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Chevy Express/GMC Savana Owners: Meet the Members

38 messages,  Last post on Jul 11, 2009 at 2:14 AM

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

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#19 of 38 by 1320jon Nov 04, 2008 (10:02 pm)
I just got a 2003 gmc savana awd 1500. Im a hotrodder, and build cars for a living. I searched for a awd van specifically, in part becasue a friend has one too, and bacause of the drivetrain, I build gm ls gen 3 engines, which is what the 5.3 is. So for my job I do computer tuning on these engines for primarely camaros, ta's, vettes, trucks etc, but my software also works on the vans. I also liked the awd, and the conversion van luxuries for the family. Anyways, my friends awd express is getting a custom turbo kit that I build, and then we will do mine.   My 03 has both side 60/40 doors, 3.73 gears, a reese hitch which I hate because its too low, a conversion with no topper, 20 inch wheels/ 275/45/20 tires.   To answer a couple questions, that I saw above me, the front suspension is the same as the torsion bar 4x4 gm trucks. The van uses the 8.2 diff in the front that is indepedant. They use the same a arms, upper and lower as the 4x4 trucks, its the same diff as the ss truck. Same sealed unit bearing as the trucks as well.   The engine in the awd's is a 5.3, 325 inch ls gen 3 engine, which is interchangable with the 4.8, 5.7, 6.0(364 inch) and now the 6.2. All exterior of these engines is identical. You can put a 6.0 in the same place as your 5.3. The difference is the bore in this case. You can also use stroker cranks to make engines well into the 400-430 inch area. The 5.3 is very durable, and responds well to the usual modifications that result in better mileage and more power. Replies to this message: 1320jon (Nov 06, 2008 7:53 am) newsie23 (Nov 24, 2008 6:53 am) 1320jon (Nov 25, 2008 1:24 am) katoom400 (Jan 16, 2009 5:07 pm) jgarnaas (Jan 16, 2009 6:22 pm) katoom400 (Jan 16, 2009 7:52 pm)
#20 of 38 Re: [1320jon] by 1320jon Nov 06, 2008 (7:53 am)
Replying to: 1320jon (Nov 04, 2008 10:02 pm) Sorry, I wrote 8.2 for the front diff, and i dont know how to edit it. The van uses a small 7.2 I think, which is the same as the s10. I think the astro might be the same, but somewhere gm made a 7.6 also.
#21 of 38 Re: [1320jon] by newsie23 Nov 24, 2008 (6:53 am)
Replying to: 1320jon (Nov 04, 2008 10:02 pm) Super vehicle! I use a Master Lock adjustable (about $75) hitch with a Master Lock multi size ball. It locks into the hitch with a slot feature. I believe the AWD IS the Astro van AWD system (not the pickup). I prefer MT cars over trucks, but need and like this one. Suits me better than a pickup. My 03 has only 16k miles. I would be interested in any "econo" posts, especially 'how to hold a gear and prevent 'rowing". I cannot stay in gear, going up a slight grade at 60mph - with the (adequate) torque of the 5.3 ! Also, would like removable and/or folding seats for the passenger van. Replies to this message: 1320jon (Nov 25, 2008 1:24 am)
#22 of 38 Re: [newsie23] by 1320jon Nov 25, 2008 (1:24 am)
Replying to: newsie23 (Nov 24, 2008 6:53 am) The transfer case is the same as the trucks, and so is the front suspension. The rear is the same as teh truck also. The front is the astro/ s10 diff it looks like. The stub axle seals are different though. I rebuilt mine about two weeks ago and gm listed a different stub axle seal, that I had to order. The carrier bearing was the same as the s10 (front diff).   To change the shifting, thats controlled in the pcm. Anything could be commanded depending on how you drive it. The same as the engine control parameters. I can do it for you if you want to send me your pcm...or get another one (about $100) if you need one. It should down shift and stay in 3 rd for most hills. 4th is a .7 overdrive and 60 is really low rpm for it to be able to use 4th.
#23 of 38 Trans & Diff cooler 3500 ? by tireman9 Dec 25, 2008 (5:55 pm)
