Silverado going in for a makeover. what to do?

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08-02-2013, 11:03
Chad4000

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Silverado going in for a makeover. what to do?

So i know that there are a hundred threads on bug out trucks, but let's face it. Trucks are cool. So the story is, blew the motor late last year, and it's been sitting ever since. Finally have some money to put into it and I think I'm going to really cherry it out... (My own version of cherry anyway lol). To clarify this will be a daily rig.

Here is how it sits now: 2000 Chevy 2500. (6.0L going back in)
Attachment 32039

So the motor will be new, and everything else is getting a good check up. (tranny etc). I am having work done on the ABS system that didn't work also. On top of some stuff that needs to be done anyway, like windshield, etc. I'm going to do some stuff that will improve both off road capability, and bugout reliability. I want to make sure that Im at least touching on the major things that I might need. I really want to focus on stuff that will make it less dangerous to go wheeling by myself/prove usefull in a shtf situation.

For starters, it has stock gears in it now. probably 3.73(? correct me if need). Think I should go to 4.11's or 4.56? The tires are 37's. I want to maintain at least 80-85mph top speed Im thinking.

next question is winch. I want to do the front reciever, the carrier etc. So that I can move it from the front to the back. Thinking a warn 12000lb winch would be the ticket. That overkill?

How useful is onboard air? I know for wheeling it can be, but realistically?

Thinking roof rack for added gear capacity, and will be mounting a full size spare in the bed. jerry can mounts etc.

How seriously should I consider lockers? arbs? adjustable shocks? shit like that?

I am seriously considering rhino lining the whole thing.. always loved that look.. but heard it's super heavy. thoughts on that?

Rifle/shotgun storage in the cab? any cool systems I havent seen? (lol?)

Anything can be done for the electrical system to improve reliability there?

Anybody consider an in bed camper to be useful (not in the truck full time just saying)? or at least a topper? (I have a topper on my F250 and it's about half and half... sometimes really cool, sometimes a pain...)

Anyway... help me think everything through. I dont really want to miss anything. what would you do to your own trucks? I have some good ideas already thanks to all those other posts I referanced at the top lol. I know this information is available, but I do actually want to hear what you guys think about some of these... Thanks guys!
08-02-2013, 11:15
Ronin13

Not overkill on the winch- you never know when you will need to get out of a really sticky situation.
Lockers- have yet to hear anyone say "Jeez, ya know, I shouldn't have put lockers on this rig."
Get a sweet gun rack, you won't regret that. Oh and you really want to improve that truck (besides upgrading your life to a Dodge[Coffee])- slap a big, sturdy, frame mounted (not bumper mounted) bambi basher on there and it'll not only get through more stuff, but also look 3x meaner and more BAMF. [Beer]
08-02-2013, 11:18
Chad4000

LOL!!

I was seriously considering bumber too.... what is the best?
08-02-2013, 11:18
Post Toastie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad4000

Anything can be done for the electrical system to improve reliability there?

Use only quality rebuilt alternator - i.e. Delco
Get a dual battery system from a similar GM diesel truck
08-02-2013, 11:20
Chad4000

1 Attachment(s)

Attachment 32041

was also thinking seriously about this guy?? pros cons?
08-02-2013, 11:21
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by Post Toastie

Use only quality rebuilt alternator - i.e. Delco
Get a dual battery system from a similar GM diesel truck

K.. thats good advise.. dual batt system. (not sure why I hadnt thought of that). I suppose google the process? or any good tips?
08-02-2013, 11:23
sniper7

i wouldnt put in the 4.10 gears if they aren't already in there. they are nice but with that motor you are going to really start sucking gas. do you have locking diff on there? if not I would invest in that.
maybe an in-bed gas tank with pump like a lot of diesels have. if it is a true BOV then you definitely want lots of gas capacity.
08-02-2013, 11:24
ray1970

Silverado going in for a makeover. what to do?

I think that winch might actually be a bit small for a rig that size. It's not just about the weight of the vehicle and all of the gear but the added effort required if it is actually stuck in something like mud or snow.
08-02-2013, 11:25
spqrzilla

Rear lockers are a good idea. Once had a 2WD pickup with a limited slip in the back that easily left behind stock 4WD rigs that had no lockers/limit slips. Especially in slick conditions muddy dirt roads. Put in a good mount for a Hilift jack.

