FULL BUILD: Converting this 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 to a Mid 90s Throwback

It's the start to finish transformation of a stock '02 GMC Sierra 1500 where we take the early 2000s and add a little '90s flair while turning the Sierra into a reliable, powerful daily driver. We trash the factory gov-lock rear for a true posi to get both tires spinning along with suspension upgrades and a classic throwback exhaust. The throwback Sierra also gets a lift kit, 33” tall tires, and a tune-up before we hit the trail for some wheelin’ in the country. #fullbuild #gmcsierra
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PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE
Continental Tire
General Grabber A/TX
pntv.us/pn_pt_16698_5f8710b072500
Continental Tire
General Grabber A/TX
pntv.us/pn_pt_16602_5f7237ae595a8
Continental Tire
General Grabber X3
pntv.us/pn_pt_16559_5f6377f9ed0b4
Derive Systems
SCT X4 Programmer
pntv.us/pn_pt_16697_5f87107d6cf04
Duralast
Duralast Gold Chassis Parts
pntv.us/pn_pt_16693_5f870fd5b939a
EBC Brakes
Extra Duty Light Truck Brake Pads
pntv.us/pn_pt_16599_5f72307909b58
EBC Brakes
High Carbon Brake Rotors
pntv.us/pn_pt_16598_5f72305554b26
Forney Industries
Forney 220 Multi-Process (MP) Welder
pntv.us/pn_pt_16560_5f63781d7e3d7
Matco Tools
20V+ CORDLESS INFINIUM™ 1/2" HIGH PERFORMANCE IMPACT WRENCH
pntv.us/pn_pt_16557_60fec67d76c07
PowerTrain Products
FORD 4.6L V8 Engine
pntv.us/pn_pt_16600_5f72314fa4986
PowerTrain Products
Jeep Wrangler Engine 2007-2011 3.8
pntv.us/pn_pt_16558_5f6377cc56f41
RockAuto.com
Upper & Lower Control Arms and Assembly Kits
pntv.us/pn_pt_16601_60fec705d3acb
Summit Racing
Banks Power Ram-Air Intake Systems
pntv.us/pn_pt_16694_5f870fee97929
Summit Racing
Flowmaster American Thunder Dual Exhaust Kit
pntv.us/pn_pt_16594_5f722f95040f0
Summit Racing
Go Rhino Bed Bars
pntv.us/pn_pt_16554_5f6377365f5b3
Summit Racing
KC HiLiTES Daylighters
pntv.us/pn_pt_16555_5f637758c9c79
Summit Racing
Long Tube Headers
pntv.us/pn_pt_16556_60fec62578d99
Summit Racing
MSD Iridium Spark Plugs
pntv.us/pn_pt_16695_5f87100ca9e6b
Summit Racing
Permatex High-Strength Removable Orange Threadlocker
pntv.us/pn_pt_16596_5f722fe47fd4c
Summit Racing
Permatex OPTIMUM GREY Gasket Maker
pntv.us/pn_pt_16597_5f723000c9392
Summit Racing
Positraction Limited Slip Differential Carriers
pntv.us/pn_pt_16595_5f722fc346105
Matco Tools
MATCO Tools are the Official Tool Supplier to PowerNation

[@85fordman]

You nailed the retro 90s look SPOT ON. The roll bar, KC lighting, polished “bullet hole” wheels, white letter tires…..AWESOME looking truck much better than the blacked out trucks with black 22” wheels, rubber band tires, Chinese tow mirrors, eBay led light bars, etc

[@nomercyinc6783]

you think they are chinese but they arent.

[@Brian-dh9lp]

Retro 90's? Roll bars were well before the 90's. Lol

[@85fordman]

@@Brian-dh9lp yes popular in the 70s-the 90s.

[@jgringo5516]

Ahhh yeah!

[@Ulfstigandr]

90s was peak truck. Whether its a 1500 or a 379

[@ooooooyyyeeeeaahhhh]

Man this show is so nostalgic, reminds me of watching truck tv on spike with my old man on Saturday mornings! Great work guys

[@93vertz42]

Those were the days weren't they?

[@ooooooyyyeeeeaahhhh]

good ol days man...@@93vertz42

[@stevenbelue5496]

Speaking of nostalgic how old is this episode?

[@ooooooyyyeeeeaahhhh]

Came out 2 weeks ago brotha!

