Vannin' Home Forums Chevy General Discussion '90's G-series van info ??

The front suspension subframe is bolted on and removable.

Shaggy, you're referring to the cross-member, right?
Yes, the cross-member bolts to the frame rails, but the frame rails don't bolt on.

I made this statement earlier...
"96 to 2002 had a steering box, then in 2003 they changed to rack and pinion."
But... they only went to rack and pinion on the 1500s. The 2500s kept the box.
I guess you learn something every day. LOL

I was able to go peek at my van's steering...
The steering box on my '92 is outside the frame rails.

SO are both of mine ...

I need the 95 and earlier with the steering box on the outside of the rail because that frame is narrower and close to what the COE frame width was. This is important in order to keep the frame tucked inside the inner fender skirts. I want to stick with a 1500 series because of the weight. I'm not building a car hauler so don't need the heavy duty and added weight of a 2500 or 3500 (I already have one of ach of those but they're pickups and I'm trying to simplify the steering issue.

So how common are these older units down south in wreckers? Up here they're driven till they rot then go to the wreckers where they rot some more !!

You did understand that the '95 and earlier are unibody design?

My understanding is there is a front "clip" but its welded into frame rails to which the body is then welded to. So it can be cut off from the rails and is then a standalone clip with front steering and suspension. I'd build the frame from there back.

Using the truck frame and swapping van steering parts is something I've thought about but haven't pursued. If I could find an early van to look at and take some measurements it might be an option.

Check out a S10 pickup extended cab chassis. I believe it will check all your boxes....

Just my 2%...