"Big Red" GMC Savana build

[aksavanaman]

So in hopes of lighting a fire under my behind, I'm starting this build thread to document the transformation of my 2007 GMC Savana from a passenger hauler to a capable "family-get-away" vehicle. Let's start with how I purchased her last year:

2007 GMC Savana 1500H, AWD, 5.3L, G80 rear locking Diff, 8 Psngr with 69800 Miles when bought (now 75K) for $11,500 from a guy in town... $3500 under KBB, but it did come with a little dent in the hood, missing GMC emblem and bumper cover. Previous owner's 16 year old left it in N and rolled into a poll ... not the end of the world, just superficial "love"?

Didn't have a whole lot of plans with it, and I wasn't even looking to buy another vehicle....I just knew that the wife wanted a "slew" of kids, and a Minivan just wasn't going to get the job done. We have one daughter so far... what's your guys' definition of a slew??? But after stumbling across this forum I got an itch... a big one! Why settle for a big "mom" van when I could potentially have "Big Red"... DAD'S VAN!

My budget is tight, so long nights and busted knuckles and garage tinkering are a must for me! So far modifications are minimal but include:

* 235/85R16 BFG's on factory "modified" rims... great for plowing through the rain we get here in Kodiak, and at almost 32" a decent sized tire
* Adjusted front torsion bars to level the van... about 1" from stock
* GoRhino Grille Guard with Hella 500FF's

Near Future:
*RhinoLine/Linex weather stripping on sides and hood
*New bumper cover (not really happy with the 3" gap between the bumper and body)
*Custom full length aluminum Safari roof rack from a local fab shop
*Rear tire carrier either on bumper or door
*New extended shocks to allow for full torsion bar adjustment and lift blocks in the rear for added clearance
*Removable cabinetry and bed in the rear... but retain at least one row of seating
*Dual Battery and inverter
*Insulating interior
*Roof tent (mom and dad will take the van... kids can camp up top!)
.... lots more, ideas are endless right?

Sorry I don't have any pics right now, weather has been pretty crappy...although for AK, not to bad. We've got a sunny day tomorrow, I'll try to employ my wife's new camera!
Thank you in advance for any and all future advice and hello to my fellow Chevy/GMC AWD full sized counterparts!

Chris

[T.Low]

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to seeing this. I like the big bowties, not enough of them being built up.

However, I believe it's rule 6b that states that every few paragraphs you need to insert photo of said subject. How bout some pics of that Big Red machine. (Actually, now that I think about it, rule 6b may be from a different forum...but you get the idea.)

[brettf]

I think it's rule #1

[aksavanaman]

Here are some pictures as promised
DSC_0012.JPGDSC_0015.JPGDSC_0018.JPG

[ujoint]

Lookin good!

[T.Low]

Great looking package.

[SWbySWesty]

I love hot colored offroad vans.

[aksavanaman]

Just noticed the thumbnails attached, does that usually happen when you post pictures or did I "newb" the post by doing something wrong?

[brettf]

I think that's normal if you attach the photos. If you linked to photos you had stored on your own server or somewhere else, that wouldn't happen.

Van looks awesome!

[1sweetvan]

A slew of kids, IMO, would be more than 3. I've got 3 princesses and a female Chocolate Lab, that's busy enough for me. But if I had started earlier, I'd have filled up that 12 passenger.

Oh, nice van BTW. I like the driver side doors.