1998 GMC Savana 3500 One Ton 4x4 6.5 diesel $125,000 usd.

Vernon Alum

New member
FOR FULL SPECS AND PHOTOS VISIT www.1998gmc.com
There's just not the room on this post for all of info.

1998 GMC Savana 3500 One Ton 4x4 6.5 diesel
This is not nor has ever been a Sportsmobile. This rig was built ground up for long range long term off road excursions. Other than some wear and tear the rig is like new. The rig has been highly maintained. After every trip, we go through from the front to the rear inspecting and refining the rig. The transmission, transfer case, differentials, braking system, cooling systems and motor upgrades all have less than 50K miles. Overall the rig is low maintenance ; general inspection, greasing, changing oil filters and cleaning is all you need to do. Bring clothing and food, it is ready to go anywhere in the world.

The Good-We researched for over a year with overlanders from around the world. We wanted to know what issues they had with their rigs. This rig addresses the majority of the issues they were having below:
Fuel Mileage on road this rig gets 18-20 mpg, off road a range of 400-600 mpg depending on the conditions
Tired of being tired-a 6inch 100% latex mattress full length a couple of inches narrower than a queen size. The bed converts into a small couch with the push of a button. The passenger seat swivels around facing the couch making it very comfortable.
Not being able to stand up while inside-with the top up no problem and I am 6'3".
Too cold-Webasto diesel heater. No matter how cold, this will run you out. We have been in sub-zero with the top up. If you want to be at 85 degrees, no problem. If it is really cold you could lower the top. Less area to heat and the bed is on the lower level.
Too hot-We do have a small portable AC unit.
Too wet-Not an issue with the popup top and the outside awning with the walls installed
Cold showers-Webasto diesel heater with a 42 plate heat exchanger.
No storage-Look at the photo. What is shown is all the food storage and 3 seasons of clothing. Cold storage for food, one large, one small. Properly used we have food for 3 weeks.
Bad water-We filter water going into the tank and then thru 3 media filters and finished with a UV light.
Break downs-Not that you wont's have some. I believe that the components that have been used and the design eliminated most. The specs clearly show the quality of this rig. The differentials and transfer case are known worldwide in the off-road world for their strength and long life under the harshest conditions. The suspension, driveshafts, bumpers and running boards have been built for this rig, not low quality high priced parts off the shelf. The transmission and torque converter have been built for this rig using the same parts as they use in a transmission for a 1200hp drag car. This rig is very easy to work on . If you need to take it to a shop any mechanic around the world can make repairs. This rig is not over computerized. The fuel injection is handled by the computer as is the shift points of the transmission however, the transmission and torque converter cab be run manually.
No space when the weather is bad-With the walls installed you have a great room that is protected from the harsh environment.
This one is too big-This one is too small-THIS ONE IS JUST RIGHT Can this rig go where the big rigs go? Yes, and many more places they can't. They get 4-5 mpg this rig gets up to 20mpg. Can this rig go where the jeeps go? Not everywhere, it's a matter of geometry. Can the jeeps go where we go? Not everywhere they simply don't have the storage for fuel, water, and food.
Rough riding and noisy-Not this rig. This rigs ride is amazing on road and off road with the sound proofing and insulation it is quiet. You will be amazed with both.
What could be done-Install a differential lock in the front. A larger skid plate however, this has never been a problem. Everything sets up high in the frame but you never know.
The bad-The exterior paint could be refreshed not that it is bad. There is no rust, a new coat of paint would protect the body for many more years. I have always used marine grade wash, cleaner and wax.
Van Specs 1998 GMC Savana One Ton 4x4 6.5 Diesel
4L80e transmission and torque converter custom built high performance built for this rig with a BD converter lock up system
241c New Process transfer case
Dana 60 front differential
Corporate 14 rear with ARB air locker
Penthouse pop up top
AC
Cruise Control
All lubricants are Amsoil
Horsepower 250 with all improvements listed
Engine
Changed injections to marine high performance injection
FluidDampr Harmonic Balancer
Upgrade to latest Stanadyne fuel injection pump controller (PDM) and chip
Relocated fuel injection pump controller (PDM)
Increased exhaust plumbing to three inch. Gaining hp, fuel mileage, lowering exhaust temperature and engine temperature
By passed glow plug system to install manual system
200amp heavy duty high output alternator
Duel rectifier and a heavy-duty remote bridge rectifier system for alternator system
Battery Odyssey AGM
All engine starter, alternator and winch wiring is Synergy 3-0 (welding cables)
Cooling upgrades include
High performance water pump
CR Racing all aluminum radiator designed for this rig adding additional tube and 2-16 inch Stal fans
External coolant filter
Transmission oil cooler Derale 13870 coolers with 10 inch fans
Engine oil cooler Derale 2 x 10 x 12 inch plate cooler
Radiator fan on at 185 off at 165
Transmission fan on at 165
Both engine coolant and transmission fans also have manual switches
Air scoop and 2 air vents have been fitted to the engine hood
Transmission and Torque Converter
4L80e transmission and torque converter custom built high performance built for this rig
The same transmission is used in 1200hp drag cars
External oil filter
High capacity aluminum oil pan (added 4 quarts)
BD torque converter lock up system
Transmission oil coolers two Derale 13870 coolers with 10 inch fans, on at 165, off at 185
Transmission fans also have manual switches
Suspension
The suspension was designed to give the best of all worlds
During the design stage we looked at linked, radius rod, air and leaf suspensions
While each had pros and cons, best money was to refine the leaf design
By adding length to the spring, flipping the rear shackles, placing the front spring shackles at the rear and adjusting the shackle angle we provided the best of all worlds to this platform
I do not know of another van with as much wheel travel and ride comfort
Front has more than 12 inches of compression and 12 inches of droop
Rear is about 8 inches of compression and 10 inches of droop
Leaf spring by Alcan Spring 2 Ton rating
Rancho RS 90000XL 9 way adjustable shocks using the Rancho My Ride air adjustment system while driving
Drive Shafts
Front Shaft-High Angle CV with a long travel slip tube, 1 ton universals
Rear Shaft-High Angle CV, 1 ton universals
Brake System
Front Rotors cross drilled and slotted for additional cooling
Front Brake pads EBC high performance
Rear Brakes Stock
Auxiliary Heating Systems
Engine Heater/Hot Water Heater
Webasto TS17 diesel heater
Also provides hot water for showers through the 42 plate heat exchanger
House Heater
Webasto Airtop Diesel heater with digital controller
Fuel Tanks
Front tank stock 25 Gallon
Rear tank custom made aluminum 35 Gallon
Water System
45 gallon freshwater poly tank
The tank and all plumbing is inside the heated area of the van
Water Filtration System
Water is first filtered through an inline filter before going onto the tank
3 stage water filtration system, media poly, charcoal and ceramic down to .5 micron, then polished with UV light
Water pumps, 2 Whisper Quiet Pumps. One for potable water one for shower
All plumbing is within the conditioned area of the van. All plumbing lines and fittings are PEX
Tires 6 Toyo Open Country 315 75 16
Tires are balanced internally using ceramic beads
Awning
11.5 ft Carefree boxed awning including complete enclosure walls
Bumpers
Front-3 piece constructed out of 1/4 inch plate
Warn 12000 winch
Two 2 inch receivers with shackles
Storage area in winch bucket
Rear-Constructed from 1/4 inch plate and 1/4 x 3 x 8 tube steel
Spare tire swing for two tires
Storage box swing-box is 2x2x4 ft steel
Winch is a 10000lb Smittybuilt with remote control
Both front and rear frame rails have been reinforced using 1/4 steel plate
Recovery Tools
Warn 12000lb winch front
Smittybuilt 10000lb winch rear
2 aluminum ramps

