Tahoe Overland Build

[@avahoeoverland3049]

Beautiful and extremely capable rig, I'm building my Tahoe to be an overlander too.

[@ljaysperspective1775]

Dude, your rig KICKS ASS! I'm a Handyman and what I enjoyed from watching your vid is your Tahoe was 100% practicle no over the top gear, no million dollar suspension with crazy tire and wheel set up or a pull-out kitchen for 10 people. This is the rig for enjoying the great outdoors, without putting your house up for sale to finance the build. Awesome breakdown, I appreciate the walk-around on your rig, and I must say, I'm sorry it was stolen, but I'm glad you did your thing and enjoyed it while you owned it. It wasn't just eyecandy. Way to go!👍💯

[@jdleschw]

Thank you man i appreciate it, Fuck vanity, lets get real, most people just want to get outside and experience the world that the lord provided us with and thats what im all about.

[@dylansanders9446]

Just finished this watching this video. Im going to build out my Tahoe just like yours. I'm sorry to hear you lost her. But damn what a great video. I think the toughest part is going to be the electrical work at the scale and design yours was in, but I will give it my best. Patiently awaiting your next upload!

[@heart1caligurl]

You TOTALLY inspired me... Been almost a year, and hit a lul, building out my Dad's 07 LTZ that i inherited. Your rig, and all the details w/pics of what you could do with it, has given me the pick up I needed to keep going with my project. TYVM for being so positive and complimentary about the Tahoe's capabilities and thanks for all the "real life & practical" advice from experience living in your rig. I am SO very sorry it was stolen. It sticks that people feel they can take from others rather than earn or work for things themselves. If you have any additional pictures, especially if how you mounted your fridge between the two front seats (exactly what I wanted to do with my fridge btw) or your water tank set up (have an inside facing sink with back open access via the drivers side passenger door planned but had H20 bottles, no tank, because i didnt know there was room for it), i would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see it for ideas... TY again, and know your video DEFINATELY DID INSPIRE at least one person in building out their tahoe, so the time it took for you to put together and post this is very much apppreciated.

[@jdleschw]

The water tank was located East to West, relative to the orientation of the vehicle. Just behind the Passenger and Driver seats. Having water is sweet during extended trips through the desert when having water is paramount. The fridge was "freestanding" and hugged the passenger and driver seat. That was the nature of the fridge i had, it just happened to fit perfectly in that space. It was a dometic CF28 (i think) and worked perfectly in my situation. Thank you for your inquery and i wish you well on your build!

[@robertbehan9186]

YES! This is what I have been thinking about doing. I'm in a Chevy Express 3500 lwb van. Insane amt of space. Almost got stuck in sand once, and the turning radius is horrible. I will most likely use reinforced XPS instead of plywood for building the storage etc. 1/8" plywood could be used in areas where it needs to look good. I was hoping to find something that gets better gas mileage tho. The full size Dodge crew cab 4x4 gets 21 mpg! Your rig was amazing! Too bad there's shiitty ppl! Are you going to build another rig? I hope so!

[@tedgayer336]

Hey buddy, thank you for the great video. Sorry to hear you lost this wonderful rig. Thanks for so much information, and great photography. Great job. Good luck in the future.

[@jdleschw]

Thank you very much, i appreciate your kind words regarding my rig.

[@erichunter1940]

Sucks that it was stolen!! What a bummer. I have a 2002 Tahoe Z71 that was stolen while parked at a train station. I recovered it using a hidden Apple Air Tag that showed the location of the vehicle.

[@WeekendWarrior604]

I wanna know please how did it get stolen? Anything I can do to make mine a harder target?

[@46dgarrison]

I just picked one up and it is so much smoother than my 2010 Silverado

[@garycalliham6643]

I love your tahoe! nice job with everything! I have a 02 suburban z71 that I have had since my 20's I am replacing the engine with a built 6.0 and I am going to build something out of it! ;-) I have been trying hard to convince a couple friends of mine to get a tahoe or burb and build something so we can go mini-overlanding together and camp lol.

[@mrkkiani]

I have 2002 that is built very much like yours. I have had it since new,, it now has 300,000 miles and still runs like new. Original engine and trans. I do use the low range a lot, as it feels stressed in high. I also change 4qt of trans fluid every 10,000 miles with synthetic Valvoline Max Life and I have done this since new. It does love the dirt and the torsion diff made it even better. I have the high lift keys for the front and even with all these miles and the high angles on the CVs they are fine.

