Building the SS(V) TrailHoe

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Sparksalot

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The battery was on life support when I bought the truck, so time to drop in a new AGM. I hate cleaning up acid spills and corrosion so that’s the only type I buy. While I was in there I cleaned up the battery tray and sprayed some rattle can bedliner on it.

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I bought a pair of AGMs to go into thecopcar in December.
 

PatDTN

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Discovered a side effect of the lowered front diff. When I reinstalled the front driveshaft I noted the boot on the transfer case end was stretched pretty tight. A few hundred miles and it’s popped off one end. I’ll be getting a new shaft built 7/8” longer to return the splines to the factory engagement. And a new boot, the rubber on the original has hardened somewhat.
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I watch my neighbors upgrading even their brand new Jeep and laugh about how the project keeps ***********. 2 1/2" lift to fit 37s? No problem. Hm. Needs new gears. Kinda hard to get in and out of too. Rock sliders that really protect aren't shipping yet. It goes on.
 
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Bill 1960

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@PatDTN too right. Lift and tires are just the beginning of a long chain of consequences when you alter a vehicle. Having done a few, I have a fine appreciation for just how good the factory engineering team is.

Adding power is the same way. Boost one thing, break another.
 
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Bill 1960

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I wrapped up the rear deck and it’s in the more or less finished state. No doubt I’ll do some tweaking after a few trips.
Built in three sections, the rear drawers can be used with or without the rear seats. The sections over the rear seating positions are built 60/40 like the seats so I can run 1 or 2 more seats if I ever need to.

Built with plywood over a steel frame that bolts to the seat mounting points and the cargo ties in the rear. God forbid this thing ever crashes or rolls but if it does I won’t have this flopping around in the cabin. Plus I really hate loose rattling cargo off road.

The drawers will be for miscellaneous small things we access frequently like snacks and dog bowls. Under the front hatches I’ll have tools, recovery gear, clothes, things less often needed or too big for the drawers.

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The deck overall is 74" front to rear, so there's enough room for two of us to sleep if ever needed. Two people plus two dogs; well, that may be an issue. :dogpile:

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I left enough space between the deck and the front seats so the fronts can still fully recline. So maybe it'll sleep four?

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Unseen, but hidden in the front cargo storage I placed some LED strips around the interior. So it won't be a black cave when I'm trying to find something.

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The rear drawers are full extension. If I ever get into camping much out of this I'll probably do something more elaborate. But that's not in my to do list at present.
 
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Bill 1960

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Seems the TrailHoe is begging for a transmission. More on that here: https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/4l60e-delayed-2-3-shift-after-wot-application.124063/

Don't have a 100% trusted diagnosis yet, as I write this I'm planning to take it to the dealership for a second opinion. I'm feeling kind of peevish with GM if I have to buy a transmission at 61k miles. :violin2:

I'm no transmission expert, but based on a lifetime of experience with all things electromechanical I'd say it's a weak seal or blown O-ring somewhere. Of course if that part is in the ****** of the trans and requires removal and dissassembly...
 

PatDTN

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Bummer. A neighbor builds 4Lxx trannies for racing and has a very good record for durability. It's barely more than a hobby so he's very concerned with details.

I keep trying to get him to start on the 6 speeds. I might have more luck now that he has a newer Yukon with one that he tows his camper with. :) Doesn't help you right now I realize.
 
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Bill 1960

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New tranny is in and the Hoe is home again after a 2 week stay at the Chevy dealer. Originally supposed to take 1 week, but we had a delay when the transfer case developed a minor leak at the input shaft following reinstallation. New seal seems to have cured that.

I've been somewhat PO'd about the whole business of buying a transmission at 60k miles. But that's in the rearview mirror now. The guys at the dealership did give me some really good service and attention to detail, which helped. The tech doing the work is an enthusiast so we spent some quality time under the truck discussing the build. I liked that they let me go in the shop and talk with the guys with dirty hands face to face. Lots of shops won't do that.

Next on the agenda is going to be a do-over on tires and maybe wheels. I'm getting some high speed imbalance, which I have no tolerance for. Plus I've found my tolerance for the sound of MT tire treads is not what it used to be. Probably going for some BFG KO which I know to be quiet, and balance well.
 

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