2000 XL need some advice

[thegeneral]

Long time "reader" finally registered.

I have a 2000 Yukon XL. 5.3 3.73 bone stock.

I'm itching to make some upgrades...

Roof Rack with lights.

6" lift- just ordered a ZONE kit, being delivered Tuesday.
(I originally had installed a Torsion key lift- 2 in. or so, and had blown both lower ball joints in the span of 15,000 miles, THOSE MOOG ball joints that went bad were brand new when the keys were installed). Figured i'd go the better geometry route of an "actual" lift kit.

Going to go with 35's on 17X9's. not sure which brand i'll go with. ProComp on Goodrich all terrains? (Daily Driver)

My big question. Will changing gears to something like 4.56's get me better gas mileage? I know they'll save the life my drivetrain, but will it help on mpg's?

Also, looking at getting a grille guard. Found the ranch hand Legend series. Any pros/cons or other suggestions?

The repairs I have made since I purchased it (all made on my own)

New tie rods in and out
New idler arm
New pitman arm
New balljoints (twice thanks to torsion keys)
New front and rear pads and rotors
New front wheel bearings
New knock sensors
New wires
New plugs
New rear coilover struts
New rear HD springs
New front struts
New Michelin XT's

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Welcome to the neighborhood!

To answer the BIG question, if you are going for a lift, it is a great idea to change the gearing. This will help your ddrive train and your MPG. It won't make a HUGE difference in mileage, but it will help. Especially if you are going to be running 35's

 

[thegeneral]

Thanks for the welcome and the gear info. I'm looking into 4.56's. Any ballpark figure on installation (that's one project I don't want to tackle, with shims and 1/1000th's of an inch, leave it to the pros)

Ordered some stuff today-

Ranch Hand Legend series Grille Guard
17" ProComp 6047's in Chrome and a set of Mickey Thompson ATZ's
Yakima MegaWarrior roof rack with two extensions and all mounting hardware

Thinking of changing out the halfshafts up front before the lift is installed. Any suggestions on brands? I tend to go for the best, but in this case, I have no clue what that would be.

Also thinking that with the gear change, i'll change all the rear bearings and axles too, any thoughts?

 

[thegeneral]

almost done!

 

[chauncey0337]

That's one beautiful looking beast. Are you gonna throw some off roading lights up front? That would look mean.

 

[thegeneral]

I plan on a couple on the Grille Guard and 4 on the future rack up top.

Thanks for the compliment!

 

[chauncey0337]

Nice wheel and tire combo too. They go really well with the lift. I always wanted a lift too since mine is a 4x4 but for now I'll stay at stock height. Maybe someday.

 

[thegeneral]

Thanks, I love the wheels and tires...

It's quite an investment though.

I never really did the math, but when you add everything (wheels, tires, lift, etc.) up it's a big leap.

Even at stock height yours looks bad ass. Love the rims. Sierras? (I could be wrong) That was my first choice but was talked out of them for the lift.

 

[chauncey0337]

Yeah my budget right now won't allow for a lift. Thanks, they're actually nnbs (2007+) tahoe LTZ wheels and I love em but probably not the best with a lift. I think you made a good choice with your wheels.