[@CodyTres7]

Model year is '02 and he said the truck was "nearly 20 years old," (3:50) so sometime in the late 20teens? @@stevenbelue5496

[@theSirBartholomew]

I have a same generation Silverado with over 400k miles on it. Pretty much stock as well. They really will last forever

[@Antattack22]

Mine has 200k right on it same color as this one in video only thing changed so far was water pump radiator but definitely needs head gasket now but very reliable truck

[@pauliewalnuts240]

Not particularly crazy about gmc but this generation sierra 1500 is one of my favorite bodystyles of all time.

[@SPlRlT1]

I agree, not a big fan of the newer body styles regardless of the make. I drive a 2001 gmc sierra, came factory with the 5.3 lm7 engine but switched it for an Lq4 out of a later model serria 2500hd. With a bigger intake, a mid-priced exhaust kit at 280k miles it still surprises the hell out of some people at stoplights or on the highway

[@jimmycline4778]

I love the 2023 GMCs they have that smooth but boxy look, I like it better than the Silverados except for the HD Silverados!

[@zopixo]

I love these with a single cab

[@searchBLOC941]

Absolutely gorgeous. I have an '05 Yukon XL I've built as an overlander/sand ripper. It's also my daily driver. All 9.2mpg and nearly 7k lbs of it still turns heads to this day.

[@VentureGarageOfficial]

Agreed. I have an '04 Yukon XL. The only GM I actually like and is still a far more attractive vehicle today than most out there

[@searchBLOC941]

@@VentureGarageOfficial have you rebuilt that awful 4L80E yet? Had a shift kit done to mine. Nearly $4,000 for the whole thing. Only the casing is stock.

[@VentureGarageOfficial]

@@searchBLOC941 I have the 4L60e in mine. And nope I have not yet! It still shifts smooth at well over 400,000km on the vehicle now. Tiny slip from 2-3 but nothing worrying.

[@GMCTIM]

Hey that my Truck ! 😂 have a 01 exactly like it ! 😂👍

[@jacksonprice9722]

I would’ve done a sheet metal intake manifold as well. Relatively cheap and easy to source it it really helps to open up the top end hp wise on those trucks. Great build though. Keep up the great work!

[@gutierrezc8709]

Now this is TV! Loved it.

[@benruether8294]

I remember when mud tires had prices and sizes posted in 4x4 catalogs. I used to dream about 4x4 builds as a kid in the 90s and priced everything out from catalogs. Lift kits roll bars and all.

[@chevyorgmc]

Before & After still one of the coolest looking and driving trucks around. I have a 2004 sierra!

[@scott6059]

That portable parts washer is sweet.

[@MildlySlopedRoofsKill]

This video is great. I love this concept because I just bought an ‘02 Silverado 2500HD that’s been given the 90s style treatment. 16” chrome Cragars with 33” x 12” BFG KO2s, clear headlights and fogs, white gauges, light bar, dual Flowmaster exhausts, tinted taillights and the works. I like how it stands out against all the identically modded trucks around here and feels era appropriate for what it is and it gets a ton of positive attention.

[@dustin_42489]

You pretty much nailed it. The only thing i think would made it a lil more authentic for 90's is true duals with glasspacks like thrush or maybe some cherry bombs. Thats a true 90's truck exhaust. Now early 2000's truck exhaust we just ran true duals and chopped the mufflers off completely. 😂 it does sound damn good tho. Great job. 👍

[@Preston_Wood]

Those wheels make any truck look awesome. Chevys and gmcs especially

[@Brightleaf_Auto]

I was in High school from 98-02 and there were a few old Square body's that had roll bars but most of the 90s trucks had chrome tool boxes, chrome bed bars and bullet holes.

[@tranquility7692]

Thats what I did to my '97 single cab silverado. Fender flares, M/T Classic III's, 35s, chrome tool box, and a giant DMI chrome rear bumper

[@johnwilliams1223]

That’s awesome!! I have an 02 Sierra 2500 with the 6.0 liter V8. It’s a gas guzzler. But it runs great still as I close in on 200K miles. I’d love to upgrade the exhaust like this.

[@cub1009]

Awesome truck, and that is a great build. Those 5.3ls are solid engines. I've put 130k miles on my old 2006 Silverado. These really are great trucks and even 20 years later really hold up.

[@jonathanainsworth8718]

Been better to do a 3" lift instead of cutting the body and bumper, already had the suspension torn apart.

[@bearsfan2085]

That truck has like 3 different shades of red on it lol. I’m not a Chevy guy, but that truck is pretty sick!