[@davehoover6699]

I just got a 04 Tahoe LT, it's not a 4x4, so I am a little bummed I won't be able to explore like you did, but it was so cool to see what you accomplished with this thing, and I am so sorry it was taken from you. I absolutely love mine, and am always scouring KZbin looking for new ideas. Thank you for sharing, I'm sure it wasn't easy to do.

[@AlanTrades]

Why don't you trade it in?

[@jdleschw]

You can still explore with it, getting a locker or LSD would help but little do people realize that 90% of exploring can be done without 4x4.

[@jdleschw]

just carry traction boards in case you find yourself in a situation where you cant get out

[@dalesutton2087]

Build a prerunner

[@Curly_Fried_]

Dang man I could feel the pain in your voice talking about your rig. Keep your head up get yourself another rig. You made great content.

[@jdleschw]

She was my baby for sure!

[@SilasThornton1]

Sweet rig man! I'm in a 99 Tahoe 4x4 with 2 non lap dogs. LOL. I'll probably incorporate a few of your ideas when I redo the inside soon. Hope you get it back or build out another one. Peace Out

[@billbaxter1989]

I’m surprised more people don’t wheel these, but then maybe that’s a good thing because they aren’t overpriced. I just got an 05 and put my 33s on it and went out with it today. I came down a pretty sketchy trail and there was a bunch of jeep people at the bottom and they looked shocked. 😆

[@jdleschw]

Sounds like the time i did black bear pass in CO, was basically a 4runner Jeep Convention. They are great rigs, i was really happy with my 35s on it, but the rig was seeing consistent dirt. If it was an everyday i would probably go 33s

[@juliosgarciag3508]

I enjoyed this vídeo. I love that Tahoe model. I hope to get one. Thank you for sharing your TaHOME 🤝🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@KyleJewell]

Great video. I'd love to setup my '04 Yukon XL like that.

[@garymaya1767]

best vehicle chevy / gm has ever made only second to the suburban. Suburban is #1 for everyday use, most practical suv/truck ever.

[@PakmanR3]

Love it man, I personally like the suburban for the extra size but nice rig for sure.

[@BlueMonkeyGames1]

Hey man I just happened to be in Vegas this week (first week of November) and saw your truck in one of the junk yards. Don't know if you know it's there but I knew I recognized it when I saw it. So unfortunate

[@Daniel-ux8tx]

Man…so sorry about your rig….fck! I have a 95 2dr 4wd Tahoe and know how great they are, your videos have inspired me to build it up and get it dirty, too. Hope you find your next rig soon and will carry on with your excellent adventure channel…love your creative style!!!

[@jdleschw]

I really appreciate your kind and down to earth comments, than you my brother.

[@Wicked_RotF30]

Thats cool. I have a Suburban that i plan to use, however, I’m keeping mine very simple. Just a mattress in the back and a cooler.

[@jdleschw]

Honestly at the end of the day it all about just getting out there 🤙

[@Wicked_RotF30]

@@jdleschwAgreed! It’s not as easy in the southeast tho. Plenty open land accessible to you out west.

[@WesB-Tactical]

Greetings brother. I love your content. Your build is my motivation. I have a stock 2wd 06 Tahoe. I'm sending it over to "Duraburb" for a diesel swap and 4x4 conversion, then sending it to "Suboverland". I have the money but not the time nor experience, and I know they'll do it right. Take care and safe travels.

[@dirtnapz996]

Yeah, you can pay others to build it. You won’t appreciate it like you would if you did it yourself.

[@brycewilliams4897]

Don’t listen to that guy bruh that’s be a dope build especially if you Lbz swap that would be dope

[@WesB-Tactical]

@@brycewilliams4897 Facts. That’s why I didn’t even reply to his comment. 💯

[@UNOSGALLOS]

My tahoe is a beautiful princess 2002 with 220,000 miles on it with no problems just service to the max..and it looks better taking care of than the new ones I see on the road these days..they turn their heads and look at my 22 year old suv and smile..lol

[@andrewmeekens1778]

Thanks for showing your Tahoe because I have one a 97 4x4 and plan on making it a overlander also sorry to hear your Tahoe was stolen are you getting other one hope so good luck and keep driving our Chevys !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@realweston]

Freaking awesome video man! Inspiring

[@Play3r-ONE]

What was the grill guard? You don't have that part linked. And sorry you lost it. Hope you got something good to replace it.

[@Play3r-ONE]

Nevermind, I figured it out. It's a Go Rhino 3000 series, for anyone wanting to know.

