Show your expo vehicle here!!

[BurbanAZ]

Most of the other forums have them so i figured we could have one here too. Show your Expo vehicle or what you have for trips. Heres mine a 1992 k2500 suburban, still a work in progress but its getting there. Weve had it on some fun trips and its always gotten us home. Also being able to sleep in the back or pull anything we want is nice too.

Post pics, videos, whatever you have of your ride.

[BurbanAZ]

heres mine
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f235/cjcuk/58678af8.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f235/cjcuk/e3c94696.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f235/cjcuk/a00d4b2d.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f235/cjcuk/0e33d422.jpg

[weave]

I've always wanted to turn mine into an expo type vehicle. Not much too look at but hopefully one day it will be better equiped. Never mind the forsale sign.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Excentrick/incredible008.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Excentrick/incredible007.jpg

[cancritter]

montreal expo truck...truck came with montreal expo hood ordiment
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/CanCritter/Picture014.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/CanCritter/Picture009.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t181/CanCritter/Picture010.jpg

not exactly what you were looking for but its a expo truck :O)

[BurbanAZ]

I've always wanted to turn mine into an expo type vehicle. Not much too look at but hopefully one day it will be better equiped. Never mind the forsale sign.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Excentrick/incredible008.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b379/Excentrick/incredible007.jpg

Yea burbans make excellent expo vehicles, ill always have at least 1 suburban. Yea cancritter that is sure an expo truck lol

[M.A.V.]

Here's mine. We've had our rough patches and break downs, but she's always made it home. Can't do any trails around here right now. Last weekend a guy went to the foothills with his jeep and got stuck about 3 miles up the trail in over 4 feet of snow. Cost him $1200 to get a tow truck up there to pull him out.

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102924.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_103205.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_103402.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_103652.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102126.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102103.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102536.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102514.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102415.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102359.jpg

[BurbanAZ]

Great looking truck M.A.V, i definitely need to build my roof rack soon. Do you just have yours attached to your factory luggage rack?

[hardtrailz]

Nice trucks. I need to get my Burban back out and set it up again.

[hardtrailz]

Ought to toss up a couple pics of my rigs too..

1991 Burban on FF14 and HD44 with no blocks, all spring lift, braided lines, 36 H1 takeoffs since the others got stolen along with the cat. Currently parked in the barn awaiting yet another transmission, just hard to motivate on it when it sucks so much fuel and needs tires and exhaust as well.
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/Suburban/1839.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/Suburban/1874.jpg

The Rig that serves me currently is a 2006 Trailblazer. Lots done and still going to do more, but it has taken me through VA, TN, IN, IL, KY, OH, PA, WV and seen lots of good trails and some cool roads. 15-16 mpg as it sits works pretty well.
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/40.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/41.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/39.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/42.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/36.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/33.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/30.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/27.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/18.jpg

[sparg93]

MAV - what suspension mods did you perform?

Beautiful rig!

[BurbanAZ]

Ought to toss up a couple pics of my rigs too..

1991 Burban on FF14 and HD44 with no blocks, all spring lift, braided lines, 36 H1 takeoffs since the others got stolen along with the cat. Currently parked in the barn awaiting yet another transmission, just hard to motivate on it when it sucks so much fuel and needs tires and exhaust as well.
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/Suburban/1839.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/Suburban/1874.jpg

The Rig that serves me currently is a 2006 Trailblazer. Lots done and still going to do more, but it has taken me through VA, TN, IN, IL, KY, OH, PA, WV and seen lots of good trails and some cool roads. 15-16 mpg as it sits works pretty well.
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/40.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/41.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/39.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/42.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/36.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/33.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/30.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/27.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa370/hardtrailz/BUILD%20THREAD%20PICS/18.jpg

i love this trailblazer, i think i saw ur build thread on another site, i think expeditionportal. I know what u mean about the suburban though, i love these trucks but every once in a while i think about selling it and getting something else just to save some on gas

[hardtrailz]

I can never part with my Burban. It is my baby, but the trans went out and the neighbors of my dads farm decided to steal the exhaust, wheels, tires, fuel and leave it on the axles in the snow. I had another car and could not afford to fix it so it has been a barn queen for a couple years, but I recently cleaned it up some and got a trans for it and may have a line to replace those 36s. It will rise again.


I am on Expo. I really did not care for expo at first and still think some of the gravel/dirt road trips are a joke, but to each their own. I prefer to climb mtns in TN in 4-lo for a couple days than run 40 mph on roads like I grew up with. There is some sweet tech and gear that is being done through them though. Anything that gets people outside is good to me! I have same screenname basically everywhere.

[BurbanAZ]

I can never part with my Burban. It is my baby, but the trans went out and the neighbors of my dads farm decided to steal the exhaust, wheels, tires, fuel and leave it on the axles in the snow. I had another car and could not afford to fix it so it has been a barn queen for a couple years, but I recently cleaned it up some and got a trans for it and may have a line to replace those 36s. It will rise again.


I am on Expo. I really did not care for expo at first and still think some of the gravel/dirt road trips are a joke, but to each their own. I prefer to climb mtns in TN in 4-lo for a couple days than run 40 mph on roads like I grew up with. There is some sweet tech and gear that is being done through them though. Anything that gets people outside is good to me! I have same screenname basically everywhere.

Yea i thought that i recognized ur truck from there. Their a decent site but im not on there near as much as im on here thats why i was asking for this expo section to be put on here so we could hopefully start drawing in some of the expo crowd people to this site.

[hotrod_suburban]

im not a big 4wd guy but i really like expo trucks. its not a chevy but this was my mountaineer,my 1st 4wd. i loved this thing it even had the v8 but i had to part it out because of title problems.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q104/Drift_300ZX/Mountaineer/truck016.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q104/Drift_300ZX/Mountaineer/truck014.jpg

[sparg93]

I'm in the midst of building my truck now, once big progress is made, I'll definitely post it up in the next few wks - '99 Tahoe 4dr.

Hopefully this section will grow in the fullsize forum; I like the idea!

[BurbanAZ]

good looking mountaineer hotrod, sucks u had to part it out. Yea sparg93 post some pics, and i hope it grows too im definitely going to be posting in it a bunch lol

[sparg93]

I don't have any good pics just yet, but expect a bunch to be coming over the next 6 weeks! This rig is going through a complete overhaul, will post as I build!

