Lifted Tahoe project/daily driver

[2003 6 in tahoe]

Hello, I’m new here, and I figured I’d share my project here. It’s a 2003 Tahoe with 170k and a 6in lift. Right now it needs quite a bit of love and attention since I beat the shit out of it since I bought it.
It currently has a 6in lift, AEM cold air, and a new rear bumper done.
I’m replacing the dented passenger side door, both front fenders due to rot, front bumper, head and tail lights, front grill, and a new wiring harness for driver door. I’m getting them all for just $500 in a bundle deal. I’m also replacing rockers, fuel lines, and finishing up any holes in the frame then coating everything. I’m also widening the stance with 4” spacers in the rear and 2” spacers in the front. Hopefully I’ll get to paint it green, and I’m hoping to convert the Tahoe into a 6.0 4x4 off-roader at some point in the future. Here are photos of said Tahoe currently.
I’m posting this because I hope to be able to find advice of where to find certain parts, best parts to get, etc.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Lots of folks here with modded trucks, so you will find a wealth of great information here.

 

[Coolman1987us]

Spacers are going to end up causing you more issues than they are worth and can be dangerous. Either run it as is or get different offset rims.

 

[2003 6 in tahoe]

Spacers are going to end up causing you more issues than they are worth and can be dangerous. Either run it as is or get different offset rims.

Really? I’ve been told by multiple people it shouldn’t be an issue. I currently have 2” spacers on just the rear and it seems to be fine

 

[ABN45]

Wheel spacers are not all that bad. Been running them for 2 years on my lifted 2015 2500HD Silverado with no issues and yes that means some overlanding and some mud runs.
However if your going to run some spacers keep them the same front and back. Running odd spacers on a lift can effect tract width overtime and uneven wear.
Just what I have noticed over the years from others.

 

[Alex_M]

Agreed - wheel spacers can be dangerous if misused. Absolute largest I'll use are 2", absolutely must be hub centric, and high quality studs in the spacers. Some spacers use a lower grade stud than factory. Actually use a torque wrench instead of an impact with spacers as well, and double check spacer to hub torque after 50 miles, then check wheel to spacer torque after another 50.

Wider offset wheels can also cause issues due to increased stress on wheel bearings, but that will just create more maintenance and repairs for you - less significant in terms of a safety concern.

If you are planning to off road it, double points in favor of keeping stock offset and minimal or no spacers at all. That's just adding stress to the already stressed parts, and if you're wanting to run large offroad tires you will be able to fit larger tires with stock offset. The sweet spot is 1.25 to 1.5" wider offset in terms of tire fitment. Any wider and you are shrinking the size tire you can fit again due to the swing when steering.

 

[Trey Hardy]

Really? I’ve been told by multiple people it shouldn’t be an issue. I currently have 2” spacers on just the rear and it seems to be fine

Shit I’ve ran 4” spacers before
I’ve had bare minimum 2” spacers on 14 wides for years with no issues the key is a good heavy duty front end and wheel bearings or the offset wheels and wheel spacers will eat that shit for breakfast kryptonite stuff has held up to my abuse and salt water conditions no probablem

 

[Trey Hardy]

Really? I’ve been told by multiple people it shouldn’t be an issue. I currently have 2” spacers on just the rear and it seems to be fine

I got 2” on my rear now and they even out with the front wheels perfectly

 

[Coolman1987us]

I got 2” on my rear now and they even out with the front wheels perfectly View attachment 438355

Don't act like that truck has ever seen a dirt road. Pavement princess.

 

[Trey Hardy]

Don't act like that truck has ever seen a dirt road. Pavement princess.

I take it down the beach every now and then I’ve actually took it down the side of the road coming off of Hatteras island running about 65-70mph a couple times testing the coil overs and uniball control arms but no I don’t mud bog my shit I’ll take it down the beach before I take it in the woods

 

[Raptor Tahoe]

Don't act like that truck has ever seen a dirt road. Pavement princess.

My 07 has seen plenty of dirt and I have spacers. Just make sure everything is heavy duty. Although the new 37s are creating some challenges off-road… but I really like them. More trimming required!

 

[Raptor Tahoe]

Hello, I’m new here, and I figured I’d share my project here. It’s a 2003 Tahoe with 170k and a 6in lift. Right now it needs quite a bit of love and attention since I beat the shit out of it since I bought it.
It currently has a 6in lift, AEM cold air, and a new rear bumper done.
I’m replacing the dented passenger side door, both front fenders due to rot, front bumper, head and tail lights, front grill, and a new wiring harness for driver door. I’m getting them all for just $500 in a bundle deal. I’m also replacing rockers, fuel lines, and finishing up any holes in the frame then coating everything. I’m also widening the stance with 4” spacers in the rear and 2” spacers in the front. Hopefully I’ll get to paint it green, and I’m hoping to convert the Tahoe into a 6.0 4x4 off-roader at some point in the future. Here are photos of said Tahoe currently.
I’m posting this because I hope to be able to find advice of where to find certain parts, best parts to get, etc.

Welcome to the forum. Great to see another lifted off-road Tahoe!

 

[INACTIVE ACCT]

My 07 has seen plenty of dirt and I have spacers. Just make sure everything is heavy duty. Although the new 37s are creating some challenges off-road… but I really like them. More trimming required!View attachment 438759

Clean rig!!! Question... where did you get the HD front bumper and grill from? Custom-built, or easy to purchase online?

 

[Raptor Tahoe]

Clean rig!!! Question... where did you get the HD front bumper and grill from? Custom-built, or easy to purchase online?

Thanks! Front bumper is a Trail Ready made for Tahoes and Suburbans… I love it. Super heavy duty and I have a 12,500lb Warn Winch inside, dual Andersen connectors in the ports to dual Optima batteries, and it has a front hitch. The grille is from Royalty Core and it is a great grille… but you have to cut the horizontal bow tie section out of the Tahoe grille to install. Not hard at all and very strong.

 

[INACTIVE ACCT]

Thanks! Front bumper is a Trail Ready made for Tahoes and Suburbans… I love it. Super heavy duty and I have a 12,500lb Warn Winch inside, dual Andersen connectors in the ports to dual Optima batteries, and it has a front hitch. The grille is from Royalty Core and it is a great grille… but you have to cut the horizontal bow tie section out of the Tahoe grille to install. Not hard at all and very strong.

With it being a HD bumper, what front suspension setup do you have to support the added weight?

 

[Raptor Tahoe]

With it being a HD bumper, what front suspension setup do you have to support the added weight?

I have a Rough Country lift and springs that are around an 8” lift. Was supposed to be a Fabtech, but the installer sold me Fabtech and installed Rough Country! The ride is great though and I love the bumpers.

 

[2003 6 in tahoe]

My 07 has seen plenty of dirt and I have spacers. Just make sure everything is heavy duty. Although the new 37s are creating some challenges off-road… but I really like them. More trimming required!View attachment 438759

what brand spacers do you use?

 

[Raptor Tahoe]

I believe they are Rough Country. Just on the back to get the front and back tires tracking in parallel.