[@singedcarry]

Oh no! Sorry to hear about the rig. I have an 05 Tahoe a lot like yours. Same color too, and slowly working on turning it into an overlander. I had a rear bumper with tire carrier built for it. I just finished painting it. Now I'm thinking about getting a GPS tracker for it. Again sorry to hear about the Tahoe.

[@jdleschw]

Considering the general state of society and the pure insanity of our culture i would say go for the GPS unit! lol Your tahoe sounds awesome, having a tire carrier out back would be primo for optimal weight distrib. Lugging a 35 on the roof of mine was not ideal.

[@pjak2000]

Awesome film... I dream of transforming mine to a rig like yours.

[@MortgagePlannerTom]

Well done brutha, sweet rig!

[@samnigro1138]

How did you mount that front light bar? I’ve got a 2006 Tahoe and I want to do a similar light bar setup

[@FanTexon4-Runner]

Awesome video and Rig!! Where did you get the front grill bar/bull bar?

[@melissaschaible9159]

I've watched about a million of these buildouts on KZbin and yours is my dream! But I am torn between the Tahoe and the Suburban! Let me ask you this, if you had the suburban do you think you could fit all the gear currently on your Tahoe's roof, inside the Suburban?

[@chimera7817]

I just got a '95 Suburban and it has about 7ft x 4ft storage inside. So more than likely fit all that and have a little room left over. a lot of people will build a 1ft tall storage container that you can slide everything into. Just a thought.

[@jdleschw]

Id leave the tire an gas up top of course but everything else would fit into a slightly bigger rig with some creative packing. All depends on how you have the interior setup

[@bugsphotos]

Nooo I pray for the return of the Tahoe like the videos man

[@jdleschw]

Thanks bro!

[@jvida405]

good luck on your next adventure

[@John-cz6it]

Can you please list out the suspension , diffs, and transmission upgrades you did

[@jdleschw]

No Tranny Upgrades, Bilstein 5100s, z71 rear coils, 3"lift, 4.10 gears

[@sevvenblocks8458]

Enjoyed you video !

[@xantho999]

How did you reverse mount the passenger seat?

[@jpbaron56]

nice rig and thanks for making the video. Sorry it was taken by ugly people and i hope they get the justice they deserve. Wondering if you had a factory alarm and it wasn't enough? I love the room you get with a Tahoe. 5.3 is an awesome/reliable engine.

[@scorpiosaturnring]

I felt your pain dude and anger. Fukking shame, hope the assholes that stole it get theirs X2. Absolutely loved that Tahoe.

[@jewllake]

Sorry about your truck. I have a 2006 Yukon 4x4 with the factory 4.10 gears and 5.3 - good rig!

[@jdleschw]

4.10 gears are where its at! (for mixed use HW and 4x4 w/35s lol)

[@adrianyoung8990]

How much did you pay for the Tahoe off the rip? With what mileage?

[@mediocreman2]

I can understand why you're a "huge coffee person". Sounds like you need some in this video. 😅

[@coffeedollsvp]

Wait u took..wheel wells off to fit 35's?

[@christophersterling9995]

Where did you get that push bar in the front from? Did you get your truck back yet?

[@andre81111]

Why would you make 3in instead of 6in lift now?

[@choyjimenez4112]

so badass, absolutely sucks to hear that this was stolen :(

[@jdleschw]

The bastard theives are ppl that are bastards and only care about one thing which is money. So fuck them. Let them take my rig and part it out, they will pay eventually in this life or the next.

[@cameronhayes53]

Just now seeing your video and wow, that is an impressive set up. Hate to hear it was stolen. It's obvious you put a lot of blood and sweat into this build. I've got an '05 Tahoe Z71 mostly stock although I just put Rancho RS500 shocks and a Z36 Power Stop brake kit on it. Haven't done much off roading so being that it's a Z71 do you think I need to modify the suspension or lift it? I really don't want to do that. I'm running Yokohama Geolander A/Ts (265/70/17) on the OEM wheels. Any feedback or input you have I'd appreciate. Thank you.

[@AnsleyBuilt]

The 3 inch body lift worked out pretty well for you? Love the rig

[@jdleschw]

It did! But lots of hammering and modification of wheel well to fit the 35s (assuming you dont crank the Torson Keys until you screw up the cv angles and stiffen up the ride) When you get it dialed tho, its the sweet spot look wise when running 35s! IMO

[@libertyoffroad1]

sweet build! curious if you ever had issues with your cross bars overhanging that much?