[BurbanAZ]

I don't have any good pics just yet, but expect a bunch to be coming over the next 6 weeks! This rig is going through a complete overhaul, will post as I build!
Nice, don't forget to post a build thead with plenty of pics

[M.A.V.]

Great looking truck M.A.V, i definitely need to build my roof rack soon. Do you just have yours attached to your factory luggage rack?

I actually built the rack for my buddy's jeep cherokee a few years back, which is why it's so short. But yeah, it's just got 4 90 degree tabs and I drilled 4 holes in my factory roof rack and bolted it down. I then built a spare tire rack to mount behind the rack, but the hold down I built for it busted one day, so now the tire sits on the mount but I have to strap it down to keep it on. In the near future I plan to build one that will hold everything, then I want to build a small ladder that is hinged at the rack, then is just secured with pins to the bumper behind the passenger barn door. That way it's easier to access everything up top, and all I do is remove the pins and lift the ladder, then I have access to the passenger barn door. I'll draw a pic to show what I mean.


MAV - what suspension mods did you perform?

Beautiful rig!

Thanks. It's not lifted actually, all that I did was do a mild crank on the torsion bars and some trimming on the bumper and fender, then did 3" blocks in the rear to level it, but I should have went 2.5 instead because it sits a little higher in the rear which was not was I was going for. For the trails I ride, a lift would be too tall so if anything in the future I'll just buy a 4" lift and decrank or do a body lift to give the 35's a proper clearance, then decrank and lose the blocks. I've had lifted trucks in the past, and don't see the need for my suburban any taller than it is. It gets me everywhere I need it to go and I've never needed more ground clearance. All I need is a winch now to clear fallen trees on the trails, but with a baby on the way, I can't convince the wife that a winch is a necessity for me.

[M.A.V.]

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/Rack2.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/Rack3.jpg

Ignore the quick photoshop, but that's the idea.

[Chevytodd]

This is kinda the look I want for the Denali.... Sort of a Expo/GMC version of the "I am legend" Expedition..... Just not sure if it would look weird on a Denali.....

[M.A.V.]

I've seen a lifted denali with a crush guard running around my town. It's an XL, but it's black and pretty sweet looking. Just looks like a glorified suburban IMO, I wouldn't see a problem with adding roof rack and high lift jack and the jerry cans. If anyone gives you crap, just tell em you like exploring the terrain in comfort and style

[BurbanAZ]

yea wouldnt think it was weird if i saw a denali set up as an expo rig, it has all the same capabilities but some nicer features. Id say go for it.

[BurbanAZ]

I actually built the rack for my buddy's jeep cherokee a few years back, which is why it's so short. But yeah, it's just got 4 90 degree tabs and I drilled 4 holes in my factory roof rack and bolted it down. I then built a spare tire rack to mount behind the rack, but the hold down I built for it busted one day, so now the tire sits on the mount but I have to strap it down to keep it on. In the near future I plan to build one that will hold everything, then I want to build a small ladder that is hinged at the rack, then is just secured with pins to the bumper behind the passenger barn door. That way it's easier to access everything up top, and all I do is remove the pins and lift the ladder, then I have access to the passenger barn door. I'll draw a pic to show what I mean.
Thats kind of what i was planning also but my idea was to put the rack on top, then build a ladder that has hooks on the top and has a point to lay against at the bottom, so i can just hook it to the top and use it. Then when im not at camp or using it i can just lay it flat in the rack and mount to bolt it to.

[cowboy63645]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t301/cowboy63645/IMG_0426.jpg

It is nothing special right now, but it will be one day. I have a few parts on order for it, as well as a new set of tires. I need to get this thing out in the woods but I have not had the time lately. One day soon I will have some action shots for y'all

[M.A.V.]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t301/cowboy63645/IMG_0426.jpg

It is nothing special right now, but it will be one day. I have a few parts on order for it, as well as a new set of tires. I need to get this thing out in the woods but I have not had the time lately. One day soon I will have some action shots for y'all

Suburban's work great for this kind of stuff, I love the idea of being able to load up my truck and take off for a couple days. I know if I were to ever get extremely serious about exploring terrain, I've always wanted a work van and build the sh!t out of it.

Kinda like this.

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/4x4ford_bw1.jpg

[2500ak]

This is my old project truck. 1971 Hibody with the 390, 4x4, and 4-on-the-floor. Manual everything.



http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/DSC_0354-1-1.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/DSC_0472.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/DSC_0468-1.jpg

Currently it has a 8,000lb winch, aluminum intake, Holley 4-barrel, circulating coolant heater pump, ceramic cab heater, dual batteries, electronic ignition. The engine lopes when cold, and screams when you punch it, and it's in too good of condition to be original although I don't know what all the previous owner has done to it.

Next spring I'm hoping to replace all of the leaf springs, add some lift, tires, and maybe lockers but I'm not sure. Might also convert to fuel injection (you can't run a carbed vehicle in Fairbanks for a good part of the year because of the cold).

So far I've only driven Hatchers Pass with it, light off-road out at South Cushman, and it also survived the 350 mile trip up to Fairbanks from Anchorage. Also wheeling out to friends cabins.

[BurbanAZ]

Suburban's work great for this kind of stuff, I love the idea of being able to load up my truck and take off for a couple days. I know if I were to ever get extremely serious about exploring terrain, I've always wanted a work van and build the sh!t out of it.

Kinda like this.

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/4x4ford_bw1.jpg

I love those sportsmobiles, if i had the money id definitely want to have one of those.


This is my old project truck. 1971 Hibody with the 390, 4x4, and 4-on-the-floor. Manual everything.



http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/DSC_0354-1-1.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/DSC_0472.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/DSC_0468-1.jpg

Currently it has a 8,000lb winch, aluminum intake, Holley 4-barrel, circulating coolant heater pump, ceramic cab heater, dual batteries, electronic ignition. The engine lopes when cold, and screams when you punch it, and it's in too good of condition to be original although I don't know what all the previous owner has done to it.

Next spring I'm hoping to replace all of the leaf springs, add some lift, tires, and maybe lockers but I'm not sure. Might also convert to fuel injection (you can't run a carbed vehicle in Fairbanks for a good part of the year because of the cold).

So far I've only driven Hatchers Pass with it, light off-road out at South Cushman, and it also survived the 350 mile trip up to Fairbanks from Anchorage. Also wheeling out to friends cabins.

Nice truck, i love the manual everything

[SUBURBIAN]

Wish this thing was mine....don't think there's much land it couldn't get over...

