Silversav - 2004 Savana AWD Introduction

dlrecord

New member
Hi all,

Just a quick introduction to the forum and a few details about my van. But first, a few pictures (before I removed the body trim):
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2004 GMC Savana Explorer conversion
121,000 miles
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Factory limited slip rear differential w/ 3.73 gear ratio
5.3l engine/4l60e transmission/transfer case
Redarc Tow Pro Elite electric trailer brake controller
Factory flat four/seven pin round connectors

I've added 2500HD rear leaf springs and front torsion keys for a mild 2-3 inch lift. All new (4) Bilstein shocks and u-bolts at the same time. BFG AT KOs in 285/70R16 with GFX Off-road rims. Awesome on forest roads and easy sandy washes.

I tuned it with a Max Energy tuner to account for the larger tires and correct the speedometer; I also bumped both engine power and transmission shift points for a little extra umph and better towing capacity (we tow a 2,500lb pop-up camper).

It has a custom full roof rack with an Aluminess ladder for access. The roof rack has two permanent crossbars in the middle for bike trays or cargo boxes. It has a front full width LED bar mounted to the rack, with two left and two right side LED pods, and two rear LED pods all controlled by switches in the dash.

Interior is upfitted by Explorer and has power and heated captain chairs in front, second row captains chairs and a power fold down rear couch/bed. Has both driver side and passenger side double doors and swing wide rear doors. Black tinted windows. Interior shades are intact and in excellent shape. 00j0j_ksnWDmJ637l_1200x900 (1).jpg01313_fAzwAn0yNF6_1200x900.jpg
 

hg1027

Member
Looks awesome! When we take my parents or friends camping with us, I always look at renting a full size van. How far from home, how many, how far off road are you going in that?
 

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
Does that use the same AWD system as the Denali and Escalade? So I presume it's a single-speed t-case with no provision to lock the center differential?
 
Love the ladder. Need one of those if I ever get a roof rack made up for the Hoe.

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dlrecord

New member
Does that use the same AWD system as the Denali and Escalade? So I presume it's a single-speed t-case with no provision to lock the center differential?

Correct. And no low gear, which is the only bad thing about it on steep hill descents. Otherwise, it has performed really well!


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dlrecord

New member
Love the ladder. Need one of those if I ever get a roof rack made up for the Hoe.

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Never thought a ladder would be so necessary until this van. Well used and very useful. Our kids enjoy climbing up to the platform and hanging out there all day when we’re camping.


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dlrecord

New member
Looks awesome! When we take my parents or friends camping with us, I always look at renting a full size van. How far from home, how many, how far off road are you going in that?

Mostly just forest roads. We did a 32 mile dirt track with the last 12 miles being fairly rough out to the Verde river here in AZ a couple of weekends ago. Lowered the tire pressure and enjoyed the day! Hot spring at the end to boot.
 

dlrecord

New member
A few more pics of our last trip

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hg1027

Member
Can we get some interior pics?

I'm curious about stereo (I want android auto in the next vehicle, and I assume that's old enough you could fit aftermarket without losing hvac, or whatever dumb stuff lexus did in the lx/gx)

Also, captains chairs for a row or two, bed, storage? Maybe you already mentioned.
 

dlrecord

New member
Can we get some interior pics?

I'm curious about stereo (I want android auto in the next vehicle, and I assume that's old enough you could fit aftermarket without losing hvac, or whatever dumb stuff lexus did in the lx/gx)

Also, captains chairs for a row or two, bed, storage? Maybe you already mentioned.

Electrical really needs to be updated to mordant times. It actually still has a VHS player!

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