[@northernmichiganoverland]

How did you do the passenger seat mod?

[@charliehatton3781]

Nice video, truck looks great with those tires. Did you add any skid plates? I have an 07 LTZ and the gas tank is just plastic with nothing to stop a rock from destroying it.

[@jdleschw]

Never had any skid plates on it, only thing i ever hit underneath was the transmission cross memeber, the exaust crossover pipe a couple times and the front thick piece of metal under the radiator.

[@FredPerryUSA]

I have enjoyed your video productions in the past and have hung onto them. I have a Chevy Tahoe vintage 1996. Did you ever do anything or consider doing anything with your front axles? My 4 x 4 is in need of an axle replacement, and I was considering taking this opportunity to upgrade the axles for our upcoming 2 yr road trip which will include some soft-roading and wash-board-roading towing a TAB400 camper. Any experience you might care to share on this will be appreciated. Thx!

[@jdleschw]

Thats a small camper and would think that a stock setup would have no problem towing it into the backcountry. If it were me, if i was replacing the axles on my truck i would think about sourcing axles that have a gear ratio that best fits your needs. Since your on the road 2 years i would not go overboard with gearing. 3.73 seems to be a good all around gear with 4.10s better if you have bigger tire (my rig)

[@FredPerryUSA]

@@jdleschw Thanks much for the response. Are you back on the road? Or will you be?

[@FredPerryUSA]

@@jdleschw thank you for the feedback and advice. Very much appreciated. Are you back on the road? If not are you planning a return to the back country and more KZbin production?

[@stocksj]

Wow, sorry someone stole your rig, I hope you get something about the same or better. Good luck.

[@MrPang278]

Next build put a tracker in, all my stuff’s tracked

[@IbrahimHassan-xs6cu]

what was your wheel offset?

[@darothc]

Nice rig. Did you ever recover it?

[@terryburnett797]

Love my Tahoe very capable vehicle

[@juniormartinez7569]

I’m sorry to hear about you build brother… It sucks but onto the next build for sure! What do you think of an AWD 05 Yukon denali for an off-road build? I’m considering but don’t know much about off roading but I’m learning !

[@rickybobby1681]

Thanka for sharing .. im buying a Tahoe any 4wd out there ? Lmk

[@juarez97]

One last question, were the rims zero, negative or positive offset, did you use spacers, if so, what size spacers?

[@jdleschw]

-6mm offset , Backspacing 4.45", rim width 9" No spacers, wanted the wheels making direct contact with the hub. Wheels were aluminum, and tires were on the lighter end for 35ers because i wanted to keep the weight down as much as possible to maximize my MPG. In hindsight though, any rim would have done as its a grunty V8 on 35"s, the fuel econmony is never going to be good.

[@juarez97]

Got the 17” wheels with 35” but the tire still rubs, did you do any trimming on the drivers front fender to get rid of rubbing?

[@jdleschw]

I believe i trimmed part of the front bumper, and pulled the fender liners in using zip ties and a heat gun. Also hammered where the rocker panels meet the fender to make room. There was a lot of hammering and some cutting there. A problem i ran into is getting the fender liner back on the drivers side since the e-brake cable is right behind it. @@juarez97

[@juarez97]

@@jdleschw I greatly appreciate it, that is the exact route I been thinking with trimming part of the bumper, bending the sharp edge behind the liner then maybe I will use HD zip ties to hold the parking brake cable from rubbing withe tire, thanks a million!

[@jasonyoung5913]

great vehicle. how much room is inside the vehicle behind the second row ? were you able to stretch out / lay down ?

[@jdleschw]

Id Guess it was around 6ft but no more, maybe 5'11. I am 5'10" and had just a little bit of wiggle room. Anyone over 6ft go burbon or lay crooked in tahoe.

[@exploringgodscountry]

What size tires are those? I am building one... have done a 6.0 swap and built up a 4l60e for it. Rebuilding a transfer case for it now.

[@jdleschw]

315/70/17 (35") Patagonia Milestar M/T

[@exploringgodscountry]

@@jdleschw did you have to modify much to get them to fit? I don't want to do a lift but would like a tad taller tires, hard figuring out that fine line.

[@jdleschw]

@@exploringgodscountry They rubbed a little bit on full lock + suspension compression and that was after a 3" body lift and some hammering and cutting trim. This combo gave the rig a "stuffed" look. Lots of people go 33s with cranked torsion keys only on these rigs. But youre right its hard to find the balance, especially when you introduce wheel offsets into the equation.

