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Hello, New G20 owner.
#747611 April 24th 2019 3:07 am
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Hello,

Proud owner of a 1owner 93k hi top factory RV conversion. Trying to add pics but it says my cell phone images are not supported so I’ll work on that in the coming days. It’s been sitting for 5 years with a pile of crud underneath with every fluid leaking but I got it for a steal.

I’m coming from a mostly Ford fuel injected experience history so I’m diligently reading about interchangeable drivetrain from the G30 to the 20. I’m planning to restore this RV to suitable full time living. I work in custom RV conversion already so the RV side of it will be familiar. Unfortunately I work mostly with larger diesels, series 60’s, ISX, and Detroit Diesels, in what we do though. So far, 99% of it is original, less a newly installed inline electric fuel pump. All the labels and tags are legible in the door and in the hood. I wasn’t able to find an axle tag.

I’ve dealt with these type of factory conversions before where they use other model parts and on this Chevy platform I wouldn’t be able to tell if that were the case. I’ve identified a 10-bolt rear that will be coming out for a fresh locked rebuild from drum to drum with new leafs and air helpers. I would like to put whatever option is “beefiest” as it has a 3’ fiberglass lid on it that I will be filling with yet more Solar-weight, and later pulling a single axle trailer. I’m all ears if there’s a worthy upgrade with disc brakes.

The front suspension is toast as well and will get the same treatment. I’m reading about a cross member from a G30 bolting to the 20 frame for the upgraded suspension LCA’s and springs (and brakes?) and wondering if the RV factory might’ve done that already. Again, I wouldn’t be able to tell. Suppose I could run to the handy-dandy pick a part. Or maybe post a few pictures and someone could confirm? Mental note, also need to look G20/30 brake differences.

I’m off to do more searching and reading! Thanks for reading. I’ll get pics up shortly. It’s worthy of them.

AdSense long
Re: Hello, New G20 owner.
84G20HiTop #747616 April 24th 2019 7:34 am
Joined: Feb 2002
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welcome to the site.


Jim & Lucy Newkirk
1965 Chevy Bad Influence
1981 Chevy-the Love Shack
2012 Chevy Van , 2020 chevy van
2020 Chevy van Sapphire Sweet.
Club Vannerz.
vanninvanner@comcast.net
Re: Hello, New G20 owner.
84G20HiTop #747627 April 24th 2019 7:48 am
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welcome. are you wanting to put G30 Suspension under a G20, or is it a G30 and you want the G20?

Most RV's I have seen were G30 conversions. Easy enough to check, as the G30 Had 8 lug at all 4 corners and a full floater 14 bolt rear axle.

For what I know, converting from 1 to the other isn't too bad. Easiest method would be to swap the entire subframe in the front, and the Leaf springs and axle in the back. I am not sure if there is anything else different.


[Linked Image from live.staticflickr.com]
Re: Hello, New G20 owner.
84G20HiTop #747633 April 24th 2019 10:32 am
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pooh-bah
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Welcome aboard!

[Linked Image]

Re: Hello, New G20 owner.
84G20HiTop #747639 April 24th 2019 10:56 am
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Welcome to the site .... since your doing a G30 up grade add a 454 to your list.


SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO
ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN
ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS
'93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB
'92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB
Re: Hello, New G20 owner.
newkirkinc1 #747640 April 24th 2019 11:06 am
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Originally Posted by NEmery
welcome. are you wanting to put G30 Suspension under a G20, or is it a G30 and you want the G20?

Most RV's I have seen were G30 conversions. Easy enough to check, as the G30 Had 8 lug at all 4 corners and a full floater 14 bolt rear axle.

For what I know, converting from 1 to the other isn't too bad. Easiest method would be to swap the entire subframe in the front, and the Leaf springs and axle in the back. I am not sure if there is anything else different.


Thanks for the advice! It looked pretty basic while I was under there. I’m still waiting on a new compressor to get dropped off so I can use my air tools.

Yes, it is not understandable to me why the conversion company would use a 20 instead of a 30. It has 5 lug wheels, 10bolt rear, and the little 305. Not thinking for the long run if you ask me.

I’m going to the yard today or tomorrow to see what I can find laying around. I’m on a time crunch as I need to have this road “ready” in a month.

In our conversions we rely on the original manuals of the vehicle. This did not come with one. Any chance they can be found in PDF form?

Originally Posted by Dyno_Dave
Welcome aboard!


Originally Posted by newkirkinc1
welcome to the site.


Thank you! Looking forward to floating around the forums.

Re: Hello, New G20 owner.
frscke1 #747641 April 24th 2019 11:14 am
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Originally Posted by frscke1
Welcome to the site .... since your going a G30 up grade add a 454 to your list.


Thanks. I did some searching on that as well. If I do a heart transplant it won’t be until further down the road and it will be with 4x4 also. I’ve seen your posts on a few of the threads I’ve came across. 454’s are pretty easy to come by but I think if I was going to do that it would be a diesel, in which case I would need a few how-to’s with pictures.

Brings me to another question: on the E- and F-series with Ford, a gas frame should not be used with a diesel as all diesels frames are thicker from the factory. Is this true for GM as well? I’ve helped with a Cummins swap in a powerstroke before.

Thanks again.

Re: Hello, New G20 owner.
84G20HiTop #747644 April 24th 2019 2:11 pm
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Figured out a pic. Baby steps. Doesn’t do it justice. I didn’t get any before I put it in its first clean up spot.

Attached Files
1E373EC1-F3F0-4D5A-A763-2DEBA2B66EAD.png (435.16 KB, 107 downloads)
Re: Hello, New G20 owner.
84G20HiTop #747647 April 24th 2019 3:13 pm
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I’ve called 15 or so places looking for a G30 front crossmember to upgrade to the G30 suspension, not only does no one have any G30’s, they have no 72-95 Chevy vans.

I have until end of day to pull the plug and order new suspension whether it be 3/4 or 1-ton. If anyone has any suggestions or wisdom I would appreciate all or any. I’d rather do it right the first time but am really pressed for time. I just sold my RV and have limited time in the family’s home/garage for this transition. Thanks.

Attached Files
4D850D73-516A-4707-AEB2-9F22E5E125E0.png (409.57 KB, 113 downloads)
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