[@sofloflow]

Love this look. I was born in the 90s so 🤷‍♂️

[@ecoslider21]

the exhaust you used on this truck is great!, I have a 02 sierra, its only has the 4.8 V8 but I literally have the same exhaust minus the headers, still has stock manifolds, but it sounds exactly like the truck in the video. Mine has 375800km or 233511 miles(still original stock motor). still a great truck!. Guess Iam starting to show my age lol. my old high school yrs!. Great video.

[@MrTopHat4]

Nice build but I would've put a Detroit trutrac diff in, much more appropriate for a truck.

[@cnovalles73]

Absolutely NAILED it!!! Looks and sounds great!!

[@derrickg5612]

what kind of wheels are those?

[@RYTHMICRIOT]

I have an 03 Tahoe and I put 33x12.5 tires on it. But I also had 12" wide wheels with a -44 offset. I also had to trim my bumper and inner fenders just as you did, but I also had to lose my windshield washer reservoir because the driver side tire rubbed against it and would've just worn a hole in it. But you know, sometimes you have priorities and a good looking set of wheels and tires are much more important than windshield washer.

[@alphonsowalkingbull6326]

This build is seriously what helped me buy my 2000 Sierra,ive even found some tripple bar double kicker roll bars and i just ordered a set of 5ft Whip Antennas because as retro and cool as KCs and Roll Bars are?,i grew up seeing antennas on damn near everything lol mines not this clean YET,even tho it's a little rusty it has a reman Trans/T case,new rear end and low mile 5.3 not bad for $1,800.00

[@Astro-hottie]

This is badass. Love the wheels and tires.

[@number1pappy]

My 1997 gmc Sierra slt 4x4 is in great condition. 100% stock!She's got 197000 Miles on her. I get a lot of compliments wherever I go! My other 2005 gmc Sierra sl 2x4 while it's a good truck just isn't the same. While it has more power on paper, it doesn't feel like it. The 5.3 is a good engine, no doubt, but I just prefer the old workhorse 5.7 in my 1997 truck.😊

[@shaneintegra]

Thank you so much for making this video!

[@jeepgibby]

Looks great, brushguard with more KCs eould be sick too

[@BiggHoss]

It's hilarious that he said those KC's were cheaper than LED light bars, those 4 lights cost around $500, LED light bar runs $150

[@cordcd7]

In fairness, if you get a $150 light bar, it's not going to be on par quality wise with KCs. I think he's probably referring to Baja or Rigid light bars that are likely, still over a grand.

[@austinradtke2896]

The LED KC's are $500 a pair, but the regular halogens are much cheaper. But their quality and lifetime warranty makes it worth it to me. Those $150 light bars will have condensation within a few months.

[@bmstylee]

Hey I like my 33s. This is pretty much what I did to my Silverado but no rear blocks. The BFG KO/2 is a really good tire and not super expensive for a 33" tire which can get really expensive depending on what you buy. Oh and it satisfies the muscle car guy in me because you can get white letters. The Rough Country leveling struts ride really nice and you can run the 33 without rubbing.

[@silversoozookee2839]

A big electrical contractor company I worked for exclusively bought and used the K/o2 for their fleet trucks, roaming all over Oregon and it's crazy range of weather and driving environments. For good reason I have learned 😁👍 I beefed My 93 Silverado with 2500 leaf springs, getting a couple of inches of lift and added cargo load capacity. My 2005 2500 heavy duty is my daily for work and after two years of hard use I'm happy with it (BF Goodrich all terrains) lots of miles

[@LandonJP07]

thats the look im saving up for on my 1999 chevy tahoe, 16 inch wheels and meaty tires, and looking for a chrome brushguard. some chrome classic style wheels. SICK BUILD

[@taylorh3930]

Ive never had a issue with a G80 locker got 419 000km on my 9.5 14 bolt Z71 98 Silverado and the G80 locker still works as good as new all these years later

[@jordanm686]

Loving the build gotta say these 00-07 GM trucks clean up nice I myself have a 05 Silverado Z71 with offset rims and 33's with exhaust and Bullydog programer with a K&N cold air intake. great trucks and ill never get rid of mine.

[@kevinw469]

Literally looks exactly like my truck!

