids off not to go crazy with this deep whinning noise..
three certified techs have told me that GM should repair the rear end.till now no avail.My car is only 18 mths old and have I have had to endure this already for too long.
If anyone has had knowledge of this problem in other vans, please let me know of possible solutions and who to contact to solve to this problem

#317 of 654 Going to order soon by jpcanavera

Apr 23, 2003 (3:35 pm)

I'm planning to order a 2500 passenger Savana or Express soon. I'm replacing a 99 passenger Express which I use to tow a travel trailer. Unfortunately the 5.7L 3.73 rear end does not give me the capacity for towing a heavier trailer.

The van will be 8 passenger with the Vortec 6000 and 4.10 rear axle. According to specs this baby will pull up to 9,900 lbs....so I'll have at 1200 of unused capacity if I buy an 8700 lb trailer.

First impressions on a test drive with a Savanah 2500 passenger standard lenght with 3.73 rear end. Ride was harsher than my Chevy Express 1500. Brakes seem to require a much lighter touch. Dash board is a step backwards with the removal of the passenger grab bar that used to be there. Not good for someone who needs a hand.

I like the engine room the new front end gives me. Steering seems comparable. Choices for wheels are the pits with no chrome or aluminum wheel available from GM.

My only question at this point is the height of the van. No one at GM or the dealership can explain why the 1500, 2500, and 3500 vans are all shown as 81.6 inches high. Yet there is a 1.5" difference in the step height between the 1500 and 2500/3500. Ground clearance on the 2500 is .8" higher in the 2500 than the 1500.

The dealer offered my the ability to take a 2500 cargo van home to make sure it can clear my garage entry. I only have 82.75" available.

Any of you towing with the 2500 with a 4.10 rear end. What kind of gas mileage should I expect? Currently I tow in 3rd with a 6,000 trailer and get about 10 mpg. I'll be selling the Chevy Express which has 20,800 miles.

Regards,

Jack
STL Mo.

#318 of 654 Growling rear end by jpcanavera

Apr 23, 2003 (3:57 pm)

richito,

My '99 Chevy Express with 3.73 limited slip started its growl about 8 months after I bought it new. I can notice it at about 45 and it increases in volume till about 55. It diminishes very quickly and at 60 you can't hear it. Apparently I have seen other posts about this. Chevy says all is ok so I've lived with it. Transmission has worked flawlessly and I see no difference in noise when I do or do not tow. It does not seem to be load related.

Jack

#319 of 654 Dimensions in rear of short wheelbase '03 2500 Express passenger van by caexpress1

May 13, 2003 (10:24 pm)

I have just purchased a 2003 Express 12 Passenger van 2500 short wheelbase. I bought the van on ebay at a great price. I have owned Chevy's all my life and have never had any serious problems..so I'm hoping for the best again. I happen to be handicapped and use a mobility device which I carry around in the van. My question is this, and hopefully someone will know off hand, or be kind enough to check. I would like to know the depth in inches from the inside of the closed rear cargo doors to the back of the 2nd row bench. I will be removing the third row bench to accomodate my scooter and lift. No one seems to have the answer. I do not yet have the van in my posession. The seller has not been willing to measure the space for me. Could I impose upon someones knowledge or kindness? Thanks in advance!

#320 of 654 Reply to # 316: rear end noise by p100

Jun 01, 2003 (8:12 pm)

The problem you are describing is almost exactly the same thing that happened to my 95 SE V6 Nissan 4X4 pickup, which I bought new. Right around 3000 mile mark, I started hearing irritating whining noise starting around 45 MPH and disappearing around 55 MPH, but only under load, i.e. with my foot on the accelerator. As soon as I took my foot off the gas pedal, the noise diappeared. Nissan agreed to replace the rear end differential under warranty and they did.

The new differential was quiet for about 500 miles, and then I started hearing the familiar whining noise again, not as loud as before and ONLY when coasting this time, in the same speed ranges. My differential is a limited slip type.

It is my understanding that the whining noise is caused by somewhat excessive backlash (play between the gears) in the differential. Whatever the cause, it does not seem to affect the differential peformance and hearing the thing whine only when I take my foot off the gas pedal between 45 and 55 MPH is not that bad. So I live with it. However, I must admit that with the original differential the constant whine under load when cruising was rather irritating.

Feel free to use my post as a proof that other companies (e.g. Nissan) take care of their customer problems, as they did in my case. They should replace your differential under warranty. In your case, the vehicle cabin probably amplifies the noise even more than was the case with my truck. I would also talk to a differential expert and see if they could at least alleviate the problem by altering the gear backlash by shimming. GM should at least attempt that much.

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