Tahoe build thread... tons of pics!

[droppedsierra]

I started this thread a while back, and kind of had to quit workin on my tahoe due to my shop being full, and it just being too damn cold!

I picked this truck up off of a guy on these forums. The bag setup was horrible, had a notch that could lay 30's, and the 4-link had been ripped off the frame. It had a pete and jake's 4 link, but wasnt setup right, and the truck was sitting on coil springs... so here we go.

this is the rear setup... not so pretty.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/truckpics001.jpg
I started by plating in front of, and behind the notch with 3/8" plate, so the notch was much more tied into the frame.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/truckpics002.jpg
Next i took out the axle, and cleaned it up... this is everything i cut off, took me 2 hours to cut it as close as i could with a plasma.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/truckpics005.jpg
And this is what the final product was after another 6 hours...
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/truckpics004.jpg
After that, i got the rearend back underneath the truck, and too some measurments, and welded in a new piece for the top of the notch. I cut the top of the old one off, and then welded on some 1/2 plate i beveled down... nice and solid now.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/truckpics012.jpg

[droppedsierra]

I took tons of measurements, and checked for clearances like 10 times before i took the axle back out and welded on the bag brackets, and SD 4 link brackets. I made my own frame mounts, and got the 4 link setup and welded during this time too.(for some reason, i cant find a shot of my 4-link... hmmm)
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/truckpics007.jpg
Next came the upper bags bar, upper mounts, and the bags.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/IMG_1168.jpg

More to come...

[poopskidz]

its starting to look a lot better. that last pic is very nice

[droppedsierra]

Next was the panhard bar...
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoepics030.jpg
And thennn the 2 days of cutting everything out to clear the 22's
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoepics028.jpg
And then the tubs
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoepics025.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoepics021.jpg
And then the notch cover... you can get these made pretty cheap at a local metal shop... this one is 16 ga, and only cost me $27
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoepics020.jpg
And then FINALLY, after patching all of the open spaces with sheet metal ( and expanding foam inside the cavities of the shell) We have a finished product, complete with cut up plastics to fit. oh, and some sound deading too...
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoepics007.jpg
The gas tank wouldnt fit in the stock location due to the panhard being in front of the axle, so i bought a 2 door gas tank, sectioned it 3 inches, tig welded it up, galvanized the inside, and epoxy coated the outside... leak free!
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoepics008.jpg
Then added some shocks...
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoepics009.jpg
Still to come, a box to cover the tank and everything, and to house the rear subs. I also need to build a new crossmember in front of the frame with a driveshaft loop, and raise the floor in a small area to clear the driveshaft... but other than that its done!
Total build, including truck, wheels, new tires, air ride parts, and stereo system... $6200!!! my cheapest build yet! I'll be driving it next week, fully bagged... and then to Las Vegas in 3 weeks.

[slammed97]

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoepics008.jpg

lookin good but whats the duct tape for?

[droppedsierra]

ummm, i think thats holding on some padding to keep the gas tank from rubbing... until i can find something else that can provide padding, and stick well, the duct tape and foam is all i have... not so pretty, but you cant see it.

[YUKNTUKN22S]

Looking good, do you have any pics of the outside?

[1BadAction]

Nice, mind boggling amount of work, looks good so far.

[droppedsierra]

Looking good, do you have any pics of the outside?
those are coming, as soon as i throw in the front bags and get my new tires on... be patient son!

[droppedsierra]

sorry it took me so long to finally post these. couldnt find my camera anywhwere... enjoy.
Full lift
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoeisdone066.jpg
comparison to my friend's (used to be mine) 2000 limited on 24's
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoeisdone065.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoeisdone064.jpg
Ride Height
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoeisdone067.jpg
Layed out
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoeisdone068.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoeisdone069.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoeisdone070.jpg
I'm almost there... still need to notch for the driveshaft, and make a new crossmember with a driveshaft loop.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k78/lownslow05/tahoeisdone071.jpg

When its all said and done, i may be looking at a body kit similar to the Limited's, because i hate seeing so much frame, and i dont want a BD on this one. A 60x40 sliding rag top may be in the works too...:hack:

[00'blackout]

stock tails FTW!!!

looks niice though

[F4MOU$]

I think that body kit would definatly look nice on your hoe, go for it for sure

[Gran Patron]

Clean trucks!!

What happend to the original black grill on the Limited?

[Bagged 04]

Nice!

[droppedsierra]

dunno... i bought it like that...