[@logangray95]

I did this same build with my hualer, its a 2002 chevrolet 2500 hd, extend cab long bed Did the roll bar with kc lights, 33s mild lift. Did a brush guard and tail light guards

[@Antattack22]

Watching this reminds me of the truck my father In law passed on to me before he died in 2020 but his was a 00 Silverado red currently on 200k miles

[@trin_sierra]

When I saw the name and thumbnail I genuinely thought it was a Stacey David video. Loved those when I was younger

[@BigRedtheGinger]

I want to do a build like this for my 79 Dodge W150 Power Wagon. It has leaf springs, but I can get a 2" lift for it with new springs. My friend that sold it to me put some 33x12.5R15 Firestone Destination M/T tires on it and replaced the clutch(NP435 trans, NP203 case). I'll probably keep the stock steelies, but definitely want the roll bar and KC lights, and a brush guard. Probably get those in black since it'll be a little more fitting for the patina that I have no plans on changing.

[@AlGodgiven]

Awesome work LT

[@jordanolson3769]

I miss my GMT 800 I need that thing back

[@Mayral999]

Bet it will outlast most truck sold today

[@gerardomendoza9688]

The '90s retro on those GMT800s looks right on the spot cause they still look slightly the same as the '88-2000 GMT400 body style 💪...

[@ivarmarkusson382]

the gmt800 was very much a evolution of the 400, i had a400 and have a 800 now, they are so related, but still i doubt there is a single thing that would swap between them

[@jimmycline4778]

I still own my 02 Silverado I bought new, it has 117,000 miles and I’ve never parked by anyone, it’s so clean, no rust whatsoever plus I live in Arizona , mine has 4.8 liter V8 I put a cold air intake and flowmasters on it first week I bought it, I’ll never sell it, I just bought a new Colorado trail boss, I want to give it another 2inch lift with 17 inch with big rubber, it’ll look sick,, I love smaller wheels with more rubber it rides and looks so much cooler!

[@jimmycline4778]

I have red lettering General Grabbers on my Silverado , my interior on this truck is virtually brand new, I allways loved this truck and really took great care of it, everyone wants to buy it when I take it out, they give me their name and number and tell me to please call them if I change my mind! It gets more desirable each year it gets older! Headlights not faded either, I keep it in garage next to my Colorado Trail Boss and my C5 Vette, I’m a big Chevy guy!

[@ALCRAN2010]

Ext cab? Wish I would have kept my '99, it was the first year in this body w only 3 doors

[@Caracingjunkie]

This episode sounds like a total sales pitch for all the products more them anything.

[@Claasic]

so badass

[@Tony-zg5wm]

I have the same year rwd all stock but I'm about to put in 3" knuckle lift and rear lockers an like u said old school look but narrow tires in the front knobs in the back

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

Cool stuff

[@JasonPisanzio]

Man to be able to throw this kind of money into my 20 year old Chevy…

[@eggiecortes2732]

Exelent tranformation for GMC beautiful

[@mattrussell286]

I need to buy this truck!!!

[@shpfro]

I know he drove a Ram but those roll bars always remind me of Walker Texas Ranger.

[@zachattack95]

If you can find one, you should do a 2000s mercury cougar. I got an 01 in need of a lot of tlc, but I can't find any repair videos on it. I would greatly appreciate it yall do an awesome job

[@Mrjackietreehorn]

Damn must be nice to have this company budget but get to work like it’s your own personal project. I’ve always been jealous of HorespowerTV and PowerNation

[@Sutton2250]

great truck!

[@heathjohnson2575]

I had daylighters on my 83 K5 Blazer it was awesome

[@redneckrevolt1]

Mark the torsion key bolt before installing the level kit. Install the torsion key bolt the same depth after installing the kit.

[@ALCRAN2010]

I remember light brackets that were placed on the roof just above the front doors. Same kc lights

[@augustcanyon3438]

Very interesting, a good way to discuss how to make changes through the different stages, especially on an older vehicle. Sadly, this is only applicable to a person with a home shop, fabrication, and welding skills.

[@noelybarra1769]

Awesome video

[@redneckrevolt1]

Awesome to see Lawrence doing power nation! I’ve followed his KZbin channel for a couple years. Has he always been on powernation or did they recruit him? That’s so awesome!

[@ivarmarkusson382]

good trucks, i have a half ton like this with 58k miles

[@paulhansen7667]

I have the same truck in blue although mine was beat up when I bought it from the previous owner. I would love to do some of these mods to my truck but it would take a lot more work to get it there.

[@jasonroman8031]

Similar truck almost 20 years later, I remember they did up a 02 red sierra back on Trucks! with stacy david

[@michiganporter]

Man she's clean for an 02

[@mattphilip8288]

Nice!

