05 GMC Yukon XL Build

[Echodawg]

2005 Yukon Build

Howdy. I figured I would go ahead and start my build thread as I plan on outfitting my rig for backcountry travel. My Yukon was purchased brand new in 04. It's purpose is to transport myself, my wife and two daughters into the backcountry. We never stay in campgrounds but instead choose to find remote areas to camp. In addition, we like to make a yearly pilgrimage down to Death Valley for a week of exploring. Since I do not use this vehicle for commuting to work, its sole purpose is for trips.

As of yet, I haven't done too much to it except installing a 2" levelling kit. Although, the vehicle is currently in the shop getting fitted with a BDS suspension lift, wheels, tires and sway bar disconnects. It is supposed to be ready this week so I will try and get some photos once I get it back.

In the meantime, here is a shot of what it looked like when I first bought it.

 

[taz223]

Sounds like it will be a good build... what do you have in mind after the lift and everything?

What made you go with BDS over other brands? Just curiuous... I am about to start the build of my 2003 Tahoe after I get home from Africa.

Matt

 

[02TahoeMD]

Nice to see another GM NBS truck here! So, details, details please! Size lift, tires, etc etc. Look forward to seeing what ya do with her.

 

[Echodawg]

taz223 - The list goes on and on. Of course time and funds will dicate the completion. Currently, I'm looking at the following:

dual batteries
rear bumper/swing away tire carrier
rock sliders
front bumper/guard
roof rack
extra lighting
drawer storage system
upgraded exhaust
upgraded intake
cb, netbook mount, gps mount
air locker
fire extinguisher / flashlight mount
grille replacement
debadging, molding removal
etc, etc

I had orignally planned to go with a Pro Comp kit but after further research online, rave reviews and talking to my mechanic I decided to go with BDS. Looking forward to seeing your Yukon once you get back!

02TahoeMD - You set the stage. :Wow1:

The lift will be 6", running 35" Xtreme Mud Terrain Radial Pro Comp Tires mounted on 17" Helo H791 black wheels. I have to get at least 500 miles under its belt before I can bring it back in for a retorque and the quick disconnect swaybars added. I'm supposed to have it back tomorrow and then we are taking it backcountry camping next Friday so I can test it out.

 

[biglos454]

awsome man! cant wait to see the progress. im a huge chevy guy :wings: my current daily driver/expedition vehicle is a black 02 gmc seirra extended cab z71 and its nice seeing other people in the full size market. especially the yukons and suburbans. good luck with the build

 

[taz223]

EchoDawg,

Sounds like its going to be a damn nice rig... lookin forward to pictures after the suspension lift, and also your thoughts after driving it. Especially interested in your thoughts about power loss going from stock to 35s... the 5.3s are good motors though so it may not be very noticeable.

PICS! Have a blast on your trip!

 

[maximumrob]

subscribing to this thread

 

[Echodawg]

I got the truck back from the shop, lift came out great. As soon as I get back from my trip I will post some photos and show why the BDS is a great kit.

Yesterday, I mounted a roof rack for H20/fuel storage and replaced the front grill. I also orderd a new bumper/swing away tire carrier so I can mount a full size spare but I have to wait 5-6 weeks for fabrication. Things are moving forward.

 

[08whitex]

Who's bumper did you go with?

 

[Echodawg]

Who's bumper did you go with?

Kennesaw Mountain Accesories

 

[Echodawg]

Well, we had a great trip and the lift worked out great. I do however have to trim some more plastic out of the wheel wells to avoid rubbing (seems like I have to do this on all my vehicles I lift) I totally forgot to get some shots of the rig while on the trip so I snapped one in the driveway once I got home, not the best shot but you get the idea. I'll post some more shots soon.

 

[taz223]

Looks good man... with the change from stock to 35s how is it power wise, handling, etc.? Do any wheeling with it on while on the trip? Curious how the BDS kit flexes...

Lookin great.

 

[Echodawg]

Looks good man... with the change from stock to 35s how is it power wise, handling, etc.? Do any wheeling with it on while on the trip? Curious how the BDS kit flexes...

Lookin great.

Power was just fine until I hit altitude. Most of my trips are at 6,000-7,000 feet and this where I noticed a loss in power. I'll have to look into a solution.

Most lift lits drop the torsion bars but BDS has relocation brackets so the torsion bars stay tucked up under the body. Another nice feature of BDS is the front skid plate and massive replacement rear springs. The only problem I had wheelin' was the tires rubbing on the inner wheel wheel plastic at full crank but this was a easy fix with a pair of tin snips. Once my rear swing away tire carrier comes in I will have the sway bar quick disconnects mounted to free up even more flex.

 

[02TahoeMD]

Echo, that lift turned out great. Coming along very nicely. Do you have any information about the swaybar disconnects?

As for the power loss, you may want to look into a reprogram of the engine PCM to adjust for the tires. Made a big difference for me when I bumped up tire sizes.

 

[Echodawg]

Echo, that lift turned out great. Coming along very nicely. Do you have any information about the swaybar disconnects?

As for the power loss, you may want to look into a reprogram of the engine PCM to adjust for the tires. Made a big difference for me when I bumped up tire sizes.

I'm not sure who makes the disconnects but I think BDS has some. Once the lift settles, my mechanic will measure for the correct length and then mount the disconnects. I know some people run without sway bars at all but I'd rather have the peace of mind while travelling and then disconnect them once off road.

I will definitely look into reprograming once I'm done tinkering.