New Tahoe Owner

[4motion]

Greetings,

Two weeks ago I became the proud owner of a 05 Tahoe with the 5.3L 4x4 with 176K miles, and I got a steal of a deal for 800 bucks, and as you can imagine it has a couple of issues. The SUV had been hit on its undercarriage and busted the front diff as well as cracked oil pan. It also needs new tires, breaks, and a good cleaning. I am currently a mechanical engineer student and have worked on all my previous cars. Frist things first, I was able to find a new oil pan and gasket for about 150 bucks add 60 dollars for oil and filter. Front Diff ran me 250 bucks with a 12-month warranty. I have done all the work myself so I have saved a bit on labor. I then proceeded to a quick test drive, and she drives incredibly well. Brakes and tires are next, I already ordered the pads and should be arriving later this week, and tires should be sorted this week too. The focus next week will be to get it all cleaned up, and an alignment after the new tires are installed. So far I love this SUV, it will serve as a second car for me, winter beast (I live in Utah) and motorcycle hauler. So far I have enjoyed reading everyone's post, and have learned a lot. I look forward to getting to know the community better.

Abraham

 

[jerryjoe28]

sounds like you bought a project but u knew that going in! im sure afer u get the problems fixed she will be a good ride!

 

[4motion]

She already is running like a champ. Did a compression test on all eight cylinders and they are in really good shape. Spark plugs are great, no oil leaks anywhere after replacing the oil pan. The diff went in late last week, and it is working flawlessly, the 4WD system works great. All in all, I have about little over 1200 bucks invested in it so far. I think I will be needed around another 600 and she will be road worthy. An 05 tahoe under 200K miles for less than 2K I think is a win.

 

[Fosscore]

Welcome. That is a pretty good score and nice work putting her back together. Throw up some pics.

 

[05Single]

Welcome and wow talk about a mechanics special . can't beat that price for that truck. and can't wait to see pics and future plans.

 

[#1taho]

X3 on the pics and future plans. Good score

 

[4motion]

Welcome. That is a pretty good score and nice work putting her back together. Throw up some pics.

Thank you very much, I will post pictures later this week.

Welcome and wow talk about a mechanics special . can't beat that price for that truck. and can't wait to see pics and future plans.

My thoughts exactly, for the price I couldn't say no

X3 on the pics and future plans. Good score

Pics will be coming up soon!!

Brake pads arrived yesterday. It's final's week for me so things may not be all done this week. I will be installing the pads this Saturday along with tires. Next week cleaning will be the primary focus. As to future plans, I have a few of things in mind. The first couple of things will be a new head unit and exhaust. I am debating whether to go full exhaust or just change the muffler; I do want to get that nice rumble from the 5.3. I would like to add the transmission gauge to the cluster eventually. Besides that, just routine maintenance on it. I have read countless of posts on how good these trucks are when properly maintained, and I sure hope it does last me a few years.

Any suggestions as to additional mods?

Thanks

 

[Tonyrodz]

Sounds like you're doing a good job with it. You got a great deal on a great truck. I'd start changing the remaining fluids, trans, rear diff, transfer case, if possible. How's the plugs and wires look?

 

[Merc1973]

Congrats.

 

[4motion]

Sounds like you're doing a good job with it. You got a great deal on a great truck. I'd start changing the remaining fluids, trans, rear diff, transfer case, if possible. How's the plugs and wires look?

Plugs look great. I checked them out when I did a compression test.