My new project, 2005 GMC Savana

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kceastsparks

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Hi everyone, this past weekend I purchased my van. A 2005 GMC Savana 2500 with about 145k on a rebuilt motor.

I had been thinking about getting a van for a while but always made excuses to push the thought to the side. I was inspired by Foster Huntington, he's intrigued me since his 'Burning House' project and various Instagram pages. I have bought two new cars in the past 3 years, tricked them out and lived outside my means trying to impress. I had some pretty big life changes lately (break up, job loss, moving back home) and decided it was time to do something I had always wanted. I started looking for an AWD/4x4 van but quickly decided that the price and rarity of them made it unfeasible right now. I finally found a 2005 GMC Savana just 30 minutes outside town and decided to check it out. I wanted bare bones to work with, no shelves or racks, and this was exactly it.

While driving it back to town I got a CEL and read the code with my Bluetooth OBDII reader and it was a p0984 for 'transmission component slipping'. It's headed to a transmission shop tomorrow then back to the dealer since I purchased a warranty with it. Regardless of what it needs I plan on getting it fixed. I have my plan and I'm going to make it happen. If it means a whole new transmission that's just one less thing to worry about.

I plan on making this more of an adventure-mobile than a full on home, with my work I am gone for three to four weeks at a time and only home for a few days. I got all terrain tires on the way home and blacked out the grill, insulated the floor and laid down some laminate floor. Once I find out the CEL then get it fixed I can plan a little more but that may tie up some funds for a bit. Here's some pictures of my previous rides and the van, I didn't take enough before I left town.

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Awesome... Congrats on the new van and good luck with your build. That sagebrush looks familiar. :)

If you are back in town anytime in the future and want to meet up for a beer or something let me know. Cheers!
 
Hopefully the tranny problem is as simple as a minor leak and too-low a fluid level causing the slippage.
Nice clean slate for your plans!
 
4GNomad said:
Awesome...  Congrats on the new van and good luck with your build.   That sagebrush looks familiar. :)

If you are back in town anytime in the future and want to meet up for a beer or something let me know.  Cheers!

For sure that'd be rad!

Tin Can Express said:
Nice looking van ! Good luck with the transmission repair !

Thank you!

LeeRevell said:
Were you actually mudbogging that sportwagon?  :)

Yes I was! It was a blast, however the aftermath at the car wash made me question if it was worth it haha
 
kceastsparks said:
Just got word that I need a transmission rebuild. Let the journey begin!

^ ^ ^
That will ALWAYS be the prognosis. Good you have a warranty. I paid the extra for the "lifetime" warranty on my 2001 explorer and 11 years later, they have rebuilt it twice and replaced the Torque Converter. The guy at AAMCO hates me. :D
 
What kind of tires are on the Savana? They look serious!
 
ZoNiE said:
^ ^ ^
That will ALWAYS be the prognosis. Good you have a warranty. I paid the extra for the "lifetime" warranty on my 2001 explorer and 11 years later, they have rebuilt it twice and replaced the Torque Converter. The guy at AAMCO hates me. :D

I decided to have the warranty cancelled actually! After reading the fine print there are a lot of exclusions and things left up to the providers discretion. The transmission shop said it could be fixed with new torque converter and seals but it's recommended for rebuild. And after some shady replies from the dealership I said cancel it. That money will cover the transmission so I'm not too worried about it. I hate feeling like things are out of my hands, even if it means I'll pay a little more in the long haul I know things will be done right.

FALCON said:
What kind of tires are on the Savana? They look serious!

They are BF Goodrich all-terrain T/A KO2. Thanks!
 
kceastsparks said:
Just got word that I need a transmission rebuild. Let the journey begin!

Sorry to hear this news. Hopefully, you can get back on the road soon and proceed with the build.

Take care...
 
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