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/suburban-49-inch-tires-and-atlas-gears-364.jpg

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/suburban-49-inch-tires-and-atlas-gears-159.jpg

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/suburban-49-inch-tires-and-atlas-gears-437.jpg

[M.A.V.]

Wish this thing was mine....don't think there's much land it couldn't get over...

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/suburban-49-inch-tires-and-atlas-gears-364.jpg

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/suburban-49-inch-tires-and-atlas-gears-159.jpg

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/suburban-49-inch-tires-and-atlas-gears-437.jpg

That SOB stole my inner turn signal DRL idea! :teddy:

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/248710_10150203911383277_583168276_7263753_2194372 _n.jpg

Wonder if he'd trade straight across? :aniteef:

[SUBURBIAN]

Wonder if he'd trade straight across? :aniteef:

Line forms behind me. :D

[randeez]

reminds me of this pic
http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/mercedes-benz-sprinter-4x4-inch-70.jpg

[randeez]

and yes... i secretly lurk in the offroad section but dont tell anyone :looking:

[BurbanAZ]

and yes... i secretly lurk in the offroad section but dont tell anyone :looking:

we wont tell anyone lol

[Devin W]

Here's mine - nothing particularly "expo" about it just yet but these pics show the evolution. A couple were posted on a thread I had in the tech section from when I was doing the lift.

Started like this when I picked it up:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/16993095914284199742IM104565x421_A562x421.jpghttp://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/16993095912284199742IM102565x421_A562x421.jpg

I made some changes over the next few months:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/701862d0.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/ec70b541.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/841d5942.jpg

Added the bestop:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/1dd52d6b.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/IMG_3057.jpg

And how it looks as of last week:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/IMG_3122.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/IMG_3123.jpg

I have a roof top tent and awning that I used with my last few vehicles that I was going to put on a ladder rack that's made to go over the canopy, but for now decided to put it on elevated rails on my utility trailer. Still have lots of plans and a to-do list that is far deeper than my pockets!

[BurbanAZ]

Good lookin truck Devin, id love to have a newer vehicle like that to start a vehicle build, everything ive always had has been old by the time i got it.

[dunnroadmafia]

Never heard of "overlanding" but i think my truck and the way i use it qualify. I go to school in the UP of Michigan which has tons of trails and places to discover. My buddy has a cabin in the middle of no where (I mean no where) 100 miles from a paved road. Ive got some upgrades and plans in the works for it this summer including:

315's on stockers with 4.56 gears
VHF radio to compliment my galaxy 959
new tool box(the one i bought it with sucked)
possible headache rack with aux lighting.

It already has dual batterys from the factory and the pillar spotlights which are fun. I also added a 1.5 bl and rc kit, sit right around 42" in all four corners. Id like it to have that "discovery/work truck" theme you know.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo343/quinn350/DSC01124.jpg
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo343/quinn350/IMAG0242-1.jpg
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo343/quinn350/IMAG0321.jpg

[DennisTA15]

Nice trucks in here : )

I really want to do some expedition type offroading in my Tahoe. That's more or less what I built if for, nothing crazy hardcore. Trail driving more or less. It ended up becoming my daily driver until I cracked a rear spindle last summer. I did get it out a couple times and it went everywhere that I wanted, point and shoot. I'm currently looking for parts to fix it, but am having a tough time finding a rear spindle.

Here's a couple pics.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff163/DennisTA15/haspin.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff163/DennisTA15/haspin2011-5.jpg

[BurbanAZ]

really nice tahoe DennisTA15, tahoes look awesome with a solid axle. Why dont you just replace the whole rear, would probably be cheap and easier in the end plus you could upgrade to a 14bff if u dont already have one.

[DennisTA15]

Yeah I had thought about that. But everything on it is new, except for the spindles, who'd thought that I would crack one. Its a Dana 60ff, Detroit locked with 5.13. I also would need to redo all of the mounts again. To swap out would probably cost more. My problem is that I can only find spindles that are already bored out for larger axles. Which would require new hubs and bearings as well.

[RollinSlo]

Nice trucks in here! Ive always been wanting to do some stuff like this. How do you guys figure out where you can go for your overlanding/trail driving? Im down in Texas, but Im up for going somewhere when I have vacation time to use. Just trying to figure out where to look really.

[BurbanAZ]

here in az you can go on most state trust land so maps will show that, we just have to try and stay off reservations and stuff. Also you can look up overland trails that others have done and do those and some of those will have gps waypoints and stuff.

[nicodemus7]

I was just talking to my fiance about how I wanted to do weekend trail runs with her and the kids. I have taken them wheeling a couple of times. I used to have a slightly lifted xj and sold it two years ago for this 96 k2500 suburban when I found out our third was on the way:daddy:. It is currently my money maker during the week, loaded with ladders and satellite dishes doing directv installs during the week and the family hauler on the weekend.

I would post a pick but I have been informed I have not had enough posts to link...

I would like to add some 255/85/16's....will they fit without a lift? a tube spare tire rack on the back, maybe a winch and bumper and that is about it.

I am having a hard time convincing the fiance I should spend money on bigger tires when we have been in some pretty nasty spots without any trouble thanks to the factory locker. We headed up to the falls off reddington pass last night with the kids. Took a wrong right turn through the wrong cattle guard and ended up on a nasty trail.

[BurbanAZ]

yea the factory g80 can help alot when u need it. Thats cool ur in AZ if u ever want we could meet up and do some trails.

[bclax1408]

Never heard of "overlanding" but i think my truck and the way i use it qualify. I go to school in the UP of Michigan which has tons of trails and places to discover. My buddy has a cabin in the middle of no where (I mean no where) 100 miles from a paved road. Ive got some upgrades and plans in the works for it this summer including:

315's on stockers with 4.56 gears
VHF radio to compliment my galaxy 959
new tool box(the one i bought it with sucked)
possible headache rack with aux lighting.

It already has dual batterys from the factory and the pillar spotlights which are fun. I also added a 1.5 bl and rc kit, sit right around 42" in all four corners. Id like it to have that "discovery/work truck" theme you know.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo343/quinn350/DSC01124.jpg
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo343/quinn350/IMAG0242-1.jpg
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo343/quinn350/IMAG0321.jpg


Looks just like the DNR trucks in Michigan! you would scare me comming down a trail, thats for sure! haha :judge:

[sparg93]

I am having a hard time convincing the fiance I should spend money on bigger tires when we have been in some pretty nasty spots without any trouble thanks to the factory locker. We headed up to the falls off reddington pass last night with the kids. Took a wrong right turn through the wrong cattle guard and ended up on a nasty trail.

