MadDog's 02 Tahoe LT "Bertha" build thread

[MadDogDelpho]

What light bar is that? Do you have a link? How do you like the light output from it?



How did the leveling kit go in? Was it much of a pain?
How does it ride with the leveling kit and bilsteins? I was looking at getting the rough country leveling kit but wanted better shocks than they offered. This had me intrigued when I saw it of going the way you did with separate shocks.

The lightbar was this one, and it's really bright, plenty to see anything at night.
YITAMOTOR 50 Inch Curved LED Light Bar Spot Flood Combo Offroad Light with Wiring Harness 288W - 27,000 Lumens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0148FIZ1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CxIIzbZ1ZKNP4

I was able to do the lift kit in my driveway, it wasn't that hard. I got 2" spacers but I shouldve gotten 1" because it's at the limit of the shocks, but it's still not bad, I just feel it a little on speedbumps.

 

[bluebear15]

The lightbar was this one, and it's really bright, plenty to see anything at night.
YITAMOTOR 50 Inch Curved LED Light Bar Spot Flood Combo Offroad Light with Wiring Harness 288W - 27,000 Lumens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0148FIZ1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CxIIzbZ1ZKNP4

I was able to do the lift kit in my driveway, it wasn't that hard. I got 2" spacers but I shouldve gotten 1" because it's at the limit of the shocks, but it's still not bad, I just feel it a little on speedbumps.

Nice. How far out in front of you can you see now with the light bar compared to just high beams?

That's good to hear as I'd be doing it in my driveway as well. So it's lifted too much in the back stiffening up the springs and stretching the shocks is what you're saying?

 

[MadDogDelpho]

I can see a few hundred yards, way further than the factory high beams. But yes, I have Z71 springs and 2" spacers, so I think I'm maxing out the shocks, so if I go with a smaller spacer, then theoretically my ride should be better because the shock has a little more leeway.

 

[bluebear15]

I can see a few hundred yards, way further than the factory high beams. But yes, I have Z71 springs and 2" spacers, so I think I'm maxing out the shocks, so if I go with a smaller spacer, then theoretically my ride should be better because the shock has a little more leeway.

How did you run the wiring and mount the light bar?

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Just up the a-pillar and under the weatherstripping, into the engine bay, and I still need to run the wires for a proper switch through a grommet into the cab (I just have the little button that came with it now, fed through the doorjamb) @bluebear15

 

[Cattivo]

Just up the a-pillar and under the weatherstripping, into the engine bay, and I still need to run the wires for a proper switch through a grommet into the cab (I just have the little button that came with it now, fed through the doorjamb) @bluebear15

I bought this 4 gang switch clip along with 4 blue led rocker switches for all my led light bars and engine fans...I haven't gotten a chance to install them yet but they will make all your switches look legit brother

4 Gang Boat Rocker Switch Clip Panel Patrol Holder Housing Black For ARB Carling | eBay

ARB Carling Rocker Switch ZOMB light Blue LED Car Boat Waterproof 5Pins 12V | eBay

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Hell yeah. I just haven't had a chance to do the extra wiring. I eventually plan on putting in some rear cubes and air horns, so that'd be perfect @Cattivo

 

[Tonyrodz]

I bought this 4 gang switch clip along with 4 blue led rocker switches for all my led light bars and engine fans...I haven't gotten a chance to install them yet but they will make all your switches look legit brother

4 Gang Boat Rocker Switch Clip Panel Patrol Holder Housing Black For ARB Carling | eBay

ARB Carling Rocker Switch ZOMB light Blue LED Car Boat Waterproof 5Pins 12V | eBay

Cool zombie rocker.

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Finally picked up those roof rails that I bought a couple months back and threw them on, in preparation for the roof rack off the green truck.

Now that she's up off the ground it won't look as weird as before.

 

[05Single]

Finally picked up those roof rails that I bought a couple months back and threw them on, in preparation for the roof rack off the green truck.
View attachment 180797
Now that she's up off the ground it won't look as weird as before.
View attachment 180798

Neighbor has good taste

 

[MadDogDelpho]

@05Single yep! Before that they had a red scsb OBS and an 01 NBS Tahoe. It's honestly why I started considering the NBS trucks. Plus I'm the same age as their son, so we went to school together and we're pretty good friends.

 

[bluebear15]

Just up the a-pillar and under the weatherstripping, into the engine bay, and I still need to run the wires for a proper switch through a grommet into the cab (I just have the little button that came with it now, fed through the doorjamb) @bluebear15

Any pictures of how it's mounted? Do you have to drill holes or use existing ones? I've always been curious

 

[05Single]

Any pictures of how it's mounted? Do you have to drill holes or use existing ones? I've always been curious

I'm gonna guess he did. 9 out of 10 times most trucks and cars you'll have to drill a hole. Just no way around it.

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Yeah @bluebear15 unfortunately I did have to, and trim some of the weatherstripping as well. It's held in by rivnuts that I still have to really seat in there. I had just superglued it in place. But it's been pretty sturdy for well over a year now.

 

[bluebear15]

Yeah @bluebear15 unfortunately I did have to, and trim some of the weatherstripping as well. It's held in by rivnuts that I still have to really seat in there. I had just superglued it in place. But it's been pretty sturdy for well over a year now.
View attachment 180828 View attachment 180829 View attachment 180830 View attachment 180831

Thanks! That will be helpful when I install mine. Do you have any leaks from it? Just didn't know if had to use some silicon to seal up or something

 

[MadDogDelpho]

If it rains like cats and dogs, then it does a tiny bit. Some silicon would probably help, but it's unnecessary.

 

[Cattivo]

Yeah @bluebear15 unfortunately I did have to, and trim some of the weatherstripping as well. It's held in by rivnuts that I still have to really seat in there. I had just superglued it in place. But it's been pretty sturdy for well over a year now.
View attachment 180828 View attachment 180829 View attachment 180830 View attachment 180831

You should run the lightbar wires into the engine compartment then feed them through the grommet on the firewall back into the cab...guaranteed no leaks and no chance in shorting those wires out from constantly opening and closing the door on them brother

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Yeah it's the next thing on the list haha. Luckily they're very flexible and I haven't had any problems yet.

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Replaced my driver's side font hub, new front brake pads, And 1.5" spacers on all four corners, brings the stance out a bit and finally flush with the flares.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Replaced my driver's side font hub, new front brake pads, And 1.5" spacers on all four corners, brings the stance out a bit and finally flush with the flares.
View attachment 183298 View attachment 183299 View attachment 183300 View attachment 183301

Which spacers did you buy?