04 Tahoe Z71 Project

[LTG515]

Suspension came in today! Here’s what I ended up going with. Pretty common in here but figure I’ll list it clearly.

Bilstein 5100 front - 24-186643
Bilstein 5100 rear - 24-187237
Moog coils (apparently Z71 spring) - 81069
AC Delco front bump stops - 15153959

Interesting note about the bump stops. From most of my research, I found that the only front bumps available were the 15153958 ones. They’re the ones that look like a dog chew toy. However, I have a Z71 and looked at my current bumps and they don’t look like that. I looked all through rock auto, Amazon, and other sites and could only find the chew toy ones. I ended up finding the 15153959 part number on this forum and looked those up. GMPartsGiant has them listed as fitting the Z71 Tahoe but the item is discontinued (https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm-bumper-15153959.html). I then typed that part number directly into rock auto and sure enough it pops up, but not as being apart of any model of Tahoe.

SO, to save yourself a headache, 15153959 is the OEM Z71 front bump and is listed on rock auto if you type it in, otherwise it will not show up.

Hopefully I’ll get around to installing this setup soon!




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[LTG515]

UPDATE!

Bedliner paint job is done. I had enough bottles (5) to finish the rear fender flares, rear lower quarter panel, stock bumper trim, and my new metal bumper. Of course being a DIY spray job there are some flaws, but overall I’m super happy with how it came out! I also have a rattle can of rust oleum bed liner for little touch up areas.











Also, I got my Bilstein 5100s installed with new coils in the rear and new bumps in the front. Because of the springs being new in the rear, I gained a little height, so I also turned my torsion keys almost all the way up. I’m going to let the springs break in before I adjust the keys again, but I’ll likely be turning then down a half turn or so. Otherwise, the install was easy and the ride is much smoother so far!





Only thing left on my list are some new tires. Those will be on soon I hope!


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[HiHoeSilver]

UPDATE!

Bedliner paint job is done. I had enough bottles (5) to finish the rear fender flares, rear lower quarter panel, stock bumper trim, and my new metal bumper. Of course being a DIY spray job there are some flaws, but overall I’m super happy with how it came out! I also have a rattle can of rust oleum bed liner for little touch up areas.











Also, I got my Bilstein 5100s installed with new coils in the rear and new bumps in the front. Because of the springs being new in the rear, I gained a little height, so I also turned my torsion keys almost all the way up. I’m going to let the springs break in before I adjust the keys again, but I’ll likely be turning then down a half turn or so. Otherwise, the install was easy and the ride is much smoother so far!





Only thing left on my list are some new tires. Those will be on soon I hope!


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Looks awesome. Like a border patrol unit. What kind of liner did you use?

 

[Dantheman1540]

I like this a lot!

Since I got my 2wd Tahoe I've dreamed of 4x4 converting it with a nice mid travel kit in the front and stuff some 35s in with minor trimming. I can't believe these trucks aren't more popular in the overlanding crowd. Room for up to 7 people a V8 and cheap as heck. Seems much better than a jeep to me.

 

[LTG515]

Looks awesome. Like a border patrol unit. What kind of liner did you use?

Haha yea kinda like a border patrol unit! I used Custom Coat bedliner which was (maybe still is) a partner product to Raptor bedliner.


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[LTG515]

I like this a lot!

Since I got my 2wd Tahoe I've dreamed of 4x4 converting it with a nice mid travel kit in the front and stuff some 35s in with minor trimming. I can't believe these trucks aren't more popular in the overlanding crowd. Room for up to 7 people a V8 and cheap as heck. Seems much better than a jeep to me.

Thanks a bunch! And yea I agree, I’m surprised they’re not more popular either. The older full sized SUVs like this are roughly similar in dimensions to midsized trucks these days so they’re still practical on a trail. I don’t wheel very hard but I did want to build this up slightly. A mid travel kit would be so cool but don’t think putting that kind of money into this car is worth it for me hah!


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[Dantheman1540]

As you have it now it should be pretty darn capable. I agree about them being considered small now. The new 4 door Tacomas are longer than a NBS Tahoe by at least a foot or 2. Plus the Tahoe 5 link rear setup is actually pretty trick. It has a good amount of travel and really keeps that 10bolt from tweaking one way or another and destroying itself.

 

[LTG515]

As you have it now it should be pretty darn capable. I agree about them being considered small now. The new 4 door Tacomas are longer than a NBS Tahoe by at least a foot or 2. Plus the Tahoe 5 link rear setup is actually pretty trick. It has a good amount of travel and really keeps that 10bolt from tweaking one way or another and destroying itself.

Yea I took it out when I first bought it used and was pleasantly surprised! They really are a sleeper SUV when it comes to off road. Once I get my 33s I’ll be set!


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[LTG515]

TIRES

Alright, tires are on! 285/70r17 E load General Grabber ATx. I think they fit the truck really nice and fill up the wheel well perfectly. No rubbing anywhere during daily driving or full lock. I’m pretty certain the rear tires will rub when articulating since my 265s did also, but I’ll see how bad it is and maybe consider spacers. The tire shop set them at 40 psi, which may be a little stiff for me. I might air down a little lower like 35 or so, but if you guys have suggestions on E load tire pressure let me know. Otherwise I’m super happy with how they look and feel, and can’t wait to test them off road!







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[Dantheman1540]

They look great! I've always been a fan of the grabber ATs. I run my KO2s same size and load E at about 32psi all the time. They feel much smoother and they have worn great with occasional rotations. I have close to 40k on them and they have about 30% tread left. Would have more but they have seen lots of burnouts. If I tow I bump it up to 40psi.