In terms of priority, if you've had success with your current tire setup, I would personally invest in bumpers and a winch first. With heavy bumpers you create lift points (i.e. hi lift jack) on the front and back...not to mention improved winch pts. Throw in that winch and if you get stuck, now you can get unstuck pretty easily.

If you spent the money on bigger tires and got stuck, now you're in a jam...but a quality winch (i.e. Superwinch), recovery gear and bumpers is an investment.

For a Suburban you are going to need some really good recovery gear - check out Viking Offroad (www.vikingoffroad.com) - they only sell high quality gear and can definitely set you up with the right stuff.

With recovery gear, do not go cheap...there is a serious difference between good gear and junk...and when junk fails, people get hurt and/or you're stick stuck!

[sparg93]

[QUOTE=Devin W;5538366]
And how it looks as of last week:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/IMG_3122.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/IMG_3123.jpg
QUOTE]

Nice looking rig Devin - kudos on that look

[93K5Blaze]

Wish this thing was mine....don't think there's much land it couldn't get over...

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/suburban-49-inch-tires-and-atlas-gears-364.jpg

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/suburban-49-inch-tires-and-atlas-gears-159.jpg

http://www.4x4offroads.com/image-files/suburban-49-inch-tires-and-atlas-gears-437.jpg

Dude, that is sick!!! One of those Iceland vehicles I believe.

[sparg93]

they air those monster tires down to like 3psi and float over the snow...incredible vehicle.

[BurbanAZ]

that is an insane vehicle, perfect for deep snow i would think

[ChrisAU]

Is their an online community for this type of thing? I am building my rig more for exploration than hardcore off-roading. I'll soon have replacement bumpers and a winch, working on designing my own rock sliders with hi-lift jack points, SAS in the future.

[BurbanAZ]

Is their an online community for this type of thing? I am building my rig more for exploration than hardcore off-roading. I'll soon have replacement bumpers and a winch, working on designing my own rock sliders with hi-lift jack points, SAS in the future.

hopefully this parts of this site will start attracting more of the overlanding community. The main site for it though is www.expeditionportal.com

[sparg93]

hopefully this parts of this site will start attracting more of the overlanding community. The main site for it though is www.expeditionportal.com

Chris AU - Here is my build thread http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/74594-99-Tahoe-Expedition-Build! - might give you some ideas; any questions, just ask!

[89burben]

my 89 subhttp://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/garage_attachment.php?id=4191
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/garage_attachment.php?id=4188 makes a great home out on the trails

[BurbanAZ]

Great looking burban I love those years with the solid axles

[2500ak]

So, now that it's summer I'm getting ready to start work on my off-road project again. There's a whole laundry list of things and parts I've got lined up to do to it.

What I'm trying to decide now is whether or not I want to ditch the bed and build a flatbed. I got a welder that owes me some favors, and he offered to build one. I like the look of the factory bed, but the floor is rusted out badly, fenders are rusted, paint is chipped in places, and the sides are dented in places. I also like the utility of a flatbed.

Because this truck is a Hibody it has that narrow frame they used on the 1-ton trucks and not a lot of beds will fit it, so finding one up here in good shape is unlikely.

What do you guys think, Flat-bed, or salvage this one?

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/DSC_0374-1.jpg

[BurbanAZ]

So, now that it's summer I'm getting ready to start work on my off-road project again. There's a whole laundry list of things and parts I've got lined up to do to it.

What I'm trying to decide now is whether or not I want to ditch the bed and build a flatbed. I got a welder that owes me some favors, and he offered to build one. I like the look of the factory bed, but the floor is rusted out badly, fenders are rusted, paint is chipped in places, and the sides are dented in places. I also like the utility of a flatbed.

Because this truck is a Hibody it has that narrow frame they used on the 1-ton trucks and not a lot of beds will fit it, so finding one up here in good shape is unlikely.

What do you guys think, Flat-bed, or salvage this one?

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/DSC_0374-1.jpg

Id say flat bed, i think the flat beds looks good when their done right and their more useful i think.

[BurbanAZ]

Few pics i thought were pretty cool
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f235/cjcuk/00b1b813.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f235/cjcuk/5652cacc.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f235/cjcuk/1d27ff1a.jpg

[89burben]

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/539865_415439488476585_100000316114905_1370504_142 8145513_n.jpg i jut love this picture

[BurbanAZ]

awesome pic 89burben

[2500ak]

Work continues on my project truck

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/546707_10150837946697263_743697262_9840349_1557633 940_n.jpg

New solenoid isolator (old one failed)

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/564262_10150837947707263_743697262_9840350_1835289 848_n.jpg

Cleaned up and repainted the winch plate

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/156243_10150837949362263_743697262_9840352_1150851 123_n.jpg

New tachometer

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/428424_10150837944337263_743697262_9840343_8724469 99_n.jpg

New heater valve

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/385587_10150837948362263_743697262_9840351_9266669 19_n.jpg


Pulled the leaky carb off

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/IMG_0619.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/IMG_0620.jpg

In the process of being rebuilt.


The rest of this summers projects are to tackle will hood supports, floorpans, flatbed, e-brake cables, knuckle seals, kingpin bearings, aux lights, larger tires, and to build a full tube and plate structure around the winchplate.

[BurbanAZ]

nice lots of good work on that truck. I love the older trucks like that you can just keep them going forever with a little work

[ratfink504]

Hey guys! I just picked up a 96 Suburban 2500 and I'm finally going to try and build the Expo truck I always wanted to. I've gotten a lot of new ideas from ya'll and I can't wait to start but like most things I have champagne dreams on beer money...

I tried to post a photo but it's saying I need 5 posts in order to post links. Your current post count is 0.

[xpndbl3]

https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/308306_581711523884_1336823370_n.jpg
https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/384557_591003797094_1372979387_n.jpg

[BurbanAZ]

Great looking truck xpndbl3, how is the 5.3 in that truck? im guess it was a pain in the ass to switch it into an older truck like that. Why did u do the swap?

