Chevy & GMC Vans

95 vs 98, both AWD, Can I take the subframe from the 95 and bolt it under the 98 ? Will the 98 engine go into the 95 subframe ?are the trans and transfer case the same what about rear axles ?

Looks like I may have a donor van to fix all the issues with my 98. Any diferences I should be aware of > I know the 95 has the old syle dash and no pass airbag - other than that , I am not sure what changed untik you get to 200 and the transfer case changes

I mentioned the differences in another post just a couple weeks ago...don't know where though.

The 95 frame will have a mount for a mechanical shifter linkage for the tranny. The 95 frame will not have the ABS controller mounted under the drivers feet. Other than that they should be almost identical.

OK so hopefully this isn;t a huge mistake- I do remember your post now. thanks

Too bad the 95 doesn't have a passenger airbag, Imight be better off to move the engine into that van- but I don't think my wife would appreciate it !

I like the 98's interior better anyways...Use the subframe and swap the rest of the parts needed to the front of the 98.

Thats the plan- rear axle too .

While i have the subframe out , I am going to paint it with POR-15 and make sure the bearings and steering is all tight

I noticed the halfshafts have diferent part numbers between 95 and 98 , wonder if the 98 is just improved or if they truly don't swap ( splines etc) because the bearins do have the same pat number as do the ABS sensors.

Radiators have different numbers too.

The front diff, axle shafts and hub bearings are different between the 2 vans. The 95 also has a different tranny and the transfer case is machined slightly different. Your best bet is to pull the 95 sub frame and remove everything except the front drivetrain parts. Use all the parts front he 98 and swap over including the engine, tranny and t-case. You could swap the front drivetrain parts but I personally like the 95's design better. You can swap out the CV shafts without popping ball joints.

So the 95 drive shafts will fit into the 98 diff ?

OK so the engine, transfer case, prop shaft and transmission from the 98. The half shafts and steering/hubs etc leave from the 95. The connection point between 95 and 98 will be at the front diff- 98 diff to 95 hubs - and I assume the 95 half shafts ?

I will have to mount the ABS module on the frame I assume that just involves drilling some holes

an the trans linkage should take car of itself because it will be on the 98 transmission right ?

Glad you know this stuff because I would be lost,.

So the 95 driveshafts will fit into the 98 diff ?

You can use the 98's drive shafts. The 95's may fit but I don't know for sure.

OK so the engine, transfer case, prop shaft and transmission from the 98. The halfshafts and steering/hubs etc leave from the 95. The connetion point between 95 and 98 will be at the front diff- 98 diff to 95 hubs - and I assume the 95 halfshafts ?

You will have to use the 95 diff with the 95 half shafts.

I will have to mount the ABS module on teh frame I ssume that just involves driling some holes

The 98's bracket is welded onto the frame.

an the trans likage soudl take car of itself because it will be on the 98 transmission right ?

Yuppers, it'll work fine because it's a cable.

Thanks, I am sure I will have a bunch of questions at least I wil have both vans side by side as I am doing this. Now I am debating whether I should just go ahead and get a longbock 4.3 while I am at it - one van has a bad engine, the oher one runs fine but has 80k miles, Won't ever be a better time to replace it than now

won't scotts have to use the computer from the 95 as well?

I wasplanning to use the 98 engine and trans and ABS mosule, so I think I would stick with the 98 computer , no ?

Yes, stick with the 98's computer and wiring as well. It is OBD-2 so the sensors and wiring are probably different between the two.

As for getting a long block to freshen the 4.3...don't bother. If you are going to put that much money into it, just go with a 350. 80k miles is just barely broke in on these engines. The SPB has around 160k on it and runs great. The 95 conversion I had that skippy has now, has over 280k on the original engine and runs great too. There are more folks here with 120k plus on there 4.3's than those with less than 100k!

I am really thinking about the 350- a crate 350 from a tahoe or 1500 should do the trick, and then find an ECM from the right vehicle in a scrapyard , some engine mounts and exhaust work- If I keep the 4.3 I will at least replace the intake gasket and water pump while it is acessible . Probably cheapest and fastest to do the 4.3 swap , my engine does run fine but I smell a slight amount of coolant ( don't see any leaks , may become obvious once I get the engine out what is going on) I have read that the intake manifold likes to leak coolant into the oil and ruin the engine ( probably what happened to the donor van)

Ok the big swap is starting -heres the two vans side by side






The plan ( so far)

Pull the subframe out of the red 98.

Pull everything off the subfame ( engine, trans , transfer case, PS, AC etc ec


Pull the subframe off of the 95

Pull eveything off of it -it is going in the 98

Clean and Paint the 95 subframe with POR15


WHeel bearings, tie rods , idlers , ball joints replaced 95 has bilstein shocks so those will stay


98 engine will get degreased, new water pump, new oil pan and rocker arm gaskets, plugs cap rotor wires, hoses & belts and starter ( I will do a compression check while it is out just to make sure everything is OK) ptobably EGR as well

Not sure if I will replace the intake manifold gasket ( once I get a good look at it I will decide)
Put on my Marine throttle body

Bigger front brakes (rotor and caliper )

New brake lines ( they go on the subframe before the engine goes in )

I am hoping to use the 98 diff and transfer case with the 98 engine , but with the 95 wheel bearings ( maybe those can be 98 also snce I am replacing them , will have to compare them )

New halfshafts, prop shaft and driveshaft

Replace rear seal in transmission

Shift kit in trans

New subframe mounts

assembled Subframe back into 98

Rear axle and sprngs from 95 into 98

Bilsteins, and sway bar from 95 to 98

Bigger drums/backing plate on the rear

New brake lines on the rear

Botom of 98 shell will get POR15 while the subframe and rear axle are out

New fluids in diff, transfer case, rear axle

Anyone that has ideas/suggestions,ofthings I should do while it is apart, let em' fly.

if ya need some help just let Me know.