Introduction & Current 05 Yukon XL Project

[WA7S0N]

So I had some free time today and I finally got the DVD player, backup cam, and usb port installed.

This is stock:
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Here's the SiriusXM tuner. I just used the factory antenna instead of the one that came in the kit.

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Here's the backup cam:

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Here's the finished product. I'm really happy with how the USB port turned out. It's off center because when I was drilling it, the plastic tabs on the inside were causing the drill bit to jump back and forth. It works fine for me though lol.

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[WA7S0N]

Well, I finally got the old autoride shocks and springs off and replaced them with Monroe Reflex Monotube shocks and Moog springs and insulators. Man, the ride quality is unreal now. So smooth it's crazy, and now I don't feel every imperfection in the pavement.

The service ride control message came on and I cleared it by unplugging the negative battery cable, removing the RTD fuse, letting the vehicle sit for 10 minutes, and plugging the negative battery cable back up. I had no negative side effects from this RTD fuse removal as others have stated on other threads. All good.

I also replaced the stock (very old) acdelco plugs and wires with MSD 8.5mm Super Conductor wires and NGK Laser Iridium Plugs. I went from an average of 17mpg highway to just under 20mpg highway (2 hour trip), with a much smoother idle and power delivery throughout the entire RPM range. My tune is stock, and the only aftermarket add-ons are the CAI and Flowmaster exhaust.

Blown Autoride shocks:
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New rear shocks and springs:
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New front shocks:
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New highway average MPG:
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Also, I have an appointment to get those BFG KO2's and wheels mounted on Thursday. I'll be posting pictures shortly thereafter.

 

[WA7S0N]

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, I've finally got the wheels and tires on. I'm very happy with the look. Also, I'm debating on spacers... but idk.

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[Fosscore]

Looking great!!

 

[WA7S0N]

Looking great!!

Thanks man!

 

[Countryboy07]

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, I've finally got the wheels and tires on. I'm very happy with the look. Also, I'm debating on spacers... but idk.

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Looks great!!! I'd go with 1.5" or 1.75" spacers. Here's mine with 1.5"

 

[WA7S0N]

Looks great!!! I'd go with 1.5" or 1.75" spacers. Here's mine with 1.5"

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Looks good man! I'll probably go that route. I had some 2inch spacers in my cart on Amazon lol. Right now I need to track down the source of my vibration. I've got terrible vibration around 70mph+. My wheels and tires were balanced 3 times, speed and load balanced... So it's not them. I've got a brand new suspension. I know I have a bad idler arm, but I couldn't imagine it would cause it to shake this much... I was also told something as small as the rotor retaining clips could cause it.

I had the vibration before, it just wasn't as bad. But I'm sure going up in size on my wheels and tires only made the issue worse.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Where's the vibration coming from? How's the driveshaft?

 

[WA7S0N]

Where's the vibration coming from? How's the driveshaft?

It's kinda hard to pinpoint. It kinda shakes all over. Shakes the seats and the steering column. I know I have a bad idler arm. I noticed that when I put the new suspension on. I haven't checked my u-joints yet either.

And I guess the driveshaft is fine idk. It's only around 73mph to 78mph. 80+ it smooths back out.

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Nice build man! Subbed!

 

[WA7S0N]

Nice build man! Subbed!

Thanks man!

 

[adventurenali92]

Love the progress on this truck! I like the snowflake wheels in that color combo! It's bitchin! Headunit and backup are awesome! It updates tech quite nicely! I did that to mine in April last year and mounted my backup cam in exactly the same place! Lol. Looking good man keep up the progress! Like the look of the blacked out headlight housings too!

 

[WA7S0N]

Love the progress on this truck! I like the snowflake wheels in that color combo! It's bitchin! Headunit and backup are awesome! It updates tech quite nicely! I did that to mine in April last year and mounted my backup cam in exactly the same place! Lol. Looking good man keep up the progress! Like the look of the blacked out headlight housings too!

Thanks! Yeah, the backup cam is so awesome. It's probably one of the most useful features. Well, that, and the seamless Bluetooth audio and phone calls.

I have some black lug nuts arriving today. They didn't ship with the wheels. It's driving me crazy having those nice wheels on but having the original open-ended lug nuts on still. Stands out like a sore thumb I think.

 

[WA7S0N]

Its been forever since I've posted an update, so here's a more current picture. I've added a 52 inch curved lightbar, and added a custom toggle in the dash for that. I've also ditched the halos and went with a U-Bar style headlight. I replaced my shit bulbs (low/high/fog) with led bulbs from headlight experts which made a huge difference in visibility, however leave a lot to be desired for the $300 I spent for the kit.

I'm also going to replace the fog lights entirely with 7inch led bars on each side. I'm going to wire them in with standard wiring so I can use my existing button. I've done the 6-high mod so I'll be able to run them regardless of what beam I'm using. I already have the lightbars and wiring adapters for a smooth plug and play install, I'm just waiting for this damn rain/snow to stop and a day off.

 

[Fosscore]

Those U bar headlights looks pretty good. What are you using for the fog light replacements?

 

[WA7S0N]

Those U bar headlights looks pretty good. What are you using for the fog light replacements?

Yeah, I love these new headlights. Here's the new fog lights. I'll post pictures when I get them on.

 

[WA7S0N]

I got them on ebay for like $25, and ordered the plug and play adapter for like $7 on Amazon.

 

[Fosscore]

Yeah, I love these new headlights. Here's the new fog lights. I'll post pictures when I get them on.
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Cool man thx. Yukon headlighting options...grrr lol.

Can you send the link to the adapter?

 

[WA7S0N]

Oh, and in case anyone is curious, I currently have about 230k miles on the original motor and trans. I replaced the water pump about 6 months ago. There is a slight delay in shifting from 2nd to 3rd, but this has been present since I've had it, with no signs of it worsening. All in all, she's still going strong.

I do plan on eventually swapping in a newer 5.3 with low miles or rebuilding my own. I'd like to install a cam and turbo as well... But that is on the back burner for now.

 

[WA7S0N]

Cool man thx. Yukon headlighting options...grrr lol.

Can you send the link to the adapter?

Sure man, here's the exact setup I have:

Fogs:
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/323583588735

Adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HNAT6SQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_LHErCbYB0XXAX