I have a 2007 3500 6L auto that is the chassis for my motorhome. I would like to add extra cooling for the trans and rear axle. I tried a deep pan for the trans but it looked like there would be less than 1/4" clearance as the exhaust crossover pipe runs under the rear of the trans pan. Anyone know if there is a pan that will fit?   Also looking for an aluminum cover for the diff. Anyone know who makes a good cover.
#24 of 38 Re: [1320jon] by katoom400 Jan 16, 2009 (5:07 pm)
Replying to: 1320jon (Nov 04, 2008 10:02 pm) could someone please tell me the differences between the h1500 and h2500 years 2003-2004. I've been looking for a 2500 awd and they are hard to come by. There are a lot of 1500 awd's available and some have suggested that only the rear springs are "beefier" I found a pdf spec sheet from gm which shows the same 6400lb towing capacity for both the h1500 and h2500.   Also if I get one of these is there a small lift kit avaiable for them? could I use the same stuff from the pickups?   Thanks,   Andy Replies to this message: jgarnaas (Jan 16, 2009 6:22 pm) katoom400 (Jan 16, 2009 7:52 pm)
#25 of 38 Re: [katoom400] by jgarnaas Jan 16, 2009 (6:22 pm)
Replying to: katoom400 (Jan 16, 2009 5:07 pm) The h1500 is the only standard model that comes in AWD.I have an 04 h2500 and looked into this for quite some time.The 2500 and 3500 are not offered in AWD,just the h1500.NOW,you can buy an aftermarket conversion from quigley motors in pennsylvania,they have used vans that are 25/3500 models and ford vans also.OR,you can convert your current 2wd to a 4wd or awd at a covnersion specialty company that puts in a front drive axle,brakes,shift componets,suspension etc.This will run you between 7500 and 10,000 bucks turnkey,meaning you bring it to them as 2wd,and drive away with an awd or 4wd for the cost of 10,ooo bucks.Dont even think of doing the work yourself,there are torsion rotation bars that have to be welded etc(messy) impossible.Check the web for offroad 4wd conversion companies that do vans if you want it done .there are many in most states.california,salt lake city,LA,phoenix are a few.Gm does not offer AWD for 2500/3500 vans from factory.In my opinion,GM has failed,and it is not an option other than the 1500.Towing capacity is both engine,rear spring and transmission related.Not just rear springs and shocks etc. Replies to this message: katoom400 (Jan 16, 2009 7:52 pm)
#26 of 38 Re: [jgarnaas] by katoom400 Jan 16, 2009 (7:52 pm)
Replying to: jgarnaas (Jan 16, 2009 6:22 pm) Thanks for the quick reply. I'm currently looking at 2 different 2500 awd's both 2003's, I know that at least one has 8 lug wheels, the other I have not seen up close yet.   I'm also looking at some other 1500 cargo and passenger/conversions and would like to know the real differences. I know you can not get the 2500 in AWD anymore, but the 2003's are the ones I am interested in.   I would love to convert my current van to 4WD but 10k is out of the question right now.   I wish GM made a 3500 155 wb AWD!...Too bad we can't get the Ford Transit in the states.   Thanks,   Andy
#27 of 38 h1500 and h2500 2003-2004 by katoom400 Jan 22, 2009 (5:39 am)
still wondering extactly what the differences are in the h1500 to the h2500 for towing capacities, suspension and driveline?. Replies to this message: 1320jon (Jan 22, 2009 10:36 pm)
#28 of 38 Re: h1500 and h2500 2003-2004 [katoom400] by 1320jon Jan 22, 2009 (10:36 pm)
Replying to: katoom400 (Jan 22, 2009 5:39 am) I d like to learn more about the 2500 awd. When I researched it, I found all advertised awd 2500's to reall be 1500's. Even now, when I do internet searches I find 135 inch wb 2500's awd? Thats odd, thats what my 1500 is.   I think if there was a true 2500 awd, it would have 8 lug wheels, a 6.0 and 4l80e trans instead of the 5.3, 4l60e. My 1500 awd also came with a tow haul mod, trans cooler, hitch. As far as I know of all the 1500vans came withthe 2 piston brakes that were an option on the denali and escaldes when they got the tow option.   The 2500 chassis, was never a torsion bar front end that I know of either. The frames are different.

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