Silverado going in for a makeover. what to do?

[Chad4000]

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)


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!

[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)- 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.

[Chad4000]

LOL!!

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

[Post Toastie]

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

[Chad4000]

was also thinking seriously about this guy?? pros cons?

[Chad4000]

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?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.