Setting up a Chevy Express for Serious Hauling
The Chevy Express van is capable of towing and hauling lots of stuff. But there’s just one problem that needs addressing.
Unlike your average modern day minivan, the Chevy Express is a pretty capable rig right off the showroom floor. This is especially true with vans equipped with the hard-working 2.8-liter diesel engine. Payload and towing capacity on these vans is top notch, offering up plenty of versatility for small business owners and those simply of need of a working van. However, Chevrolet Forum member 17 Express 2.8 Diesel found one tiny problem with his Chevy Express van that needed addressing.
“I purchased a 2017 2500 Chevy Express with the 2.8 diesel. Good power and incredible mileage for those wanting to know. About 21 city and over 30 highway (at 70mph) when loaded to 7,500 lbs. However, it seems the shocks are unable to handle the weight of the vehicle. There is a lot of bounciness and wallowing on bumps in the highway.”
“Our previous 3/4 ton van had over 150,000 miles on the shocks and was much more stable when loaded to the limit. The dealer inspected the vehicle and said the shocks were OK. He said it is normal for a heavily loaded vehicle. We are still 1,000 lbs below the load limit and have no trailer in tow. I can only imagine how bad it would be with more weight or a trailer. Is this a common problem? The vehicle does not appear to be sagging and the springs seem fine.”
Interestingly, it doesn’t seem like the OP is the only one with this problem. Several people recommend aftermarket shocks, though different brands.
“Bilstein shocks will help,” said 2008z06. “What tire and psi are you running?”
“I got these to smooth out the ride,” added StanVan. “A little cheaper than Bilsteins. I think your issue is bad shocks. Which is weird seeing as yours is a year newer than mine. I’d be interested in knowing if yours and mine had the same stock shocks. I think I’m off to a GM parts site to find out.”
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