But adj shocks, on board air, and such are for rock crawlers, not full size rigs, IMO.
08-02-2013, 11:26
ray1970

Silverado going in for a makeover. what to do?

Oh, and with 37" tires I would gear it. Probably 4.56 or something. I usually do the math and figure what gearing will get me closest to the factory gears/tire combo to maintain performance and fuel economy. I am guessing your gas mileage sucks with 3.73 gears and those tires.
08-02-2013, 11:29
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray1970

Oh, and with 37" tires I would gear it. Probably 4.56 or something. I usually do the math and figure what gearing will get me closest to the factory gears/tire combo to maintain performance and fuel economy. I am guessing your gas mileage sucks with 3.73 gears and those tires.

Very much so.. probably 9mpg down hill with a tail wind...
08-02-2013, 11:30
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by spqrzilla

Rear lockers are a good idea. Once had a 2WD pickup with a limited slip in the back that easily left behind stock 4WD rigs that had no lockers/limit slips. Especially in slick conditions muddy dirt roads. Put in a good mount for a Hilift jack.

But adj shocks, on board air, and such are for rock crawlers, not full size rigs, IMO.

K.. so lockers at least in the rear seems to be popluar...

good to hear I dont really need the rest of that stuff...
08-02-2013, 11:31
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray1970

I think that winch might actually be a bit small for a rig that size. It's not just about the weight of the vehicle and all of the gear but the added effort required if it is actually stuck in something like mud or snow.

do we agree on warn though? thinking 15000lbs? how big can I go before I cant lift the thing? lol.. as in from like the truck bed, to the rec hitch.. etc.
08-02-2013, 11:32
Post Toastie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad4000

K.. thats good advise.. dual batt system. (not sure why I hadnt thought of that). I suppose google the process? or any good tips?

Not something I've done myself, I would think you could find the process online.

I'm going to disagree with sniper7 on the 4.10 gears. My truck has 3.73 gears with 265/70/17's and it seems just right. You're 37" tires are a different story...
08-02-2013, 11:33
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by Post Toastie

Not something I've done myself, I would think you could find the process online.

I'm going to disagree with sniper7 on the 4.10 gears. My truck has 3.73 gears with 265/70/17's and it seems just right. You're 37" tires are a different story...

yeah I was considering maybe even 4.56.. I am actually thinking my milage would improve (like ray mentioned)
08-02-2013, 12:12
h2so4

I had a similar chevy for a while- 6in lift, 35in tires, etc.
You should have tons of room for an on-board air system. not only is it great for wheeling, but running tools and helping take care of others vehicles as well. tons to gain on on-board air- will only sacrifice some weight- but in that hog of a truck you wont notice.
I wouldnt go past 4.11 gears unless your gonna make it a true off road machine. I liked going fast in my truck and i think the high gears will limit that. the 6.0 should have the low end to help off-set any gear ratio issue.
Rhino lining is way heavy- not worth it imo.
Install a sweet holster or gun stash location within reach of your seat! maybe even one for passenger!
08-02-2013, 12:19
Aloha_Shooter

Go all out ...

http://www.automopedia.org/wp-conten...ce-mustang.jpg
08-02-2013, 12:25
Ronin13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad4000

LOL!!

I was seriously considering bumber too.... what is the best?

I couldn't tell ya now- back when I was trying (keyword trying) to learn from my buddy how to fix up trail rigs and all that, he had a custom made bumper for his F250... but that was about 8 years ago and the custom bumper guy moved to TN.
08-02-2013, 12:26
hurley842002

Re: Silverado going in for a makeover. what to do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sniper7

i wouldnt put in the 4.10 gears if they aren't already in there. they are nice but with that motor you are going to really start sucking gas. do you have locking diff on there? if not I would invest in that.
maybe an in-bed gas tank with pump like a lot of diesels have. if it is a true BOV then you definitely want lots of gas capacity.