[@drested1793]

Nice to see these different vehicles built up. What was the last year Chevy made these with the solid rear axle?

[@Southized]

2019

[@choyjimenez4112]

what cross rails were those that were able to let you have 2 storage options up there? Or did you make it yourself

[@jdleschw]

They were yakima round bars, they were the widest ones you could buy, maybe 80? inches wide. The perches were also yakima. The cage was mega warrior. It was a nice travel setup to be able to put lots of stuff up there. Having the cage for random stuff you can strap down and the rocket box thing for stuff you want protrected from the elements. Wouldnt be good for wheeling in tight quarters tho because the roof storage went wider than the rig and would clip trees and branches and woudlnt be ideal.

[@FOUR40ZERO]

Did you have your front swiveled or turned? If so, how?

[@FOUR40ZERO]

In one scene it looked like the passenger seat was turned.

[@josecostoya4316]

What size tires are those?

[@tonymontecalvo3261]

Sorry about your truck,you really put some time into it.

[@1gglywggly580]

man that sucks u got it stolen. have u goten something else?

[@traxfan32]

Great video! Thanks!

[@juarez97]

Folks, you will be amazed as of how much you can fall in love with your old vehicle, doing a few modifications here and there with a few hundreds or a few thousands dollars, can make your vehicle look at least as nice and reliable as a new one or even better. Give it a try!

[@jdleschw]

I dont see why not, even if the rig is a pile, these rigs have good drivetrains and can handle a beating

[@juarez97]

@@jdleschw brother you just got me into this, hope once my rig is complete I can send you some pics as well, love your content!👍👍👍👍👍

[@nexersantana]

Are the gears ⚙️ 410 stock on your Tahoe or aftermarket? I have a 03 LT Tahoe

[@jdleschw]

Its an LT that had 3.42 upgraded to 4.10 aftermarket with torsen diff. 4.10s with 35s seemed to be a sweet spot as far as gas milage and power goes. If i didnt care about MPG i would def go 4.56 or higher tho.

[@nexersantana]

What are your wheel specs? Both rim and tire sizes? Any spacers? Thanks got a 03 Tahoe ready to go out there and explore

[@jdleschw]

no spacers -12 offset on wheels if i remember correctly

[@jeffroW0331]

I can hear your pain in your voice. I have an 03 that's well on her way. T-case swapped to an np241c and other doodads. She's getting a kill switch installed soon

[@Jaydayallday]

Damn sorry to hear about your truck. I know the feeling. Are you going to build another Tahoe? Besides the gears in front and rear did you do any lockers in front if it’s even possible ? I’ve heard there’s not much that you can do to front axles is that true?

[@jdleschw]

Yea, nobody re-gears the front axles in these rigs, something about the pumpkin being to small or that its made of aluminium. I had worm gear torsen in back of mine and i would put the exact same unit in it if i do it again.

[@Jaydayallday]

@@jdleschw got ya. Appreciate the feed back

[@johnnieburkhalter5265]

by how much did you lift the rear on yours?

[@jdleschw]

1 1/2 inch spacers, paired them with the moog springs (which i believe are the same that the z71 trim level has) was super happy with the stance, just a bit of rake.

[@USA__WILL]

We need another build 😔

[@newkey1106]

Thks man will do 2004 ls is my baby

[@atomicred604]

How About An Avalanche?

[@04JALD]

Makes me mad that ppl need to do these kind of things. One msg below me said they saw your rig, did you see the msg and did u make sure if it was yours? I have a 96 and 05 burbs and my 96 is a similar platform you were doing on your rig. Are you going to build another rig? You have good building talent she was beautiful. Soon I will do a video. Take care.

[@jdleschw]

I'm on the east coast so going and checking it out isn't an option cuz it sounds like its mostly a shell from what I've been told. Thank you for the comment, best of luck to you on your build!

[@04JALD]

Thank u. Maybe a go fund me page to help you get back into a rig.

[@HossStyle1]

Fk thieves! Nice rig. Might have to build mine like yours.

[@terryburnett797]

I'm sorry you're Tahoe got stolen

[@omcasanova]

☹️ I hate thieves. POS.

[@azzorrahhnovahh]

could you talk slower....

[@jdleschw]

Yea let me re-do the video special just for you

[@samnigro1138]

How did you mount that light bar? I have an 06 Tahoe and I wanna do a similar light bar setup