[89burben]

https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/308306_581711523884_1336823370_n.jpg
https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/384557_591003797094_1372979387_n.jpg
how did you get your rims black im running the h2 rims also and i would like to get them blacked outhttp://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599078_430761826944351_1823154934_n.jpg

[hardtrailz]

Helped build the prototype rear bumper. Dual hiems on dual arms with gas struts to assit in open and close. hitch set into 3x3 1/4 wall tube spanning the frame rails. Shackle mounts. 3x3 1/4 L brackets drop into each frame rail and tie in with GR 8 bolts. Jerry can side is set up to use a diff swappable mount and hold up to 3 cans. Should be an asset for expeditions in the future.

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr131/hardtrailz400/qww.jpg

[dunebuggyq]

So, now that it's summer I'm getting ready to start work on my off-road project again. There's a whole laundry list of things and parts I've got lined up to do to it.

What I'm trying to decide now is whether or not I want to ditch the bed and build a flatbed. I got a welder that owes me some favors, and he offered to build one. I like the look of the factory bed, but the floor is rusted out badly, fenders are rusted, paint is chipped in places, and the sides are dented in places. I also like the utility of a flatbed.

Because this truck is a Hibody it has that narrow frame they used on the 1-ton trucks and not a lot of beds will fit it, so finding one up here in good shape is unlikely.

What do you guys think, Flat-bed, or salvage this one?

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h219/MasterMind_88/DSC_0374-1.jpg


keep the bed, especially if its not beat to ****. those bump side fords are pretty sweet

[BurbanAZ]

Helped build the prototype rear bumper. Dual hiems on dual arms with gas struts to assit in open and close. hitch set into 3x3 1/4 wall tube spanning the frame rails. Shackle mounts. 3x3 1/4 L brackets drop into each frame rail and tie in with GR 8 bolts. Jerry can side is set up to use a diff swappable mount and hold up to 3 cans. Should be an asset for expeditions in the future.

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr131/hardtrailz400/qww.jpg

Nice bumper, i still need to build a rear bumper with a swingout and some room for cans.

[Chriscon7]

From what I've seen Trail Blazers are awesome expo vehicles ^
Im diggin the bumper BTW

[xpndbl3]

how did you get your rims black im running the h2 rims also and i would like to get them blacked out

i used this stuff called plasti-dip which I bought at home depot. It's like plastic in a can that sprays on out of a spray can and has held up well. If you don't like it you can peel it off, do a google search for it and see how people have painted rims, hoods, grills, etc with it. Although eventually I'll have them powdercoated black



Great looking truck xpndbl3, how is the 5.3 in that truck? im guess it was a pain in the ass to switch it into an older truck like that. Why did u do the swap?
Did the swap because my 350 tbi was getting tired and blowing smoke after leaving stop lights. Plus went from 160hp to 295hp and picked up 3 mpg in city driving, it's smoother, no surging or dead spots and all factory gauges work 100% along with obd2 port just like a new truck would have under the dash. My buddy did a tune with hp tuners and a wideband and I'm sure that's what helped out the mileage, so far several thousand miles with no complaints and it's 200 pounds lighter than the engine it replaced. win win.

[BurbanAZ]

yea sounds like a big improvement going to the 5.3. That plasti-dip is some pretty good stuff ive used it to coat shelves and stuff in my garage and it holds up pretty well unless WD or something leaks on it then it start breaking down. Never thought of putting it on wheels though, good idea.

[ChrisAU]

Mine is getting there!

http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/pensich/3e2385ef.jpg
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/pensich/debc3eb6.jpg
http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd514/pensich/ef310de2.jpg

[BurbanAZ]

great looking truck, what bumper is that? and did u go with the Engo winch too?

[ChrisAU]

Its from Tactical Armor Group and yah its an Engo 10k synthetic

[BurbanAZ]

ive loved my engo so far. I have the 12k with the steel but im going synthetic when i build this new bumper. Ive used that winch to bail us out a ton of times.

[BurbanAZ]

ChrisAU i really like the stand u have with ur truck, do you have a lift? also what tire size r u running?

[ChrisAU]

ChrisAU i really like the stand u have with ur truck, do you have a lift? also what tire size r u running?

6" RCX with 35x12.50x15's.

[CjAl]

Just started mine as well. 92 suburban, i220k mi. I have owned it four years but its just been sitting around not being used much except to haul hay with. I sold.my 2010 hemi ram to get out from under the payment so i pulled her out of the weeds. I replaced every bit of the brake system, new idler arm.on front end, new grill from a 93 + model, new headlights and i sanded down the old gm peeling white paint and painted.it all OD green. Sanded down the stainless.grill gueard and front bumper and painted it matte black along with the wheel wells, door handles etc. I just sanded down and painted an old set of rims i had laying around and bought two new 285/75/16's, i need to get the other two in a week or two then i will get new pics of it all matching.
i started gutting the.interior for.some custom gun racks etc too.
next I need a little lift. Not much just a little and mabey some trimming. I already have large jeeps.we can barely get.into, this is the family truck too. I also am planning to build a large rack for the roof to hold supplies and lots of lights.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/CjAl1/burb1.jpg


the wheels i painted. Matte black with od green inside the holes. Its much more subtle.then the pic makes it look

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/CjAl1/2012-07-31194402.jpg

[CjAl]

I loved my ram but trucking.is in the toilet and.i didnt.like the almost $800/mo payment. I also didnt like the 6mpg pulling a trailer nor did i.like it being.in the shop every month with only 14k mi on it.


http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/CjAl1/2011-08-15103830.jpg

[BurbanAZ]

yea hard to have a new truck with a payment like that now a days unless ur pulling heavy all the time. Thats one reason i keep sticking with my old suburbans instead of trying to get something newer and dealing with a huge payment.

[Chriscon7]

Anyone have any more expo wheeling pics? i want to see MORE haha

[BurbanAZ]

hopefully ill have some more soon once i start building another bumper for my current suburban and switch all the other stuff over.

[sparg93]

Here it is - can't believe i never posted in this thread!!

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh521/O3Exp/Moab%20-%20White%20Rim/IMG_0544.jpg
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh521/O3Exp/Moab%20-%20White%20Rim/IMG_0549.jpg


http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4268327631642&set=vb.338930982832594&type=2&theater

[sparg93]

ive loved my engo so far. I have the 12k with the steel but im going synthetic when i build this new bumper. Ive used that winch to bail us out a ton of times.

For a product review - the Viking Offroad (http://www.vikingoffroad.com) synthetic line performed flawlessly on our trip!! The guys that recommended it to me have been using their original line for around 6yrs...no problems and they wheel commercially training our special forces.

