Build a COMPLETE Overland Rig for UNDER $20K | GMT800 -Suburban-Yukon-Tahoe

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

I have the 2003 Chevy Express 1500 that I swapped out the rear differential with a 14 Volt G80 and also added the Suburban 2500 leaf springs with Bilstein shocks and it is all-wheel drive and it's pretty much Unstoppable, it comes with the BorgWarner transfer case as well

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Nice, sounds like a fun setup!

[@klumsytone]

Hell Ya Boss!!! Thank you for the walk around. Still building out my 02’ Suburban Z71 but I’m almost done. Can you go over the ram mounts you used? I’m still trying to figure out how to mount my gadgets. Where’s the next destination?

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

The base for the GoPro mount where it attached to the dash is from Pro Clip. They have a lot of options for where it can be mounted. Then it's just the articulating arm up to a ball with a 1/4-20 screw and an arca swiss plate. The X grip for the Garmin is on an off-brand bendable aluminium arm that mounts to the floor. It's less stable than I thought it would be , and would probably just use one of the lower mounted Pro Clips instead. There's a ton of ways to combine all the Ram Mount stuff, but the Pro Clips make a great starting point for mounting. Biggest trip this summer will be a combination of the Owyhee, Wallowas, Elkhorns and back to the central desert. Planning about 8 days.

[@RivIrie]

That’s a crazy use of space for a Yukon Suburban

[@overlandtowater]

nice walk around I've been eyeing those work truck wheels too. I think it's about time I do a walk around on mine....

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Thanks! It's hard, cuz little things are always changing, but I figured just don't make it fancy and get it done!

[@overlandtowater]

@@OverlandAdventureTimes Do you think the skyjacker rear springs are rated for the same as factory? I run a set of hummer H2 conversion coils and they support the load very well but after my solid axle swap I they were not tall enough. and I had to use 2" spacers. I believe a set of +6" springs would set me right but with my bumper and swingout I'm afraid they will sag. I think the H2 coils would work perfect for you.

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

@@overlandtowater I have no way to confirm, but I suspect they are very close to the factory spring rate(Z71 or MOOG rate, not Denali 😄). I've been looking at the H2s, and Dobinsons has a heavy rate 2" lift spring also(which is also pretty expensive). Tempted to try out the H2s next. I just wish everyone made spring rates readily available. It's been driving me nuts researching springs for the Jeep, too. Free length only means so much!

[@billclisham8668]

You're better off getting a K2500 Suburban if you are gong to spend much time off road with a Suburban/Yukon. I have a 2001 K2500 Suburban with an 8.1 big block, 4L80E transmission, 14 bolt full floater rear differential, and has the Z55 autoride suspension. I still have to factory G80 rear locker and an electric locker in the front diff(I forget which brand). It has Cooper AT3 tires in 285/75/16 that have been better than I ever hoped for. I also added a full set of Kryptonite front end parts to make the front end fairly bullet proof.

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Just depends on what you're doing with it, really. 2500s have some advantages and disadvantages like everything else.

[@Wicked_RotF30]

I found my 2005 Suburban Z71 4x4 for just $2,300. The trans was rebuilt prior to my purchase. I will have a new 5.3L installed eventually. I added some 285/70/17 AT tires, replaced a caliper that collapsed, wheel hub and did a tune up so far. Oil pan leaks, but i just add oil when it needs it for now.. i have an old mattress out of my last Semi sleeper, that I will through in the back of it. Just starting out as minimal as possible then i will add as i go. I like the storage under the bed, but that severely limits the ability to receive some cowgirl action 😉

[@klumsytone]

Boss, how are you? We miss your content.

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Hey, thank you, appreciate that! We are good, just had a lot of real life get in the way of adventuring and filming this year. Hope to step it back up to normal, if not more, soon!

[@HL_McCullough77]

Under 20k is not a flex...under 3k is a flex!!!

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

I don't think it was a "flex". But it is reasonable for a purchase price, 6 years of all maintenance, and mods, to have a reliable, comfortable vehicle to go remote places with. I'm not a fan of $200K hemi swapped Jeeps and other crazy builds that people buy their way into the hobby with, but I'm also not taking an unproven shitbox out to the middle of the Oregon desert, let alone Alaska.

[@HL_McCullough77]

@ I just bought a Tahoe for 5k...well on my way to 20k if you are correct.

[@KirbyLouis]

built a 2003 trailblazer ext and finlly got another tahoe z71 im doing next for a honeymoon drive to alaska

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Nice!

[@steventure85]

Love it. Any regrets going full size rig? I’m building up my 00 Silverado. She’s only seen the wide open desert so far. Maneuverability might be a challenge in the mountains.

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Things can get tight, but it's never stopped us so far. Overall no regrets, having the interior space is invaluable, as I have no desire for a RTT. And you can build one as mild or capable as you need, lots of options!

[@KirbyLouis]

you can buy high angle cvs for these from rock auto

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Those are in the short list! It's time for CVs anyway

[@coffeedollsvp]

What are your thoughts on swapping the keys lift for a BDS lift kit...is it worth it? Or is airing down sufficient enough on a torsion key lift.

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

For ride quality? Airing down works great for me, the keys are barely cranked. If you try for more than 2" with keys, that's where things go bad and a real lift is definitely worth it.

[@Olddahg]

Great vid, I thought Denali had the G80? I have 6.0LY6 in my Yukon 2500. 6.0s last forever ! edit: oh ya, g80 on the z71 only for 1/2 tons

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Yup, I was pretty sure none of the Denali's had the G80, just electronics. The 6.0 is fantastic!

[@americanmambi]

20k is budget nowadays 😅😅😅

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Purchase, maintenance and repairs over 7 years, and mods. I'd say that's pretty budget in any time frame!

[@memorablerides6807]

im so confused with the roof top tents they say they weight damn near 200lbs, and the weight capacity of the roof racks on these (specifically my 06 escalade) is 200lbs...how are people using these and not collapsing/breaking/damaging the roof rack or the roof itself? I weight 185, the wife and tent itself puts it way over that max capacity.... can anyone chime in on this?

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

It's static vs. dynamic weight ratings. A vehicle manufacturer gives a dynamic rating, ie in motion, because that's how the expect you to use a rack. Not moving, a tent in camp, a roof can hold much more.

[@memorablerides6807]

@@OverlandAdventureTimes makes sense. Thanks for the clarification

[@Jay-wn6uf]

I thought the 6.0 came with 4l80?

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Not in the half ton, 4L65. 3/4 got 4L80

[@Jay-wn6uf]

Gotcha looks good!