Just got back recently! The main trip is over, right now I'm attending local/regional events and weekend wheeling.
'99 Tahoe - Expedition Build!
- Thread starter sparg93
- Start date
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Just got back recently! The main trip is over, right now I'm attending local/regional events and weekend wheeling.
Matt06Yukon
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2012
- Posts
- 229
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Sweet setup man, great build. You actually attacked the things that are important for really wheeling. That said, I think the 33's actually look perfect on the rig. The extra weight and wear and tear of 35's are not worth it on 1/2 ton IFS imo. My wife and I spent a week offroading around Ouray this summer in my TJ. It laughs at pretty much everything offroad, but is so damn small and I reallllly missed having a V8 climbing mountain grades. I've been looking at 2 door Hoe's and Yukon's to build for real wheeling and this was a good thread to read!
Thanks Matt! If you're going to wheel a lot, I think you'll love the 2dr version you're currently looking for. I agree, it's hard to beat that hard charging V8 going up a hill.
I love my 4dr, but the breakover angle test my patience at times with the tbars hanging down low and having such a long wheel base.
We decided to move quickly through Nevada, except for staying x2 days in Reno. In Reno this was the first time we grabbed a hotel room...our thoughts, when are we ever coming back here??
While doing research on the area, we did not come across too much info on great spots to wheel and explore. But while we were crossing through the state...which by the way, don't take Extraterrestrial Highway (there's nothing to see!!!) b/c it's VERY long and straight...we came across a number of locals that mentioned great places to wheel, caves to see, etc.
Unfortunately we had booked our rooms already so we had to make it there by nightfall...but if I was back in Nevada, I would definitely spend a few days there wheeling around b/c there were trails everywhere off the main roads.
At the photos below, we were crossing by a Naval Lake (I didn't know these existed) and there a hatching event going on. There must have been billions of bugs bc the air was so thick with them, it seemed like fog. We had to pull over twice in just a few miles to wipe them off the windshield b/c it was impossible to see!
Hard to see...but that haze is ALL BUGS!
While doing research on the area, we did not come across too much info on great spots to wheel and explore. But while we were crossing through the state...which by the way, don't take Extraterrestrial Highway (there's nothing to see!!!) b/c it's VERY long and straight...we came across a number of locals that mentioned great places to wheel, caves to see, etc.
Unfortunately we had booked our rooms already so we had to make it there by nightfall...but if I was back in Nevada, I would definitely spend a few days there wheeling around b/c there were trails everywhere off the main roads.
At the photos below, we were crossing by a Naval Lake (I didn't know these existed) and there a hatching event going on. There must have been billions of bugs bc the air was so thick with them, it seemed like fog. We had to pull over twice in just a few miles to wipe them off the windshield b/c it was impossible to see!
Hard to see...but that haze is ALL BUGS!
Apologies for the long delay, here are some updated details and photos for everyone.
After Nevada, we arrived in Cali and the great little town of Chester. We were blown away by all the little things to do here - fishing, hiking, hot springs, etc.
Luckily, there was a network of logging roads near the town so we set up our base and stayed a few nights. One morning we came upon a Search & Rescue team training their dogs...very nice group of ladies
Some more pics of a few of the local hikes we found:
After Nevada, we arrived in Cali and the great little town of Chester. We were blown away by all the little things to do here - fishing, hiking, hot springs, etc.
Luckily, there was a network of logging roads near the town so we set up our base and stayed a few nights. One morning we came upon a Search & Rescue team training their dogs...very nice group of ladies
Some more pics of a few of the local hikes we found:
Some photos of the Rubicon Trail @ Lake Tahoe!!
This trail is amazing for anyone willing to attempt it. For a fullsize rig, I recommend 35's and at least a rear locker or LSD...plus tons of body armor. The entire trail is loaded with small through large boulders and for us big guys, it's slow going unless you don't mind body damage.
It's definitely one of the tougher trails we encountered and you will need a CB or HAM radio b/c there is no cell service and it seems like every year someone rolls off the trail and emergency services are required.
One of the buggies on the trail:
Posing for a photo:
Look Out Point
We built a proper fire pit...most we found were crap and made by people that don't know how to build fire pits
This trail is amazing for anyone willing to attempt it. For a fullsize rig, I recommend 35's and at least a rear locker or LSD...plus tons of body armor. The entire trail is loaded with small through large boulders and for us big guys, it's slow going unless you don't mind body damage.
It's definitely one of the tougher trails we encountered and you will need a CB or HAM radio b/c there is no cell service and it seems like every year someone rolls off the trail and emergency services are required.
