2021 Tahoe LS 4x4 Overlanding build

[csisson09]

Hey everyone. Picked up a 21 Tahoe ls with 4wd about two months ago. Had a brand new one back in 21 (2wd) but ended up needing to go back to a truck.

Either way I am back! And I am wanting to build this as an overland rig. I’ve been trying to do research on many things for this build but there are so few options. Thankfully there are lifts out now but not much else. So! I’m planning on doing some custom stuff myself and wanted to share it as I go, because the questions I have someone else might too!

What I’ve got:
White 2021 Tahoe Ls 4wd (no 4low)

So mod lists
I’ve already completed a readylift 3/2inch lift
Westcott Designs fender trim and bracket install for 35” tires
35x12.5R20 on Lock wheels (fuel look-a-likes)
Tint
Blacked out emblems (hyperdip)
Seat covers
Floor liners and that’s about it.

To do!
Custom front bumper WITHOUT CUTTING
Skid plates
Custom rear bumper guard
Westcott Designs Roof Rack (unless someone else makes one)
Venomaire intake system (electric fan acts like a supercharger)
Exhaust and CAI

I have attached some before and after photos of what I’ve done so far.

 

[Donnation]

Looks really good. Look forward to seeing the progress you make on your customizations.

 

[d_hawk]

Hey everyone. Picked up a 21 Tahoe ls with 4wd about two months ago. Had a brand new one back in 21 (2wd) but ended up needing to go back to a truck.

Either way I am back! And I am wanting to build this as an overland rig. I’ve been trying to do research on many things for this build but there are so few options. Thankfully there are lifts out now but not much else. So! I’m planning on doing some custom stuff myself and wanted to share it as I go, because the questions I have someone else might too!

What I’ve got:
White 2021 Tahoe Ls 4wd (no 4low)

So mod lists
I’ve already completed a readylift 3/2inch lift
Westcott Designs fender trim and bracket install for 35” tires
35x12.5R20 on Lock wheels (fuel look-a-likes)
Tint
Blacked out emblems (hyperdip)
Seat covers
Floor liners and that’s about it.

To do!
Custom front bumper WITHOUT CUTTING
Skid plates
Custom rear bumper guard
Westcott Designs Roof Rack (unless someone else makes one)
Venomaire intake system (electric fan acts like a supercharger)
Exhaust and CAI

I have attached some before and after photos of what I’ve done so far.

Could you post some details about the fender brackets, installation instructions if possible?

I have 285/50r22 Toyo at3’s on my stock suburban and would like to attempt 285/55r22’s when the time comes for new tires. The limiting factor currently is the rear of the fender wells when the front wheels are turned.

 

[csisson09]

Unfortunately I didn’t do the install

Could you post some details about the fender brackets, installation instructions if possible?

I have 285/50r22 Toyo at3’s on my stock suburban and would like to attempt 285/55r22’s when the time comes for new tires. The limiting factor currently is the rear of the fender wells when the front wheels are turned.

I had Westcotts shop do the lift and fender trim. I’d reach out to them and ask if you can buy the brackets.

 

[R32driver]

Looking good!

 

[csisson09]

Okay so I was planning on working on a front bumper mod to incorporate a winch and tow hooks, but may put that aside for the time being.

Looking for an exhaust recommendation. I love flowmaster and have always gone that route, but being that I want to get better performance out of this I’m leaning towards Magna flow. Any one have any good sounding magnaflows they can share a part number on?

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[csisson09]

So I’ve been toying around with doing my own custom front bumper…. And today I pulled the trigger on atleast removing the lower grill and trim. This alone increases the approach angle so much!!!! Better than the z71! So now I have so much space to do a front bumper possibly with a winch.

The bumper build will be simple and stay within the lower grille piece where the tow hooks sit. BTW Z71 tow hooks will fit ls models without adaptive cruise control. I’ve ordered some after market Silverado tow hooks from Amazon that will help here this afternoon. I’ll post if they fit but the stock tow hooks from the Silverado and z71 look identical.

There are a few before hand pics and then after, as well as the tow hook installed. Let me know your thoughts!

 

[csisson09]

Proof that Silverado tow hooks will fit a 2021 Tahoe!

The manufacturer sent one with a nut on the wrong side. Thanks china. But drilled one hole and they fit perfectly. Stock tow hooks wouldnt require any drilling.

What do you think of the green?

 

[MD666]

Looks awesome. I think building a bar that would follow the contours of the bumper as is would be slick.

 

[csisson09]

Yea me too. We shall see. Playing around with some ideas.

Looks awesome. I think building a bar that would follow the contours of the bumper as is would be slick.

 

[csisson09]

So first ever rear tow hooks for 2021-2023 Tahoe! After a trip to harbor freight and some DIY mounted two hitch receivers directly to the frame. Only modification to the truck itself was cutting the squares in the bumper. Finished off those cuts with some door bumper trim. Think it cleaned up nice and clean!

Plus I can swap out tow point types to other accessories like a diode hitch light I have. Or I can put black caps on them to blend with the bumper.

Let me know if anyone else tries this mod!

 

[B-train]

Proof that Silverado tow hooks will fit a 2021 Tahoe!

The manufacturer sent one with a nut on the wrong side. Thanks china. But drilled one hole and they fit perfectly. Stock tow hooks wouldnt require any drilling.

What do you think of the green?
View attachment 402010

The green on the cool ass old pickup in the background?........oh wait, yeah the hooks look good too. LOL

 

[B-train]

So first ever rear tow hooks for 2021-2023 Tahoe! After a trip to harbor freight and some DIY mounted two hitch receivers directly to the frame. Only modification to the truck itself was cutting the squares in the bumper. Finished off those cuts with some door bumper trim. Think it cleaned up nice and clean!

Plus I can swap out tow point types to other accessories like a diode hitch light I have. Or I can put black caps on them to blend with the bumper.

Let me know if anyone else tries this mod!

Very nice modification! Love it

 

[csisson09]

The green on the cool ass old pickup in the background?........oh wait, yeah the hooks look good too. LOL

1969 F350 Crew Cab long bed! That’s my baby. Thx!

 

[csisson09]

So had a thing done today! Magnaflow muffler swap part number 12229. At idle it sounds a little quieter but once you hit the gas! Boy does it come alive. Already noticed an increase in throttle response. Does have some minor drone at 75mph but nothing crazy. That’s why they have stereos. Cant post the video. But follow me on Instagram @chris.jame5

 

[TrueAt1stLight]

So first ever rear tow hooks for 2021-2023 Tahoe! After a trip to harbor freight and some DIY mounted two hitch receivers directly to the frame. Only modification to the truck itself was cutting the squares in the bumper. Finished off those cuts with some door bumper trim. Think it cleaned up nice and clean!

Plus I can swap out tow point types to other accessories like a diode hitch light I have. Or I can put black caps on them to blend with the bumper.

Let me know if anyone else tries this mod!

WOW, did that ever turn out great!

 

[csisson09]

WOW, did that ever turn out great!

Rear all matched up now too!

 

[AydenRandall]

Looks stunning!

 

[Lee Stone]

I have to say these mods are really nice lol

 

[csisson09]

Alright. Cold air intake added to the truck!
Went with a Cold Air inductions for a Silverado. Bolted right up no problem. Saved $200 too!
Probably only going to see a minimal increase in mpg but something is better than nothing. I feel like since I did the exhaust my fuel economy has gone down. Average before was 15.7 freeway and now closer to 15ish.


Also word to the wise, if you do your exhaust be prepared to hear how often that 10 speed transmission downshifts. There is minor drone but the constant shifting is what is more annoying. Oh well!