Hello and good afternoon, as requested by some forum members that helped me with lots of questions regarding the 2004 Chevy Express 1500 that I'm trying to get back on the road, I will be doing a update as well as a very important decision that I need help deciding.
So last week, I have finally got to the DMV and have gotten the van on the road and legal to drive. Next day I took it to the shop for a general check up on anything and everything the van needs or will need. It turns out there is multiple things wrong as expected but most was minor and obvious like the tires dry rotting, however one has caught my eye, the rack and pinion needs immediate replacing.
So as skeptical as I am with untrustworthy mechanics, I take it home and look for my self. It turns out the mechanic is telling the truth, the rack and pinion does need immediate replacing due to seeing large amounts of power steering fluid coming out of it especially when someone is turning the steering wheel. I've also learned that the trip to the mechanic shop took one bottle of power steering fluid. Also, during the time of manufacturing, Chevy was doing something stupid and they combined the brake system and the power steering system for something they were trying to do which explained why the brake pedal was getting closer to the floor as I pulled into the shop. I've done a lot of research and all together, it's going to be $700 to $1000 which includes using quality parts and labor.
Im going to be honest with you, I am kinda devastated. I absolutely love this van, it rides so nice and after tightening a clamp on a intake hose, it idles perfectly. I love sitting up high plus the van is kinda fun to drive. This is my first big truck van I have ever had and I know I would have to pay so much more money to get something similar to it. It has 112k miles on it, still intact and good condition leather seats. Cold AC and hot heat.
Lastly, I have a will to put money into the van but I'm just asking opinion on if it's worth it or not. Buying another one or something similar like a pickup truck will be a lot more money especially since people are trying to sell their 2004 Chevy Express for $4000 to $5000 with more mileage then the one I have.
Chevy was doing something stupid and they combined the brake system and the power steering system
It's called hydraboost power steering. It's common on trucks, and effective. Before that, there was vacuum boost which was no picnic, and before that steering was manual and you don't want that on a full size van.
This is an 18yr old vehicle that sat a long time. Degrading rubber seals are to be expected. (as you saw from the tires)
The steering rack needs to be taken out. Not sure if it's worth rebuilding. A new one will run you around $300 with lifetime warranty. Since you got the van for a song and dance, I'd say you're still ahead in the game.
Thank you a lot for you reply, it helps a lot. I still see reliability within this van and it's been in my dads possession since brand new and used for his business. He bought a Ford Econoline before the Chevy van and he said he didn't like it at all and traded it in for the Chevy Express which I believe is slightly more reliable since Ford had some trouble with their engines. He took it off the road three or four years ago due to insurance. He was going to put it back on the road but his business went down hill due to becoming disabled and diagnosed with parkinsons disease.