Actually going to a lower (numerically higher) gear, is going to help mileage, as your engine doesn't need to work as hard to get things going. I'd make gears/locker/armor top priority if it were me.
08-02-2013, 13:15
sniper7

Quote:

Originally Posted by hurley842002

Actually going to a lower (numerically higher) gear, is going to help mileage, as your engine doesn't need to work as hard to get things going. I'd make gears/locker/armor top priority if it were me.

didn't know that, I wasn't really thinking about how big the tires are. I just know my 2003 silverado 1500 had 4.10 gears with standard tires and I got about 2-3 mpg less than my buddy with a 2004 exactly the same with the 3.73
08-02-2013, 13:50
cofi

Quote:

Originally Posted by hurley842002

Actually going to a lower (numerically higher) gear, is going to help mileage, as your engine doesn't need to work as hard to get things going. I'd make gears/locker/armor top priority if it were me.

this is right and wrong

taller gears(numerically lower) will be better on the highway keeping your rpms low shorter gears would be better for city driving/ off roading

if it were my truck(im on 37"s with 3.73s myself) i would leave the 3.73s and if your serious about wheeling get an ORU doubler for the low and low low range stuff

get lockers in the rear(and a 14 bolt rear end if u dont have one)ditch the IFS bullshit in the front and throw a locker dana 60 on the front

bumpers....your better off having someone local build em tactical armor groups are great when there not drinking that day but i have seen some fucked up twisted bumpers come out of that place
08-02-2013, 14:26
sniper7

Mtn man builds bumpers. Hook up a local board member.
08-02-2013, 15:25
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by sniper7

Mtn man builds bumpers. Hook up a local board member.

not a bad idea there..
08-02-2013, 15:26
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by hurley842002

Actually going to a lower (numerically higher) gear, is going to help mileage, as your engine doesn't need to work as hard to get things going. I'd make gears/locker/armor top priority if it were me.

think I should actually consider some armor?
08-02-2013, 15:29
Post Toastie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad4000

think I should actually consider some armor?

Door panels, behind back seat, gas tank, etc...
08-02-2013, 15:43
Ronin13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad4000

think I should actually consider some armor?

Careful- the effective addons are gonna be very costly... 2010 Ford Excursion to upgrade to Level III armor is just over $260,000.
08-02-2013, 15:45
ray1970

Fairly certain the armor that was mentioned was meant to protect the transfer case, differentials, etc.

not the bullet proof stuff.
P[Coffee]
08-02-2013, 16:06
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by Post Toastie

Door panels, behind back seat, gas tank, etc...

see,, Ive heard the weight associated is super high.. isnt that more rock crawler?
08-02-2013, 16:23
spqrzilla

I'm still trying to figure out how to make my Jeep Cherokee look like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAzFFRW2S7g
08-02-2013, 17:40
Slapps74

Quote:

Originally Posted by cofi

this is right and wrong

taller gears(numerically lower) will be better on the highway keeping your rpms low shorter gears would be better for city driving/ off roading

if it were my truck(im on 37"s with 3.73s myself) i would leave the 3.73s and if your serious about wheeling get an ORU doubler for the low and low low range stuff

get lockers in the rear(and a 14 bolt rear end if u dont have one)ditch the IFS bullshit in the front and throw a locker dana 60 on the front

bumpers....your better off having someone local build em tactical armor groups are great when there not drinking that day but i have seen some fucked up twisted bumpers come out of that place

A few things here.....First gear it!! Being a 3/4 ton it should have a 14 bolt in the rear and more than likely 4.10 gears. When running bigger tires the point of gearing is to get it back close to the stock ratio. If 265's were stock they are about a 31 inch tall tire and your now running a 37 inch tall tire. Too get things back to where they were rpm @ 60 mph you would need to go to a 4.88 gear, if it has 3.73 you would need to go to 4.56. You could still run 4.88's and gain some low end but you would sacrifice top end. I would not go air locker. I would go with a Detroit locker. Bullet proof and no air required. If you wanted to put a locker in the front then I would go air locker, that truck should have a 9.25 in the front and they are tuff as far as IFS goes.

If you wanted to do a carrier for the winch in front, be carefully you can't pull at more than a 30 degree angle without concerns of snapping the carrier off. Not often do you need to winch from behind. Standard rule of thumb is 1 1/2 times the vehicle weight for the winch. Learn how to use a snatch block.

