Tiggs
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Re: Tow Using Manual Shift for Chevy Express 3500??
Thanks guys! I found a few articles last night that discussed "tow/haul" -- when it is best to use it and when it simply isn't necessary. Most stated unless you are really tugging a heavy load, you are OK without engaging it when traveling flat highways. The authors also recommend using it for for downgrades as well as stop and go city traffic. My TT is really light so I don't think I will need it most of the time. Had the van out in "manual" yesterday without towing and found it pretty easy to use. I'm heading out this weekend, a couple of hours out for a show so I'll have an opportunity to see how manual works when I'm towing and what my RPM's run in 5th and then in drive and compare the two.525Views0likes0CommentsTow Using Manual Shift for Chevy Express 3500??
I was chatting with a fellow towing a TT with a Chevy Silverado and we got to discussing gas mileage. I am towing my TT with a 2013 Chevy Express 3500, 6L V8, 6 speed transmission. It has some type of "tow feature" that I frankly don't understand ;-) The gentleman mentioned he was a retired engineer from GM and, if I remember correctly, suggested I would see the best mileage by putting the transmission in Manual and then stepping it through to 5th gear and keeping the RPM's in the low 2K range. We only talked for a few minutes and I wish I had the opportunity to quiz him further but he was on his way out of the site with his rig. I've not attempted to use Manual so I'm a little uncertain if this makes sense or if it does, if it can be shifted in and out of it while the vehicle is moving. (And what the heck does this "tow feature do"?) Thanks,2.7KViews0likes6CommentsRe: 2013 Chevy Express 3500 Passenger Van - Suspension Upgrade
My rear Bilstein shocks arrived yesterday and I put them on today. The old shocks were indeed "crap". I compressed the one and it stays compressed. The other will offer resistance for about 1/2 it's distance and then travels quite easily. The Bilstens were a "mother" to get compressed and stay compressed for the install. So the install took way longer than I expected until I figured out a way to compress them in a manner that didn't interfere with installation. Needless to say the ride seems improved. Not like riding in a Lincoln, but improved, which is good by me. My front shocks are on back order. Carolyn1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: 2013 Chevy Express 3500 Passenger Van - Suspension Upgrade
comanche38 wrote: Good choice on the Bilsteins! ktosv - The Bilsteins made a difference in both instances (smoother ride and better dampening). The dampening is the main issue with the stock shocks and it took care of it. The shocks on these are very easy to remove/install and can be done in your driveway. Good luck Thanks for the input. Fingers crossed it does the trick! I'm hoping to do the work in the driveway. Not sure I have the muscle to do the work by myself but I'll try, and if not, I can call in the cavalry.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: 2013 Chevy Express 3500 Passenger Van - Suspension Upgrade
After shopping around, I ordered the Bilstein 4600's for all four corners this AM @ $87 each, free shipping. The rear shocks were in stock but the fronts where back ordered. Hoping I don't have to wait 4 weeks for them to come in.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: 2013 Chevy Express 3500 Passenger Van - Suspension Upgrade
I paid closer attention to the van's ride yesterday. On smoother roads it does have a decent ride, I feel little transferance of road conditions up through the steering column. The worst part of the trip the rhythmic bounce the van experiences traveling over the expansion joints. If I could just get a handle on that, I would be much happier with the ride. Since it was a short trip, I did try lowering the tire pressure and I can't say I noticed a difference in any aspect of the ride quality. I am going to order new shocks this week. Fingers crossed that will help.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: 2013 Chevy Express 3500 Passenger Van - Suspension Upgrade
Thank you for the info. I've gotten in touch with a friend who is going to send me some info on how he softened the ride in his truck and believes the application will work just as well for me. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that his solution solves the problem and that it is reasonably economical.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: 2013 Chevy Express 3500 Passenger Van - Suspension Upgrade
I'm looking into the Bilstein 4600's, both front and rear. It looks like the only thing Bilstein makes that will fit my vehicle. My tires are Bridgestone V-Steel R1B 265's, Load range is E and the max pressure is 90 psi on the tire. The door panel lists my pressures should be set at 50psi in the front and 80psi in the rear. I checked the owners manual and I don't see any recommendation to lower those pressures. Wouldn't lower than stated pressures cause tire overheating and risk damage to the sidewalls?382Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2013 Chevy Express 3500 Passenger Van - Suspension Upgrade
Yesterday's ride was mostly on cement roadways, with what felt like bad seams between the slabs. Lots of jarring with the rear lifting and then settling at every seam. I was not towing then but the ride isn't that much different when I am (I've got a really small, lightweight TT.) Watching the product video, it seemed t smooth out that ride, but not sure if it will do what I'm wanting it to do.179Views0likes0Comments2013 Chevy Express 3500 Passenger Van - Suspension Upgrade
Looking to improve the ride in my van. It looks like, in the front, it uses independent short/long arm (SLA) coil springs and a 35-mm stabilizer bar. In the rear there are two-stage, semi-elliptic multi-leaf springs and semifloating rear axle. At least this is what the suspension specs state for this particular make and model on Chevy's site. I use the van to travel to dog shows, either with the TT or without. I knew the dogs weren't enjoying the ride like they did in my old conversion van but yesterday one of the dogs tossed their cookies so it's time to look for a solution. I was looking around this forum and the internet and found a product by Air Lift called the Load Lifter 5000 Ultimate, which others here have been pleased with. The price, a little over $300 (not counting the $50 mail in rebate), seems reasonable, but not sure if this is the best direction to go. Also would appreciate your opinions on the need to upgrade the suspension in the front as well, or if I should do the rear and see how it rides before looking in that direction too.13KViews0likes20Comments
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