00-06 chassis and drivetrain as a donor

[coupster]

Hi, I'm new here.....

I'm search for either a Tahoe, Yukon or Escalade as a donor for my 55 chevy truck. There is a company that sells a kit to mount the body, bed and bumpers. So that part is taken care of.

Any certain years that would be more desirable?

I'm looking for performance on the street, offroading=zero. I wouldn't mind a bit of lift, not looking for a lowrider.

Do I want AWD. I'll probably add a turbo at some point. I kind of like the idea of it hooking up off the line......

I've never owned this platform before so I really don't know much. I can wrench though.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[Doubeleive]

if I had the option I would go with a 00-02 simply because of less possible electronic issues, in 03-06 they made changes started adding more bells and whistles like traction control, etc. just seems like less of a potential headache in my opinion. I would also go with a lower trim level for the same reason. But hey if you want all those extra things great

 

[coupster]

Thanks for the feedback, exactly the info I need to keep in mind when looking for a donor. Thank you.

 

[rockola1971]

I wouldnt worry too much about the year as far as traction control and what not. All that can be deleted from the PCM when engine is tuned. If you get a chassis then I would try to get the PCM that came with it and possibly the Transmission that came with that PCM too. There were some changes in the tranny wiring toward the end of our year range. You will also want to pay attention to flex fuel/non flex fuel if you intend on using the fuel tank and fuel pump that came with the chassis. All depends if you use existing engine or not or even if you intend on going custom engine setup. I myself would keep traction control. The only things that revolve around that are wheel speed sensors, abs system/computer and PCM. In that case just grab the cheapest 2003 LT you can get ahold of. I own 2 of them and they are for the most part stupid easy to work on. Get you an aliexpress clone tech 2 for maintenance use and you are golden. Its what I use. You really need to develop a better full plan and share as to what you intend to use as the engine because that could steer you other ways because of nuances. I own a 2005 Yukon Denali AWD 6.0L and honestly looking at your initial intentions I would get the cheapest Denali you can get ahold of and start off with a 6.0L and AWD....unless there is no snow, etc. where you will be driving then find a 2003+ Tahoe/Yukon with a 6.0L that needs a rebuild. Just depends on what kind of work you are able to do yourself or willing to pay that will determine where to buy and what condition. A front end totaled auction should be cheap enough, just make sure frame is straight. If its just the bumper ears bent then no problem. Maybe even a salvage vehicle if your state is as easy as mine to get a rebuilt title once you complete the work.

 

[Doubeleive]

just a note traction control may not allow you to do a decent burn out unless you pull the abs fuse, lots of reasons I would stick to the earlier years, they are more analog, don't need all the flex fuel, drive by wire nonsense either. to each there own I guess

 

[rockola1971]

just a note traction control may not allow you to do a decent burn out unless you pull the abs fuse, lots of reasons I would stick to the earlier years, they are more analog, don't need all the flex fuel, drive by wire nonsense either. to each there own I guess

I know on my Denali that if you want all the traction control to shutoff you just have to unplug one ABS sensor and its off and you get the idiot light on the IC for traction control. Likely can be deleted in program also. Drive by wire can be ommitted from any vehicle and converted to cable throttle. Just all depends on what the OP gets to start with but there isnt much that will stonewall him. Unless he wants 6.0L and buys a 5.3L equipped vehicle and has to pay for a 6.0L engine. Im guessing the plan here is dont pay any more extra $$ than he has to.

 

[coupster]

Great insight guys, much appreciated!! thank you!

 

[S33k3r]

If you are going for a 6.0 on this platform, I'd also look at the escalades. The '05-'06s -- and this goes for any of them -- likely have the best "get up and go" stock. The Cadillac, specifically has and LQ9 engine which is a higher output version of the LQ4 typically found in the platform. Further, the 4l65e in the Cadillac will be able to handle power better, if remaining stock.