StanVan -

Apologies, the engine is an 8th digit "L" (LGH) 2015 6.6L Durmax.

From the Chevy 2015 Express Product Information Sheet:

"Express powertrains – 6.6L Duramax diesel

The powerful Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 is offered in some Express models,

delivering best-in-class torque and horsepower. Known by its “LGH” engine

code, it is rated at 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 525 lb-ft of torque (712

Nm).

The LGH Duramax employs a robust EGR cooling system, along with revised

turbocharger tuning that helps enhance EGR performance. It also has a

large-capacity selective catalytic reduction system. In fact, the engine

features the latest in emission control technology, making it the cleanest

Duramax engine ever produced. NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective

Catalyst Reduction aftertreatment system that uses urea-based Diesel

(Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF). The DEF is housed in a 5.83-gallon (20 L)

tank and needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).

Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure

adequate delivery in cold weather.

The Duramax also includes GM’s second-generation diesel particulate filter

system. Unlike most competitors’ systems, the Duramax regenerates its

diesel particulate filter using a downstream injection of diesel fuel directly

into the exhaust stream and can travel up to 700 miles (1,125 km) between

regenerations – a 300-mile (482 km) increase over the previous Duramax

engine. The use of downstream injection also helps improve engine life by

eliminating concerns about the possibility of diesel fuel contaminating engine

oil, which can happen when fuel used for regeneration is introduced directly

into the cylinder.

 

You seem to have what you need, or have what you want all planned out. A diesel is great for this, and if you really feel you need more power, a tuner will do the job. A Bully Dog, or a Diablo will do wonders for a diesel.

 

StanVan,

Thank you very much for your time and information. I will look into the tuner and an exhaust upgrade I have my eye on; have to evaluate brakes later. Thanks again.

 

I would tell you to not put too much effort in a brake upgrade. Mine stops on a dime, and give you change back. And that's saying a lot for my 3500 ext wheelbase, which EMPTY, weighs 6400 pounds. I carried a load of flag stone once, maybe a bit over the rated one ton capacity, and it didn't think twice about stopping. My opinion? No upgrade needed.

 

StanVan,

Thank you very much, I am very excited to go and pick it up on Saturday and start the 4x4 conversion, pics to follow.

 

Can't wait!!

 

Picked up the van in Canton, OH on the 15 SEP and drove to Salt Lake City, UT to Advanced 4WD Systems for 4x4 conversion and full Aluminess package. Van handled like a dream over the 1,700-mile trip averaging right around 20 MPG (21.5 MPG before I hit the mountains). Here are a few "before" pictures with all the SafetyVan seats still inside. Anyone looking for SafetyVan seats?

 

Nice unit.

I like the long wheelbase vans.

If you are looking at rear end and posi, I read that the Detroit tru tack is a good one. Not super expensive. I was quoted 1200 canadian for my 2002. Even with the 4wd conversion you are still a one tire fire if you don't have the g80 axle. Even if you do, I would not take a g80 off road. Its an around town limited slip.
I like my cosmetics, and since you have a very good tow vehicle already, I would do the bumpers with chrome ones, and do the front grille and dual headlights like on an LT model. My 2013 headlights are great.
As for brakes. Does the 1 ton have rear drums? I hate the crappy parking brake on my rear discs.
An aftermarket tranny cooler might be in order as well. The factory one is small.
You also need mud flaps. Road grit sand blasts the paint off of the underside behind the wheels, and mud and such sticks the the underside of the body at the rear under the corners. Rust grows behind it.....
Power heated mirrors if you dont have them.

 

I can't believe the 4wd conversion people would let the rear end go without upgrading it if needed. And I agree, the composite headlights look better than the sealed beams.

 

> Even with the 4wd conversion you are still a one tire fire if you don't have the g80 axle
Where did you get that idea? If one wheel doesn't have traction, you still have another axle. That's what 4WD is for.

>I would not take a g80 off road. Its an around town limited slip
I took my AWD with G80 offroad a couple of weekends ago, and it worked marvelously. I was quite pleased. Didn't skip a beat, even with two wheels in the air.