One of the buggies on the trail:
Posing for a photo:
Look Out Point
We built a proper fire pit...most we found were crap and made by people that don't know how to build fire pits
Gzes
the drifting 2dr
Badass bro wish i could go around n trail ride my 2dr
I guess it's finally time to post photos of my custom console!
This console was originally designed for '12 Police Tahoe, but after speaking with the engineer, is was customized to fit my truck. We went through the CAD designs, took a lot of measurements and after a few weeks of waiting, this is the final product. The fit came out pretty good considering they never saw my truck or had a donor at their facility. I was able to leave the factory DC outlets exposed and the height of the console is spot on.
B/c I'm not using any police radios they had mounts for, I had to ship my HAM and CB to them to make custom cradles so they could be mounted within the console.
What you're looking at (starting from the top)
x2 DC sockets
Remote Relay Switch: Blue Sea 500amp Charging Relay
LED (red/white) flexible reading light (passenger side)
HAM Radio: TYF
CB Radio: Uniden Bearcat 880
12Volt Guy Switch Panel: Winch, Bull Bar Light, Roof Lights, Rear Lights, Fan Switch, Air Pump, Aux
3 Gauges: Transmission & x2 Batteries
Misc Junk Holder
Cup Holder
Locked Gun Box
On the passenger side of the console, the storage sleeve is large enough that I have a power strip down there, misc charging wires and my collection of Road Atlases. Inside the console is my Blue Sea system fuse box and Samlex Pure Sine Inverter (fuse box pictured below). I decided on this particular fuse box b/c it has its own grounding bar so I could run short wires simply to the fuse panel that is fused directly to the battery. Also, all the items in the console are run off my aux battery.
With the amount of heat generated by all the equipment, I had x2 grills punched out of the sides of the console (you can see one in the pic) and it also vents rearward. The console is secured to the body of the truck using OEM holes and a custom mounting solution.
Upcoming changes:
- The 12Volt Guy panel is 1/8" too narrow. Unfortunately the panel was built (w/my specs) before the design of the console was finalized and a change had to be made. With that in mind, I used velcro to secure the panel to the console until I can figure out a proper and final mounting solution that doesn't damage the panel. Also, the console was installed in Arizona - various parts were not ready by the time i left NJ, so I had everything shipped to AZ. When I have time, I'm also going to clean up the wiring down below with looms and tags.
- HAM Radio is too long and actually bumps into part of the internal support structure of the console. When I get my hands on an angle grinder, I'm going to fix everything so the HAM sits flush with its cradle.
More photos:
This console was originally designed for '12 Police Tahoe, but after speaking with the engineer, is was customized to fit my truck. We went through the CAD designs, took a lot of measurements and after a few weeks of waiting, this is the final product. The fit came out pretty good considering they never saw my truck or had a donor at their facility. I was able to leave the factory DC outlets exposed and the height of the console is spot on.
B/c I'm not using any police radios they had mounts for, I had to ship my HAM and CB to them to make custom cradles so they could be mounted within the console.
What you're looking at (starting from the top)
x2 DC sockets
Remote Relay Switch: Blue Sea 500amp Charging Relay
LED (red/white) flexible reading light (passenger side)
HAM Radio: TYF
CB Radio: Uniden Bearcat 880
12Volt Guy Switch Panel: Winch, Bull Bar Light, Roof Lights, Rear Lights, Fan Switch, Air Pump, Aux
3 Gauges: Transmission & x2 Batteries
Misc Junk Holder
Cup Holder
Locked Gun Box
On the passenger side of the console, the storage sleeve is large enough that I have a power strip down there, misc charging wires and my collection of Road Atlases. Inside the console is my Blue Sea system fuse box and Samlex Pure Sine Inverter (fuse box pictured below). I decided on this particular fuse box b/c it has its own grounding bar so I could run short wires simply to the fuse panel that is fused directly to the battery. Also, all the items in the console are run off my aux battery.
With the amount of heat generated by all the equipment, I had x2 grills punched out of the sides of the console (you can see one in the pic) and it also vents rearward. The console is secured to the body of the truck using OEM holes and a custom mounting solution.
Upcoming changes:
- The 12Volt Guy panel is 1/8" too narrow. Unfortunately the panel was built (w/my specs) before the design of the console was finalized and a change had to be made. With that in mind, I used velcro to secure the panel to the console until I can figure out a proper and final mounting solution that doesn't damage the panel. Also, the console was installed in Arizona - various parts were not ready by the time i left NJ, so I had everything shipped to AZ. When I have time, I'm also going to clean up the wiring down below with looms and tags.