Air System
2 Viair 450cf air compressors
Air Tanks (8 gallon) are also the rock slides and running boards
Charging Systems
Engine
200 amp heavy duty high output alternator
Duel rectifier and a heavy duty remote bridge rectifier system
Battery Odyssey AGM
All engine starter, alternator and winch wiring is Synergy 3-0 (welding cables)
All aux systems wiring is marine grade
Solar
5-100watt Renology panels fixed to the top of pop up
Midnight Kid solar controller
Batteries 2 Odyssey pt-1800 AGM 215 amp hours each (total 430 amp hours)
All battery wiring is Synergy 3-0
Inverter System
Xantrex freedom 2000
Including battery charger
Including remote control panel
All wiring to batteries is Synergy 3-0
All wiring lugs are tinned and crimped
200 amp bus fuses
SurePower Isolater
Blue Sea Control Panel for all 12volt DC and 120volt AC power
Blue Sea control switches
Generator
Honda EG2800i
2.5 gallon Rotopax extra fuel container


FOR FULL SPECS AND PHOTOS VISIT www.1998gmc.com
 

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Last edited:

marret

Active member
Nice looking van.

Looks like the asking price is $135k on the linked website. Doesn’t seem to mention mileage, but states “The rig has been highly maintained. After every trip we go thru from the front to the rear inspecting and refining the rig. The transmission, transfer case, differentials, braking system, cooling systems and motor upgrades all have less than 50K miles. “
 
Last edited:

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