Express 1500. Worth Building or wait for 2500/3500??

[vintageracer]

The Express AWD 2500 van option was only offered during the 2003 model year.

The only mechanical difference between the 2003 1500 AWD and the 2003 2500 AWD van was the rear axle/spring package. The rear axle on the 2003 AWD 2500 was a 6 lug Dana Semi-Floating style axle versus the standard 6 lug 1500 none floating axle.

You can make an AWD Express Van into a 4WD van with a transfer case swap however there are computer software issues that nobody has figured out how to overcome to eliminate dash warning light issues.

[86Scotty]

Never underestimate the power of black tape for those pesky dash lights.

[vintageracer]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Never underestimate the power of black tape for those pesky dash lights.

Electrical tape solution for an electrical issue.

Yes this idiot has used this idiot light solution in the past!

Redneck solution to the computer issue that works every time!

Outta sight outta mind!!!!

[regis101]

I've rolled with 1/2 ton vans all my life. Latest is a 1500.

I build light . I travel light. Anything else, if at all, get put into a trailer.

[azjim]

I have a 2010 Chevy Express 1500 AWD that I did a very basic build out as follows.
Good interior insulation & paneling , in house battery using Blue Sea Marine dual battery charge controller, RV Queen size bed on raised steel frame to allow Rubbermaid totes to fit under the bed for camp gear and clothes. Good LED interior lights and a good sound system. Love having the AWD on slick roads & snow but it's not a 4X4. All in all I'm very happy with it and I'd say only issue in the exhaust system sits below the frame in spots so you might scrape the tail pipe when crossing short ditches , etc. Don't think I'd recommend for a heavy build out like most SMBs.

[newoldguy]

Check out Weldtec in El Cajon, CA. They do a lot of builds of Chevy Express 4WD stuff. They have customers that ship their vehicles from all over the country to them.


I just had a two inch lift kit installed on the front end of my 2002 Express last month by them. It was worth the drive from LA.




Good luck!

[JWA]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Never underestimate the power of black tape for those pesky dash lights.

I've got two of those infernal nagging bits---you'd think I'd simply repair the issues huh?

One if for a seat belt pre-tensioner, the other my failed ABS control module. The first should be an easy fix, simply inspect and most likely repair the connector at the device.

The ABS would cost me at least $550 for the part, a bit more labor by a qualified mechanic. Since that van will hopefully be sold or parted out this year neither are that big an issue.

However next time the cluster is out I'll just remove the bulbs---talk about outta site, outta mind.

[Djp087]

Thanks all for the info. Ended up pulling the trigger on an 06 DMAX Express 3500. 2wd cargo still but got a decent deal with just a smidge over 100k miles.

Build thread will be coming soon.

[WhitH]

Nice! Weldtec can get you down the 4wd route if you want to go that way. GM Dmax is a great way to start off, I may be a bit biased though....