CHEVROLET EXPRESS VAN

OVERVIEW

• Manufacturer: Chevrolet (General Motors)
• Also called:

Chevrolet Express

GMC Savana

Chevrolet Van (1996-1998; cargo van)

Chevrolet Savana (Israel)

• Production: 1995-present
• Model years: 1996-present
• Assembly:

United States: Wentzville, Missouri (Wentzville Assembly)

Springfield, Ohio (Navistar)

BODY AND CHASSIS

• Class: Full-size van
• Body style:

2-door cutaway van chassis

4-door cargo van

4-door passenger van

5-door cargo van

5-door passenger van

• Layout: Front engine, rear wheel drive

all-wheel drive (2003-2014)

• Platform: GMT600 (1996-2002)

GMT610 (2003-present)

• Chassis: Body-on-frame (ladder); boxed frame rails
• Related:

Chevrolet C/K (GMT400)

Chevrolet Silverado (GMT800)

Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKick (GMT560)

POWERTRAIN

• Engine:

GMT600

4.3L Vortec 4300/L35 V6 (1996–2002)

4.3L Vortec 4300/LU3 V6 (2002)

5.0L Vortec 5000/L30 V8 (1996–2002)

5.7L Vortec 5700 L31 V8 (1996–2002)

7.4L V8 (1996–2000)

8.1L Vortec 8100/L18 V8 (2001–2002)

6.5L Detroit Diesel V8 (1996–2002)

GMT610

2.8L Duramax I4 turbo-diesel (2017–present)

4.3L Vortec 4300/LU3 V6 (2003–2014)

4.3L EcoTec3 4300/LV1 V6 (2018–present)

4.8L Vortec 4800/LR4 V8 (2003-2007)

4.8L Vortec 4800/LY2 V8 (2008-2009)

4.8L Vortec 4800/L20 Flex-fuel V8 (2500/3500, 2010–2017)

5.3L Vortec 5300 LM7 V8 (2003–2007)

5.3L Vortec 5300/LMF Flex-fuel V8 (2008–2014)

6.0L Vortec 6000/LQ4 V8 (2003–2008)

6.0L Vortec 6000/L96 Flex-fuel V8 (2010–2020)

6.0L Vortec 6000/LC8 gasoline/CNG/LPG V8 (2018–2020)

6.6L Duramax Diesel V8 (2006–2016)

6.6L L8T V8 (2021–present)

• Transmission:

GMT600

4 speed automatic 4L60E (1500 series)

4-speed automatic 4L80E (2500 and 3500 series)

GMT610

4-speed automatic 4L60E on 1500 (2003–2014)

4-speed automatic 4L80E on 2500 and 3500 (2003–2009)

6-speed automatic 6L90-E on 2500 and 3500 (2010–present)

8-speed automatic 8L90-E on 2.8L Duramax and 4.3L Ecotec3 V6 engines (2017–present)

DIMENSIONS

• Wheelbase:

SWB: 135.0 in (3,429 mm)

LWB: 155.0 in (3,937 mm)

• Length:

GMT600

1996–98 SWB: 218.8 in (5,558 mm)

1996–98 LWB: 238.8 in (6,066 mm)

1999–2002 SWB: 218.7 in (5,555 mm)

1999–2002 LWB: 238.7 in (6,063 mm)

GMT610

2003–present SWB: 224.1 in (5,692 mm)

2003–present LWB: 244.1 in (6,200 mm)

2003–05 Savana LWB: 244.0 in (6,198 mm)

Width GMT600

SWB: 79.2 in (2,012 mm)

LWB: 79.4 in (2,017 mm)

GMT610 79.4 in (2,017 mm)

• Height:

GMT600

1996–98 Express: 81.8 in (2,078 mm)

1996–98 Savana SWB/2500 SWB & 3500 LWB: 82.5 in (2,096 mm)

1996–98 Savana LWB: 84.8 in (2,154 mm)

1500 & 2001–02 3500 LS LWB: 79.6 in (2,022 mm)

1997–2002 3500 SWB: 83.9 in (2,131 mm)

1997–2002 2500 LWB: 81.1 in (2,060 mm)

2001–02 2500 LWB: 82.2 in (2,088 mm)

2001–02 3500 LWB: 82.8 in (2,103 mm)

GMT610

2003–present SWB: 81.6 in (2,073 mm)

2003–present LWB: 82.0 in (2,083 mm)

CHRONOLOGY

• Predecessor:

Chevrolet Van/Beauville

GMC Vandura/Rally

Chevrolet Astro (SWB Variants)

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHVROLET EXPRESS VAN

The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana) is a range of full-size vans from General Motors. The successor of the Chevrolet Van, the Express is also sold through by the GMC division as the GMC Savana.

Introduced for the 1996 model year, a single generation of the model line has been produced since 1995, serving as one of the longest-produced automotive designs in American automotive history.

In line with their predecessors, the Express and Savana have been sold as both passenger and cargo vans. A cutaway van chassis is marketed for a wide range of commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, and small trucks.

The two model lines share the GM GMT600 platform (redesignated as the GMT610 platform for the 2003 model year).

HISTORY

• 1996-2002

For the 1996 model year, Chevrolet replaced the G-series Chevrolet Van with the Chevrolet Express (retaining Chevrolet Van for cargo vans).

In a major functional change, the front axle was moved forward 10 inches, effectively moving the front wheels out of the passenger compartment; along with improving front legroom, the design allowed a reduction in step-in height (improving access).

While sharing the same engines as the previous model line, the size of the engine cover was reduced, further increasing front passenger space.

• 2003-present

Since its 2003 model revision, the Express has seen incremental updates to the model line.

Entering its 25th year of production for the 2021 model year, the Chevrolet Express matched the third-generation G-series Chevrolet Van in model longevity.

CHEVROLET EXPRESS VAN’S MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Just similar to another Chevy, Express Van has this maintenance schedule:

• Every 7,500 miles: At this interval, your Chevrolet mechanic should rotate tires, inspect brake pads and engine air filter, and following the Engine Oil Life System, change the oil and oil filter as necessary.
• At 22,500 miles: Many of the same tasks as seen at 7,500 miles are repeated here, but they are joined with a replacement of the passenger in-cabin air filter.

Oil changes and tire rotations continue through the 30,000- and 37,500-mile range.

• At 45,000 miles: It’s time for another oil and oil filter change, along with a tire rotation. But Chevrolet changes it up a bit, by adding a replacement of the in-cabin air filter, and an inspection of the evaporative control system. They wrap this service up by replacing the engine air cleaner filter, and a replacement of the rear axle fluid, if your car is equipped with a Limited-Slip Differential.

These are all basics that every owner should be aware of. Just remember to keep in mind, the 7,500-mile intervals that appear like clockwork for proper service of your Chevrolet vehicle.

Source: wikipedia, kbb.