Chevy Express Van

[pm26]

Is 3500 series Chevy Express van running gear essentially equivalent to a 3500 series pickup? It has 6.0 liter engine, 6 speed auto transmission, 3.42 gear ratio rear end. With the optional towing package it is rated to tow 9,900 lbs, which is somewhat lower than that of a 3500 series pickup. Also, 3500 pickups come standard with 3.73 gear ratio axles. That gear ratio is not even option on the3500 series Express van. For some reason, the 6.0 liter engine has flex fuel capability standard on the the Express van, while it is not available with this feature in HD pickups.

 

Would fuel economy be about the same , or worse than for a 3500 series truck? The quality of built and materials used appears to be low. I was stunned how cheap the door panels looked, and everything seems to optional on the vehicle. It does not even come with a CD player with the LT trim. And there are no wheel well liners anywhere, not even above the front wheels. But the vehicle has a lot of utility potential with the rear barn doors and low loading height, and great towing capacity.

[pm26]

 

Nobody knows anything about a Chevy Express 3500 van?

[RyanbabZ71]

probably because this is the fullsize forum and not the HD forum? Moving it that way now

[pm26]

probably because this is the fullsize forum and not the HD forum? Moving it that way now

 

Still zero responses to the OP.

[C/K Man]

Yes, the drivetrain is the same as the 3500HD pickup, except for the rear axle. Many of the vans have a Dana 60 rear axle, not the AAM 10.5 or 11.5. That accounts for the difference in ratios and towing capacity. The 2012 Sierra and Silverado HD's are E85 Flex Fuel compatible, but I have no idea why the 2011 and earlier trucks were not. Yes, the van interiors are somewhat cheap, particularly the base cargo versions. Overall, they are reliable and tough. I like them a lot better than the Ford E series vans.

[KMGZ400]

i drive a 2010 E-350 with a cube on the back for work and its really not comfy at all... its horrible for long road trips.. not to mention the 5.4 really sucks. and for some reason the high beam switch dosent stay in place, i have to hold it.

 

my uncle drives a express 2008 express 1500 with a 4.8 and i have driven it and it just feels like it drives much better and is WAY more comfy... the interiors are obviously nothing special but its a work van.

 

 

not to mention you can get express vans for DIRT cheap used

[pm26]

Thanks for the responses. I think that GM has done a good job with the suspension on this van as it rode really nice for a large vehicle. But it makes sense to look for a used one, as it will depreciate a lot faster than a pickup truck.