[sparg93]

Here's another video I hope you enjoy!!


This thing was CRAZY steep. Check out where my front bumper hits before the tires even touch the dirt.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4268922486513

[CjAl]

finally got all my tires. i need a lift. putting the tires on i realized just how bad my steering has gotten. all the tre's are gone and.so.it the connection at the.piman arm. i have two inches of play in and out. oh well. been babbying it the last few years. all the grease boots are.dry and split from the heat down here. 220k mi on all the origional parts except the idler arm on pass side i replaced a year ago


http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/CjAl1/2012-09-01181005.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/CjAl1/2012-09-01180917.jpg

[Chriscon7]

OBS suburban page? Hahah love it. lots like lots of good wheelin/rigs in here

[CjAl]

i am on the fence. the burb is gonna need everything in the font end. all tre's, pitman arm,ball joints and cv axles. my delema os do i do all that or do a solid axle. i can find a 10 bolt front cheap. i dont heavy wheel this truck. i tow my jeeps with it to the offroad parks and may use it to go.putt a broken jeep back to camp. we camp in it and thats about it. i dont need a dana 60. altho i am looking for a 6 lug 14 bolt. guy in ga has one for sale i am trying to go get

[Snowboi]

SAS swap, better to upgrade, than replace all the stuff in the limited IFS.

[CjAl]

kind of what i am thinking. i try to never repair to.factory specs. i like to always upgrade.

[M Fyfe]

Nice to see you back. Haven't heard from you since the Expo. Nice wheeling action. You done a pretty nice to your Taho.

[sparg93]

Nice to see you back. Haven't heard from you since the Expo. Nice wheeling action. You done a pretty nice to your Taho.

Thanks M Fyfe! I'm not familiar with your screenname....

[M Fyfe]

I have been a lurker in this web site. Not the user name I wanted to use. Cant believe I registered in 2007. Then this forum came up and caught my interest.
We met at the Expo on Friday, the wind was terrible. You wrote down my Email address in your journal. Me and my buddy stayed for a couple more hours the we drove up to White Horse Lake and stayed there for four days. Jarring your memory yet? LOL.

[M Fyfe]

220,000 miles on a stock frontend aint bad. Sure you want to do that SAS?

[sparg93]

I have been a lurker in this web site. Not the user name I wanted to use. Cant believe I registered in 2007. Then this forum came up and caught my interest.
We met at the Expo on Friday, the wind was terrible. You wrote down my Email address in your journal. Me and my buddy stayed for a couple more hours the we drove up to White Horse Lake and stayed there for four days. Jarring your memory yet? LOL.


Absolutely - def jars the memory! I was hoping we could grab some time to wheel with you at the lake, but we ended staying with someone about an hour away from the expo (he let me use his commercial garage for work on the truck) and then I had to rush down to Flagstaff to pick up custom parts for my console.

Do you have pics of your rig?

[sparg93]

i am on the fence. the burb is gonna need everything in the font end. all tre's, pitman arm,ball joints and cv axles. my delema os do i do all that or do a solid axle. i can find a 10 bolt front cheap. i dont heavy wheel this truck. i tow my jeeps with it to the offroad parks and may use it to go.putt a broken jeep back to camp. we camp in it and thats about it. i dont need a dana 60. altho i am looking for a 6 lug 14 bolt. guy in ga has one for sale i am trying to go get

IMHO I would not SAS that truck. The amount of time and money needed to properly SAS a truck is significant...and for what you mentioned you did with that rig, I personally believe the OEM IFS is a much better option. Also, the time and $$ to replace the IFS parts with good ACDelco/Moog/etc parts, will be a fraction of a SAS and it will all bolt up in place.

From personal experience - I wheeled the Rubicon on my Tahoe's IFS, Fins N' Things in Moab and numerous other trails throughout the country and I've never had an issue with my IFS..you can easily rock crawl (mild) these rigs and not break the IFS....it's only when you hammer down that things break.

[CjAl]

well after driving it some with the newer bigger tires and rims with more offset it has exagerated the problems so it is going to get fixed for now. wether ot not i straight axle it will be a decision further down the road. for now i need this truck to run. i am building a small house and this truck hauls all my lumber and tools

[M Fyfe]

I think I told you, not sure, its a 94 2dr Blazer, not much to look at. Paint is shot, no worthy to be shown here. LOL. I'll get a pic of it and learn how to load it here. Currently I have the whole front end out for a rebuild. It has 221K on it.

[sparg93]

I think I told you, not sure, its a 94 2dr Blazer, not much to look at. Paint is shot, no worthy to be shown here. LOL. I'll get a pic of it and learn how to load it here. Currently I have the whole front end out for a rebuild. It has 221K on it.

ahh...when ever if the current state, it's always nice to see everyone's rigs! do you have to rebuild the front diff or transfer case?

[M Fyfe]

I'll get a pic when the front end is done. T case and front diff appear to be in good shape. no unual noises. Fluids are clean. The outer axle seals leak pretty bad though. Changing those today. Got the ball joints out,took 5 hours to remove the lower BJ's. Those were some pretty stout rivets. Control arms are off to the machine shop to have the bushings replaced.

[M.A.V.]

This thread looks a little...dead

But I thought I'd share my new toys here.

1999 Suburban
K1500, 5.7L Vortec, 4L60E
Only has 33" tires with a K&N for now, but the plans are listed in my other thread for the purchase of the truck

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa471/mormonassaultvehicle/DCIM012035.jpg

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa471/mormonassaultvehicle/DCIM012036.jpg

1997 F-250
7.3L Powerstroke, 5-Speed trans
Really only used for towing my work trailer, but it's still seen it's share of trails and mudholes since selling my last few vehicles.

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa471/mormonassaultvehicle/5L95Fd5Jc3Ka3m73I5c9p0a70f6a87d3917ed-1.jpg

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa471/mormonassaultvehicle/5L75E15J13Ka3Lb3M5c9p449bc7e018021b09.jpg

[Chriscon7]

Nooo we can't let this thread die, one of my favorites to look through. Sweet looking rigs mav, I'm curious to see how the new bowtie comes along

[sparg93]

MAV - what rig is that in your sig?

[M.A.V.]

Nooo we can't let this thread did, one of my favorites to look through. Sweet looking rigs mav, I'm curious to see how the new bowtie comes along

Thanks, I'm excited to see the final outcome of it as well. Should be pretty sweet, I'm still tossing a few ideas around on some stuff, but overall it should turn out pretty sweet.



