Originally Posted by bullwinkle
We had '99-'00 Savana 2500s, all of them 5.7/4L80E, only major issue was I lost OD on one (which took a while for the rebuilder to get right, bad front reman pumps), and the usual weak front rotors/pads, a couple LIM gasket failures, and fuel pumps. Otherwise they were the best work vehicles I ever drove, much better than any Econoline, and the junk Transit/Transit Connects. I'm mainly curious about the durability of the 6.0 LS/LQ4 engine, I'm hoping they don't suffer from the Dexcool issues of the 5.7s. The 14 bolt GM rear end & 4L80E seem to be a known quantity. I'm still a little curious how a 4.8 can handle a ski team, their gear, & mountain passes-think I would look hard for a Duramax 3500.
I would disagree. Granted, I'm not on the 4.8 bandwagon either. That poor little small block already needs to rev a TON to make any power, and hauling around 8 250lb guys and their luggage are not going to be easy on it. That being said, the Duramax in a van chassis is an absolute NIGHTMARE to work on, and being a diesel you will have to work on it. I don't mean it will break, I just mean standard stuff: belts, filters, things like that. They absolutely cram the diesel in those vans.
I would absolutely hold off and search for a 6.0 van. I work on these vans all the time, and I've driven fully loaded plumbers vans with the 4.8. They do fine, but you can tell the thing is really giving it's all. Add true 4x4 to that, a bunch of burly dudes and a weekends work of gear, plus those big tires?? You're just asking for trouble. Just my 2 cents.
*EDIT* I noticed that no one really answered your question RE what makes a Quigley better than a factory AWD van. Simple: 2-speed transfer case. The factory system is an on-demand type AWD that has a permanent split, so it's always engaged. With a 2-speed case, you can flip to 2wd and have the benefits of less driveline wear and better economy. Plus, you don't have any of those pesky AWD t-case issues.