1996 2Door Tahoe Refurbishment

[chandlerhayes01]

So I am going to start a build thread on the work I’m doing on my 1996 2 door Tahoe LS. My dad bought me this car when I was in high school and we have kept it for the last 19-20 years. It’s been parked for a couple of years and I have recently pulled it out of retirement to drive. I will be doing some simple needed repairs and working on getting it back to the way it was in high school. Below are a few pictures of what I’m starting with. We will see how this goes….

 

[97YukonNZ]

So I am going to start a build thread on the work I’m doing on my 1996 2 door Tahoe LS. My dad bought me this car when I was in high school and we have kept it for the last 19-20 years. It’s been parked for a couple of years and I have recently pulled it out of retirement to drive. I will be doing some simple needed repairs and working on getting it back to the way it was in high school. Below are a few pictures of what I’m starting with. We will see how this goes….

Tidy looking rig!!

 

[tom3]

Pretty amazing for a 27 yr. old machine. Looks like it doesn't need a lot cosmetically.

 

[chandlerhayes01]

It might be hard to tell in the photos but the hood needs to be repainted. This is getting done tomorrow. We just recently had the transmission rebuilt with all upgraded parts. Cosmetically the carpet needs to be replaced as well as the dash. I have been looking into a dashskin for it and a carpet kit. Other than that all the body panels are original and are clean. Right now im trying to track down a ticking noise that i think is coming from the starter touch the flywheel. I havent quite figured that one out yet.

chandler

 

[Tonyrodz]

Overall looks in great shape. Are you in a salty state? I see no rust, which is great.

 

[chandlerhayes01]

Overall looks in great shape. Are you in a salty state? I see no rust, which is great.

I’m in upstate South Carolina

 

[OR VietVet]

I look forward to watching this as I used to own a 96 2 door. That tick noise could be an inspection cover flopping around, starter drive gear not withdrawing back correctly or cracked flexplate. When do you hear the noise?

 

[chandlerhayes01]

I look forward to watching this as I used to own a 96 2 door. That tick noise could be an inspection cover flopping around, starter drive gear not withdrawing back correctly or cracked flexplate. When do you hear the noise?

I heard it a few days after it got out of the transmission shop. I’m pretty sure it’s the gear not withdrawing. I’m going to throw a starter in today or tomorrow.

 

[OR VietVet]

Ok, hold it. After the transmission shop? Why in the transmission shop? That tick could be from something they did. Left loose and now is causing a problem? Your call.

 

[chandlerhayes01]

Ok, hold it. After the transmission shop? Why in the transmission shop? That tick could be from something they did. Left loose and now is causing a problem? Your call.

We had the transmission rebuilt after getting 265k plus miles out of it. It was done by a very reputable shop. I started the Tahoe cold other day and climbed underneath and tapped the starter with a hammer. It was making the exact noise it does under load. So that’s what led me to the starter

 

[OR VietVet]

We had the transmission rebuilt after getting 265k plus miles out of it. It was done by a very reputable shop. I started the Tahoe cold other day and climbed underneath and tapped the starter with a hammer. It was making the exact noise it does under load. So that’s what led me to the starter

Sounds like is the drive gear then. I would assume ANY shop that pulls the transmission would inspect the flexplate for cracks.

 

[chandlerhayes01]

Sounds like is the drive gear then. I would assume ANY shop that pulls the transmission would inspect the flexplate for cracks.

They inspected the flex plate, fly wheel and even the rear main seal while it was out

 

[chandlerhayes01]

Starter arrived today so I will be installing once the Tahoe gets done with paint around Wednesday.

 

[OR VietVet]

Please tell me you are having the rear main seal done while it is apart.....please.....

 

[chandlerhayes01]

Please tell me you are having the rear main seal done while it is apart.....please.....

It has been recently done

 

[OR VietVet]

It has been recently done

If that rear main seal was recently done, by "recent" do you mean when the recent transmission work was done or before that and if before that, when?

 

[chandlerhayes01]

it was done before the transmission replacement within the last couple of years. it has been parked essentially for the past 4. the guy who rebuilt the transmission said that the seal looked really good and he did not see the point in replacing it.

 

[OR VietVet]

Ok, makes sense. Just needed clarification.

 

[chandlerhayes01]

Got the Tahoe back from paint and installed the new starter. The ticking has stopped thank God. Next will be some new crossbars and then will probably start on front suspension and steering

Chandler

 

[chandlerhayes01]

I got the roof rack installed other night. It’s a simple one from sportsman’s warehouse. I also installed new 4x10 speakers in the rear. The Tahoe is going into the shop on January 16 to have the front end completely replaced. I wanted to do it myself but decided against it due to work and other time factors.

One thing I’m puzzled by currently is on the passenger side floorboard the carpet always seems to be wet. I see nothing leaking and haven’t found a source of the moisture. Has anyone seen this before???