MAV - what rig is that in your sig?

My signature is my old 98 before putting it into a telephone pole. I'll dig up some old pictures again and see, but it's the same truck as on the first page here. After the wreck, I put a front clip on it from an old 94, ended up with a winch mount instead of the westin brush guard. I was pretty peeved when I hit the black ice and found the one telephone pole on the road. Lost all my off road lights, my projector headlights that I had done the 4-hi mod to, the brush guard, grille, hood, passenger fender, and bumper. The 4-hi mod was still hooked up, but I just ended up with stock headlights and rewired back to stock rather than replacing hi-beams every couple months.

Here it is after the wreck. You can kinda tell the fender's and hood don't quite match the back half, but only if you look really close. The grille came out the worst, but better to have mismatched paint over carnage.


Here's mine. We've had our rough patches and break downs, but she's always made it home. Can't do any trails around here right now. Last weekend a guy went to the foothills with his jeep and got stuck about 3 miles up the trail in over 4 feet of snow. Cost him $1200 to get a tow truck up there to pull him out.

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102924.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_103205.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_103402.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_103652.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102126.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102103.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102536.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102514.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102415.jpg

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/IMG_20111116_102359.jpg

[sparg93]

ahh got it. That sucks about the pole...not much you can do when you hit ice.

That was a sweet rig, now I remember seeing photos of it.

[M.A.V.]

Most definitely. I was going to file the claim through insurance, but they wanted to total it. I found no structural damage, all cosmetic, and I had a 94 GMC that was sitting at my in-laws house that had been rolled with the front clip pretty much untouched. Went over and started unbolting, got everything put on the suburban. Only cost me about $300 for paint and clear, I think it turned out pretty good.

I miss it a little, but it needed more work than it was worth. It was more of a work vehicle than anything else, and having a reliable work truck over an off road rig took priority. But now that I'm farther up in my work and making a little more, I decided it was time to come back to another burban. The 350 isn't quite as powerful as I would have hoped, but that can all be taken care of. I guess I'm just used to hopping in a suburban and having the power of the 454. All in all, I'm happy with my new 99. The center console I believe to be custom, it has a small little 18" tv and DVD player integrated into. Be kind of cool for long trips and everything. And my wife is happier with this one, considering it has less than half the mileage my 98 had and needs 0-little mechanical repairs.

Plus, I'm not as limited on my budget as before, so I can actually make this one what I wanted with my 98.

[jakeenbake]

Here is my Expo rig! Still a work in progress, but its almost done! Its a 1990 K5 Blazer. I had it built by GM Truck Center in burbank. 14bff rear with a posi, dana 44 front, both have 4.10 gears. Shackle flip with stock height deavers in the back, 2" shackle drop with 2" deavers in the front. 5.7 tbi with 200k on the clock, new 700r4 backed by a new np208 transfer case. custom bumpers, rock sliders, and roof rack all built by GM Truck Center! I plan on doing a doubler 205/203 transfer case. ARB air lockers front and rear. and much much more!

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/IMG_20121005_232129.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/IMG_20121005_233048.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/photo19_zps72e8eb4c.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/photo14_zps3f762575.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/photo8_zps8eccb224.jpg

I have seats out of a 2004 silverado in there right now, and man are they comfy!

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/GOPR0519_zps004f9ffe.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/2012-08-31_11-02-06_318.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/2012-08-31_11-02-58_278.jpg

[M.A.V.]

Jakeenbake, that K5 looks awesome. I wanted one for a long time, actually still do. The burban's just interest me, I love the stance and also love having all the room. Maybe after I get the burb completed I'll look into a K5 or Jimmy for a trail rig. I think it may of been on here, someone had a 70's one with the fully removable hard top. He had somehow converted the windshield to fold down like the Jeeps. Pretty cool design. If anyone knows who it is, I remember it was either a black or dark colored truck, sitting on 35's or 37's with just a single roll bar. I'd love to see pictures of it again.

[BurbanAZ]

Awesome truck Jakeenbake, great set up. I really like the bumper especially did u make it ur self? I gotta agree with M.A.V. Though I just can't get over suburbans lol. I've had 3 and we have a 95 bronco too which is about the same size as the blazers and its a great truck 6" lift, 35s but i still find myself taking the suburban just because of all the room.

[M.A.V.]

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/photo19_zps72e8eb4c.jpg


What kind of lights are those on your roof rack? I'm looking for some, needing anywhere from 6-10 of them. How much did they run you, and how do you like them?

[jakeenbake]

I love those old burbs too but I got an awesome deal on this and I love it! I have room to fit all my Crap in there and all my friends Crap. And with the short wheel base I can go a lot more places. And its built for a little bit more aggressive off roading. All the work except for the seats was done at GM truck center. All the bumpers and everything were fabbed there. And they are beefy! here is his website http://www.gmtruckcenter.com/ I'm not sure what type of lights they are but I like em! They are bright, and they are a flood light. They are perfect for the trail. Call them and ask them what lights they put on Jake's blazer, they will tell you.

[Chriscon7]

K5's for the win. Someday I will have a 70s blazer... Hopefully

[jakeenbake]

K5's for the win. Someday I will have a 70s blazer... Hopefully

I would love a 70 k5, full vert and no smog restrictions! I would make it breathe fire!

[SUBURBIAN]

All these 'burbs!! I love it. This is inspiring. I have some junk I need to get around to mounting on my rig; a brush guard with light & winch accommodations, a safari rack, and a couple sets of auxiliary lights.

[BurbanAZ]

Nice get that stuff on there and take some pics! Lol

[ZombieSoldier]

was stupid and got rid of this:
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r119/greggk13/DSC_0914.jpg


now i have this:
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r119/greggk13/AB5FFF20.jpg


someday i will get another diesel...

[BurbanAZ]

Both good looking trucks, why did u get away from the diesel? and what does the Chevy have?

[ZombieSoldier]

At the time diesel fuel was rediculous in coastal Georgia. I was trying to buy a house and gasoline was almos $0.60 cents cheaper a gallon, so every penny counts so I got rid of her to get the house, which is in the second pic.

[sparg93]

VERy nice K5 jakeen...I think I'm going to build a Classic one of these days.

