My Resto-Mod Odyssey - '08 Tahoe LT3

[08HoeCD]

Critical modifications to date:

BBP tune
Airaid M.I.T.
KYB Gas-A-Just shocks
SLP Delete Kit
Full LED exterior except for headlamps, turn signals
Full LED interior
Dynamat treatment to all four doors



This thread will feature posts and photos outside of their actual order of occurrence, as much of what will be found here took place in the past and, thus, I see little value in sharing in the original chronology. Instead, the main purpose is simply to corral all my restorations, repairs and modifications in one simple gathering & viewing point. Memory lane for me, and maybe a little help or, even better, inspiration for you.

And so, without further ado...

Installed some absolutely fantastic reverse LED bulbs after reading about and seeing them in a build thread by a great forum member and friend @Fosscore

Link to a listing on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DGC885C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here they are ( off and also on ) taken with my Tahoe parked in my garage, door open, about 4pm. Crazy bright.

 

[08HoeCD]

One of the first changes I made after buying my 2008 LT3 with 126k miles was replacing all four (4) shocks with KYB Gas-A-Just units. Had a great result on a prior heavy full-size vehicle (2004 Crown Victoria LX Sport) with them and figured I'd go this route again.

Great results with the Tahoe: good control combined with comfortable compliance.

Here's links to Amazon listings for front struts and rear shocks:
https://www.amazon.com/KYB-555054-G...1-145-104-1-0&sr=1-9&ymm=2008:chevrolet:tahoe

https://www.amazon.com/KYB-551121-G...rd_wg=DXMVJ&psc=1&refRID=321JXMAT3QEKG81Q7Y5N

 

[Fosscore]

Another build thread under way....yes!!!

 

[08HoeCD]

Thanks Fosscore

I'm off to a slow start, as it's a busy weekend after being on vacation for a week, and I leave for a business trip Tuesday AM for another week. Will ramp-up the content by early May, once I catch my breath. LOL

 

[08HoeCD]

A few months back, I opted to remove the badges from both front doors. Nothing to the task, really, and it's been written about many times on this forum and elsewhere, so I won't go into the detail. Just sharing the before & after pics, taken inside my garage....for kicks!:

 

[Kenny D]

Build threads are sweet. From what I have seen in this community, is that we can share ideas, and even copy mods from each other and no one gets mad.

 

[05Single]

Subscribed !
Looking forward to more progress

 

[08HoeCD]

Build threads are sweet. From what I have seen in this community, is that we can share ideas, and even copy mods from each other and no one gets mad.

Yes, I agree. Great community here.

 

[08HoeCD]

Subscribed !
Looking forward to more progress

Thanks, brother!

 

[08HoeCD]

I traded a '12 Challenger R/T for my '08 Tahoe LT3. I'd lusted after the Dodge for years and finally pulled the trigger in 2013. Pitch Black with 6-spd manual, Super Trak Pack and custom Katzkin leather.

Really enjoyed that car but my daily driving needs changed in mid-2016 so I made the swap into the Tahoe.....but still reflect back on her with fond memories.

 

[08HoeCD]

I'd bought this Tahoe more or less as a daily beater and soccer-dad mobile/hauler. The cool thing is that due to this forum I learned that I can replace or upgrade lots of things more easily than I'd imagined.

A big change that I enjoy every day is the brushed titanium steering wheel spokes in place of the original peeling spokes. GM part numbers 25824698, 25824700.

They match the dash trim perfectly. One of my favorite mods to date.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I traded a '12 Challenger R/T for my '08 Tahoe LT3. I'd lusted after the Dodge for years and finally pulled the trigger in 2013. Pitch Black with 6-spd manual, Super Trak Pack and custom Katzkin leather.

Really enjoyed that car but my daily driving needs changed in mid-2016 so I made the swap into the Tahoe.....but still reflect back on her with fond memories.
View attachment 79451

Was it a straight up swap?

 

[08HoeCD]

Was it a straight up swap?

It ended with me coming out slightly ahead in the deal. My Challenger was super clean, garage kept, included MBRP cat back, billet aluminum shift lever and new tires. I got top dollar. I didn't have to trade....just wanted to. That's leverage.

Truth be told, though, I didn't fully realize how loaded my Tahoe was until after I did the deal, so with that in mind I came out way ahead. Lol

 

[05Single]

I too just came from a mopar. I miss that truck everyday

 

[kwOH]

A few months back, I opted to remove the badges from both front doors. Nothing to the task, really, and it's been written about many times on this forum and elsewhere, so I won't go into the detail. Just sharing the before & after pics, taken inside my garage....for kicks!:

View attachment 79439

View attachment 79440

Any plans on removing the moldings?


Sent from iPhone 7 plus using Tapatalk Pro

 

[08HoeCD]

Any plans on removing the moldings?


Sent from iPhone 7 plus using Tapatalk Pro

No. I think the short body NNBS trucks need them and look a little chubby without them.

 

[tgui]

Check the cruise control. They die sometimes, like mine just did.

 

[08HoeCD]

Check the cruise control. They die sometimes, like mine just did.

Interesting. I never use cruise control but will be interested to see if there are issues with the system nonetheless.

 

[08HoeCD]

Anyone with a NNBS rig over 100k miles has probably seen the failed console lid cover. I bought a replacement cover on ebay for around $43 and reupholstered the lid myself.

The new cover does not have as clean a curved area as the original---the front corners are more like softened 45-degree clipped corners---but it still looks a hell of a lot better than the cracked original.

 

[Kenny D]

Still looks good.