I would get some spare parts, rear drive shaft, one front cv axle, oil, coolant, trans fluid etc, a spare belt. Next would be good under belly protection. Depending on budget that is my $.02 good luck.
08-02-2013, 17:48
cofi

http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog...-assembled.JPG

way better then short gears and you can still drive on the highway ;)
08-02-2013, 17:53
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slapps74

A few things here.....First gear it!! Being a 3/4 ton it should have a 14 bolt in the rear and more than likely 4.10 gears. When running bigger tires the point of gearing is to get it back close to the stock ratio. If 265's were stock they are about a 31 inch tall tire and your now running a 37 inch tall tire. Too get things back to where they were rpm @ 60 mph you would need to go to a 4.88 gear, if it has 3.73 you would need to go to 4.56. You could still run 4.88's and gain some low end but you would sacrifice top end. I would not go air locker. I would go with a Detroit locker. Bullet proof and no air required. If you wanted to put a locker in the front then I would go air locker, that truck should have a 9.25 in the front and they are tuff as far as IFS goes.

If you wanted to do a carrier for the winch in front, be carefully you can't pull at more than a 30 degree angle without concerns of snapping the carrier off. Not often do you need to winch from behind. Standard rule of thumb is 1 1/2 times the vehicle weight for the winch. Learn how to use a snatch block.

I would get some spare parts, rear drive shaft, one front cv axle, oil, coolant, trans fluid etc, a spare belt. Next would be good under belly protection. Depending on budget that is my $.02 good luck.

thanks for posting man.. good infor
08-02-2013, 17:58
hurley842002

Re: Silverado going in for a makeover. what to do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad4000

think I should actually consider some armor?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray1970

Fairly certain the armor that was mentioned was meant to protect the transfer case, differentials, etc.

not the bullet proof stuff.
P[Coffee]

Lol, yes drivetrain armor not ammunition armor.
08-02-2013, 18:05
hurley842002

Re: Silverado going in for a makeover. what to do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cofi

this is right and wrong

taller gears(numerically lower) will be better on the highway keeping your rpms low shorter gears would be better for city driving/ off roading

if it were my truck(im on 37"s with 3.73s myself) i would leave the 3.73s and if your serious about wheeling get an ORU doubler for the low and low low range stuff

I agree with you on taller gears will equate to better gas mileage on the highway, and if I lived someplace like Kansas I'd likely leave it stock and call it good, however I've driven way too many rigs with stock gears, that were dogs in the mountains with anything much over stock tire size.

If your rig sees much street time it's all about finding a happy medium, and while the OP didn't specify any performance goals in the power area, I'd assume he'd still like a reasonable level of performance.
08-02-2013, 22:15
HoneyBadger

Definitely get a Ranch Hand bumper.
08-03-2013, 08:23
rockhound

Your gas mileage will actually get better if you go with new gears, you are way out of your power band with the 37 inch tires, .4.56 would get close to stock rpm at given speeds, you climb mountain passes in 3rd rather than 2nd and you will get yoir towing ability back

In the rear go for a heavily biased gear driven limited slip, i am running a similar rig and love the limited slip
08-03-2013, 08:25
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by hurley842002

Lol, yes drivetrain armor not ammunition armor.

lol yeah drive train , but again, more rock crawler?
08-03-2013, 08:25
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoneyBadger

Definitely get a Ranch Hand bumper.

another good idea.... I'll have to look into that
08-03-2013, 08:28
Chad4000

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockhound

Your gas mileage will actually get better if you go with new gears, you are way out of your power band with the 37 inch tires, .4.56 would get close to stock rpm at given speeds, you climb mountain passes in 3rd rather than 2nd and you will get yoir towing ability back

In the rear go for a heavily biased gear driven limited slip, i am running a similar rig and love the limited slip

thats exactly what I was thinking... so whats the vote everyone, 4.11 or 4.56?

top speed with 4.56?
08-03-2013, 08:42
ray1970

Silverado going in for a makeover. what to do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad4000

thats exactly what I was thinking... so whats the vote everyone, 4.11 or 4.56?

top speed with 4.56?

It really depends. I'm too lazy to look for it but you can figure out the stock gear ratio and factory tire circumference and do the math based off the circumference of the new tires and determine what gear ratio will be closest to the stock setup.

I had a Dodge Ramcharger on 44" tires that (off the top of my head) had 7.30:1 gears and usually got around 14mpg with a 440.

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