[@cotynietling2567]

From the 90s ive been dying to do this to my 99 f250 but cant hardly find a rollbar and when ya do waaaaaay to high in price

[@VentureGarageOfficial]

How does it run without the cats? Does it produce as bad a smell as people say? Looking to do a custom exhaust on my '04 Yukon XL 5.3.

[@nothankyou9906]

We were still doing this in 2002. Probably did it up to 2004

[@bricegraham8256]

This is a rrally cool build. Though hate all the product plugs that makes it obvious theyre sponsored by all of these brands.

[@exploringgodscountry]

Those tiered wont last offroad. Ask me how I know😅 I installed sleeves on mine. But should have got a dedicated offroad control arm. I replaced all balljoints with mevotech ttx, after I destroyed moog and off the shelf ones i previously installed. Has been bulletproof since.

[@Stephen-ut5xo]

Do the wheel wells have to be removed for no rubbing?

[@mrgmc6314]

LT got a thing for gmt 800 trucks and suvs and even the lil gm midsized trucks also ... and myself also ...

[@ironbullprimot2281]

What would've added a little more flair would be a stepside bed

[@lostxtruckin8988]

What headers would you recommend for a 2004 gmc sierra 1500 4.8L engine. Keep in mind I have a 4WD vehicle. Been having trouble finding headers

[@wkjeeping9053]

Those KC daylighters are leds now and you can get them the width those are or slim.

[@georgetteroenfeldt8144]

My 02 is starting to loose its headliner and reglue...pulling it tight it falls apart in my hand! Is it a hard do it myself thank or what?

[@wtfmansh1]

What headers did he use? I clicked the link in the description but summit relays an empt search.

[@redneckrevolt1]

Should have done this with a cat eye chevy! That’s what I did 😂😂 profile pic??

[@sumcd6348]

By adding horsepower will it then be a gas guzzler? I have a 2000 that needs new rear springs and the side bed fixed and new rocker panels. I just had a Flowmaster installed. I feel the difference in horsepower with just that

[@justinstiff5641]

I want to do this exact same thing to my 2023 Tacoma

[@DarkWraith95]

Really nice job! Me likey......

[@Blackclaw87]

all your missing is a gray paint job and a Black Cowboy Hat (Texas Walker)

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Chuck Norris's GMC was a GMT400 K1500 Sierra, then a 1994 Dodge Ram 1500

[@johnrobinson3110]

What was your total price on all parts on the build? Looking for a base line for my 2002 GMC Sierra

[@AR-pi1wy]

Loved the built enjoyed the content

[@Ulfstigandr]

Who else is thinkin bout Chuck Norris silver Ram through this whole thing?

[@joshuaavila8317]

Power nation please send me the information on those wheels and tires side offset and brand

[@anthonysandoval456]

Which brand of upper and lower control arms did you go with?

[@lynskeyti9940]

A REAL cold air intake

[@mr.carenthusiast6198]

You want a mid 90s Sierra? Just get a square body lol😂

[@LucasMcClureProductions]

The damn thing still has tailgate trim

[@bmstylee]

I'm definitely on the take the trim off camp. My Silverado looks so much better without the cheap plastic. Plus it's easier to wax.

[@LucasMcClureProductions]

@@bmstylee im just so use to seeing trucks without it

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Large brakes wont allow 16" wheel, my truck has 17s standard and its from this Generation. I intend on 285s or 33s while keeping the rake and not using lift blocks out back. Oil consumption was resolved with a different valvecover design developed in 2011, just swap the driver side unit. Sorry but 3" exhaust helps the ls breath better anyway

[@searchBLOC941]

I did a 3in lift and am running the 285/75/16 Thunderer Trac Grip M/T's. I also had stock 17's, the factory 29in setup. I'm not sure I even needed the lift, but I also didn't have to do any cutting for fitment.

[@dillonhiggins6443]

Look like your already missing a hub cap lol

[@thomasmovesinc]

Why didn't you beef up the front end? Heavy-duty arms tie rods Etc

[@bobodean1]

LT....you're not landing a plane. Stop waving your hands around:)

[@tomloomis7897]

I'll pass on the grabbers. Had them on my obs Chevy. Are great until they start wearing down. U lose traction in snow. Great build overall

[@CodyTres7]

How does a posi track rear end in a Plymouth work?!

[@MattMorris481]

When I was a kid in the 90’s all are trucks were loud I had straight pipes no muffler no catalytic converter it was so loud you could hear it in town 6 miles away. Now I don’t want to even hear the engine.

[@Stephen-ut5xo]

what size are these tires? width?