- HAM Radio is too long and actually bumps into part of the internal support structure of the console. When I get my hands on an angle grinder, I'm going to fix everything so the HAM sits flush with its cradle.
More photos:
97WhiteYukon
Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2012
- Posts
- 87
- Reaction score
- 14
That's really cool man, sounds like the kind of road trip (or off road trip) you won't forget!
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
if i had the money i would do mine while just sitting around here. Mine would go way beyong the one you got there. I am talking PLC electronics and all kinds of electric/electronics integration.
Like what?
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
everything i can.
Like what, what would you run through your console?
I'm curious b/c I'm still looking at ways to improve my setup.
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
it is not really what i would run thru it as it how different things are controlled, electrically protected and such. i have plenty of ideas for future things but it is very complicated to explain what my plans are. perhaps some specific question you might have on something.
This is a build thread after all...so I'll take a brief departure from trip photos to show some recent updates to the Tahoe
After swamping the truck in a mud hole in Maine, just about every breather tube took on mud & water. The most vital for me to change out was the transmission fluid. I've been wanting a serviceable pan for quite some time, so I found one with the deep dish option. To properly service the transmission, I had a shop hook their machine up to the aux tranny lines and flush the system using Dex VI fluid and NO CLEANING agent. After 1k miles+, tranny runs like it always had...no problems!
The rock sliders were rusting on the tops (from stepping on) them and numerous rock strikes (bottom). I used a simple rattle can of black and it came out pretty good. But I need a better solution b/c the paint hasn't lasted long and I really don't have a lot of interest in repainting them every few months
I also installed this massive 12k GVWR radiator (AC Delco) that was originally intended for the 7.4L K3500. I ended up having to fabricate new top mounting brackets and purchase the upper/lower shroud to clear the taller radiator. Otherwise all the cooler mounts were identical and it was fairly plug & play.
After swamping the truck in a mud hole in Maine, just about every breather tube took on mud & water. The most vital for me to change out was the transmission fluid. I've been wanting a serviceable pan for quite some time, so I found one with the deep dish option. To properly service the transmission, I had a shop hook their machine up to the aux tranny lines and flush the system using Dex VI fluid and NO CLEANING agent. After 1k miles+, tranny runs like it always had...no problems!
The rock sliders were rusting on the tops (from stepping on) them and numerous rock strikes (bottom). I used a simple rattle can of black and it came out pretty good. But I need a better solution b/c the paint hasn't lasted long and I really don't have a lot of interest in repainting them every few months
I also installed this massive 12k GVWR radiator (AC Delco) that was originally intended for the 7.4L K3500. I ended up having to fabricate new top mounting brackets and purchase the upper/lower shroud to clear the taller radiator. Otherwise all the cooler mounts were identical and it was fairly plug & play.
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
said part #? 2-core right?This is a build thread after all...so I'll take a brief departure from trip photos to show some recent updates to the Tahoe
After swamping the truck in a mud hole in Maine, just about every breather tube took on mud & water. The most vital for me to change out was the transmission fluid. I've been wanting a serviceable pan for quite some time, so I found one with the deep dish option. To properly service the transmission, I had a shop hook their machine up to the aux tranny lines and flush the system using Dex VI fluid and NO CLEANING agent. After 1k miles+, tranny runs like it always had...no problems!
The rock sliders were rusting on the tops (from stepping on) them and numerous rock strikes (bottom). I used a simple rattle can of black and it came out pretty good. But I need a better solution b/c the paint hasn't lasted long and I really don't have a lot of interest in repainting them every few months
I also installed this massive 12k GVWR radiator (AC Delco) that was originally intended for the 7.4L K3500. I ended up having to fabricate new top mounting brackets and purchase the upper/lower shroud to clear the taller radiator. Otherwise all the cooler mounts were identical and it was fairly plug & play.
Hey Sunlit, here you go!
ACDELCO Part # 21371
The kick in the butt is that the shrouds are discontinued and so is one of the top mounting brackets. The 454 K3500's are tough to find in my neck of the woods...so it took some digging to find a new shroud (Chevy warehouse in PA) and had to fab the metal brackets vs a Pick-n-Pull.
ACDELCO Part # 21371
The kick in the butt is that the shrouds are discontinued and so is one of the top mounting brackets. The 454 K3500's are tough to find in my neck of the woods...so it took some digging to find a new shroud (Chevy warehouse in PA) and had to fab the metal brackets vs a Pick-n-Pull.
SunlitComet
OBS Jedi-Do Good
should a went electric already.
