A Rocky Road - a 2017 Suburban z71 Build Thread

[BigBoyZ71]

Starting a build thread as I dive deeper in my modifications. My ultimate goal is a weekend overlander/roadtripper to explore the eastern Rockies. Coming from lowered Subarus, it's a far departure from my automotive expertise. I've exclusively driven and modified EJ25-powered Subarus for the last 13 years.

I started with a 2017 z71 Suburban [Midnight Edition] with 140k KMs, in pretty neglected shape. Acquired in the Fall of 2024.

I've got some minor mods already installed, and I'm slowly researching and stockpiling parts to get it where I want to be.

Install List to Date

Exterior
Winter wheels and Tires - 17x8 +0 TRD Pro replicas, Nokian LT3 Studded 33s
Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro Fog Lights
Lasfit 3k/6k switchback low beams
LTZ Light Harness Mod
LED Rear Turn Signal Bulbs
LED Reverse Bulbs
Diode Dynamics Hitchmount C1
Debadged Suburban lettering - Side + Back
NorCal Mod
Rocker guard on rear Fender lips
PPF - bottom side of doors and rear bumper
Rack crossrails removed
Side steps removed

Interior
Amazon Dashmat
50% windshield tint

Performance + Miscellaneous
Diablosport Intune i3 - AFM disabled, trans tune
Autosync G2
6L80e rebuild - billet TC

Thanks for looking

 

[Joseph Garcia]

The Suburban's long wheel base will limit some of the off-road trails that you will be able to navigate, but that's a minor issue.

I have no experience with either lifting or lowering these beasts, or going offroad, as my truck is a street runner rig, so I cannot assist you in providing useful information and recommendations.

However, lots of folks in this Forum do lift their trucks and go offroad, and they will chime in. @the 18th letter

I wish you the best of outcomes, and I'll be watching your progress.

 

[BigBoyZ71]

Making it a true "Midnight Edition" Part 1​

Got some quotes from a few local shops for a few options - 1) wrapping, 2) painting, or 3) swapping new/salvage RST pieces. All are relatively expensive, and I couldn't find an salvage RST near me. I opted to trying DIY wrapping myself - cost me around $50 in materials + wrap tools. Overall, it's roughly a 7/10. I personally found trimming the wrap to be the hardest part. It passes the 5 foot test, and isn't bad for the cost and time investment. I'll likely end up buying RST trim pieces in the long term

 

[BigBoyZ71]

Making it a true "Midnight Edition", Part 2​

My OEM headlights were looking pretty ratty, so I decided to rebuild them while I swapped the grille. My original plan was to swap the lenses and re-use the OEM housings, until I figured out that GM uses permaseal in the headlight. I tried to seperate them using the baking method with no luck.

With that in mind, my plan switched to using a cheap set of amazon housings and cutting them open, but swapping over the internal wiring harness. I also figured while I was in there, I could upgrade the projector to a bi-led projector and black out the insides. Overall, pretty happy with how they came out. Photos of the process and the internals below if you're curious.

Part List
NHK M5 Bi-LED projector [used in low beam mode only]
H11 pig tail [for projector]
G5 Projector adapter plates
3k LED hi beam, drop in bulb
LED turn signals
Amazon Headlight housings
Easy Off HD Oven Cleaner
Black vinyl wrap [for chrome headlight eyebrow]
Black grille
Oscillating tool

What I started with

Cut line on the back of the lense channel

Headlights split

OEM harness + harness stripped from housing

Easy off working it's magic. Fun fact - the projector shroud is actually white polycarbonate, the chrome strips are black ABS. The Amazon project shroud was a clear plastic.

Chrome painted

Reflectors tinted

G5 adapter plate test fit

NHK projector test fit

sealed back together with plastic bonder (layer 1) and RVT (layer 2)

Installed and PPF'd

Aligned, nice and crispy

Finished product