[CjAl]

k5 is quite possibly my favorite truck ever. i have had many. my last was a black 90 that got jack knifed towing way to heavy of a trailerr. bent the frame, it was ugly. loved that truck.




i put all new steering on the burb. every piece is new including pulling the steering box to replace the piman arm. who engineered that one? also put new ps hoses and a new ps pump. i am not happy after all that work to replace the ps pump the new one from oreilies humms almost as much as the old one but i am not going through all that to replace it again untill i have it apart for something else.

now i need ball joints but i might wait untill i get a lift for it to do those. i cranked the torsion bars up a bit and it looks much more respectable now and doesnt rub the tires. think i put three turns on them. this truck has always been too soft and floaty feeling and between cranking the bars and all the new steering it is nice and firm now. just needs an add a leaf in the rear.

i really want to build a roof rack now but i sold my welder when i moved to tx. sold most of my shop equipment just so i didnt have to move it all, what a mistake.

[CjAl]

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/CjAl1/2012-12-18145848.jpg




i want one of these. without the body you could put anything you want on it. i am thinking like one of the old communications beds.

[sparg93]

those would be a great set of toys to modify!

[Stinger23350]

Here is my '97 Suburban. Great truck, and aside from the costs of maintaining it and the gas, it is alot of fun and it can do everything I want it to.

http://imageshack.us/a/img819/8214/561ch.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/561ch.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://imageshack.us/a/img829/3415/197sq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/197sq.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://imageshack.us/a/img338/9817/553cp.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/338/553cp.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

It's all stock. I am the 2nd owner.
I plan on doing LOTS to it:

Exterior:
-lift it up a little bit
-offroad tires/rims
-grill guard with lights
-safari rack with light bar
-nerf bars
-lights in grill etc with siren (i am a firefighter)

Interior:
-fire/police scanner setup
-emergency response lights top of windshield
-radar detector

-

[M.A.V.]

Looks like a great rig and sounds like some great plans are in store for it.

Consider a locker if it doesn't have one already. A bone stock suburban with a locker can get anywhere a lifted suburban on 35's can without one.

[BurbanAZ]

good looking suburban, im always a fan of a solid burb.

[tank454]

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r590/Jkroberts17/IMG_20121005_232129.jpg



Please sell this thing... to me :D

[Stinger23350]

Looks like a great rig and sounds like some great plans are in store for it.

Consider a locker if it doesn't have one already. A bone stock suburban with a locker can get anywhere a lifted suburban on 35's can without one.

Thanks MAV!
Whats it for? Never heard of one for a truck?

[BurbanAZ]

Thanks MAV!
Whats it for? Never heard of one for a truck?

A locker is a type of carrier u can get for ur differential that will lock both sides together so both tires will get power instead of one. They have different brands and types.

[jdmitchell]

Bump for a cool thread that I would like to see more pics of the trucks that belong here.

I had an old Ford Expedition that I set up for light wheeling, I will post pics of it when I have the required number of posts.

[DMANbluesfreak]

Here's mine - nothing particularly "expo" about it just yet but these pics show the evolution. A couple were posted on a thread I had in the tech section from when I was doing the lift.

And how it looks as of last week:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/IMG_3122.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/Silverado/IMG_3123.jpg

I have a roof top tent and awning that I used with my last few vehicles that I was going to put on a ladder rack that's made to go over the canopy, but for now decided to put it on elevated rails on my utility trailer. Still have lots of plans and a to-do list that is far deeper than my pockets!

I love how lifted quadrasteers look! Any issues with the rear axle? Its a Dana 60 right?


Nice trucks in here : )

I really want to do some expedition type offroading in my Tahoe. That's more or less what I built if for, nothing crazy hardcore. Trail driving more or less. It ended up becoming my daily driver until I cracked a rear spindle last summer. I did get it out a couple times and it went everywhere that I wanted, point and shoot. I'm currently looking for parts to fix it, but am having a tough time finding a rear spindle.

Here's a couple pics.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff163/DennisTA15/haspin.jpg


Hey I took that video!!!

[sparg93]

Rubicon Trail in Cali

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh521/O3Exp/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0953.jpg

[jdmitchell]

I like that rack.

Sent from my rotary phone via Tapatalk.

[DennisTA15]

Hey I took that video!!!


Haha, yup. I took my camera that day, but took almost no pics. Hopefully this summer I can get it back to some type of order. I just got new wheels and tires for it. I need to get them mounted and balanced.

[Chriscon7]

I like that rack.


:naughty:

[jdmitchell]

:naughty:

I meant it in a totally innocent way........this time ; ) .......since I was talking about the roof rack on the Tahoe.

Sent from my rotary phone via Tapatalk.

[BIGRED90]

Rubicon Trail in Cali

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh521/O3Exp/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0953.jpg

Looks like you do not run a sway bar. How is that on the highway? I have mine disconnected right now and the truck has ALOT more body roll in turns.

[sparg93]

BigRed - you are correct, I removed the front and rear bars.

After the suspension lift, the front anti-sway was catching on full extension and my rear axle (14bsf) didn't come with mounts, so I left that one off after the swap.

On the highway for normal driving, I don't even notice it anymore...and I have towed a trailer behind it at speeds up to 75mph (legally).

However, if I take a spirited turn, I feel the difference with the truck wanting to pull to one side. It's not to the point where it makes me nervous...but it is noticeable in those situations.

For me, the truck is so heavy and slow, I don't really drive it that fast so I barely miss the anti-sways. With that said, within the next year or two, I will fabricate a set of quick disconnects.

[sparg93]

I meant it in a totally innocent way........this time ; ) .......since I was talking about the roof rack on the Tahoe.

Sent from my rotary phone via Tapatalk.

It's a Defender rack...just made for a Suburban (longer). It's a really nice heavy duty setup, but after receiving and noticing it DID NOT come with mounts, I was pissed...ended up dropping another $100+ just for MOUNTS!!

With the amount of $$ I spent on it, I would have rather paid a local fabricator for a custom setup to support a business near me.

However, the build quality on it is impressive, so no problems there.

[BurbanAZ]

It's a Defender rack...just made for a Suburban (longer). It's a really nice heavy duty setup, but after receiving and noticing it DID NOT come with mounts, I was pissed...ended up dropping another $100+ just for MOUNTS!!

With the amount of $$ I spent on it, I would have rather paid a local fabricator for a custom setup to support a business near me.

However, the build quality on it is impressive, so no problems there.

yea u know how i am about people saving money by fabing their own stuff lol, still a nice set up for a roof rack though