2004 Silverado (slow build)

[shopkins]

Been browsing this forum for a while now. putting in my $0.02 every now and then, but mainly just soaking up all the information and reading about everyones adventures. i try to go camping/fishing/kayaking as much as i can, and have decided to rig up my pickup to do a little more than i have been. Going to be a slow build as most of my extra $$$ is going to my other project ('72 Chevy Nova) but little by little i'll get the truck together. This is also my daily driver so the goal is to not add a lot of weight to it but make it as functional as i can/need. bought the truck 3 years ago looking like this...



and after a leveling lift kit and some bigger tires and a few add ons, she looks like this



future plans are:
- build some lightweight but heavy duty front and rear bumpers
-half bed storage/sleeping platform (so i can use the other half of the bed like normal)
-new cap. had a solid sided on but not ideal for sleeping in
-larger skid plates. has the stock z71 skids but would like to build some beefier ones
-rear has a factory locker, would like to put one in the front
-dual battery conversion for added power to the sleeping area

might add a few other things along the line but it is my DD so no need for me to go crazy. if anyone has any input on anything do not be shy to chime in as i am still relatively new to all of this.

-Shaun

 

[locrwln]

Good looking truck!!
,
I would keep the mods to absolute minimum as they work very well as is. I would look into a steering upgrade to add a little piece of mind, but I wouldn't go too crazy.

Jack

 

[shopkins]

When I see the first bit of play in one of my tie rods I'll be going to get all new and a set of rough country tie rod sleeves for sure. And I agree I'm keeping it to a minimum just going to be strengthening up a few key items.

 

[shopkins]

Well i'm back at working on my truck again. had a little issue at the end of last year with my truck being stolen one night. recovered the next morning from a ditch because the guy who stole it apparently didn't know how to use the 4wd. didn't get it back without its damage (side swiped a tool truck taking out most of the drivers side of the truck...




but i got her all fixed up and back in my driveway. finally got a cap i am happy with, side windows open up like the rear which is nice. color is a little off. i will get it painted eventually but for $250 for the cap with the racks already on it, i'm not complaining. added a brush guard with 2 lights on it just for a little extra when hitting the trails. other than that, truck has a new full set of brake lines, as any 99-07 gm truck owner will tell you, is necessary. looking for tips on how to make the cap a little more livable, i would like to camp from it instead of a tent. but after everything here she sits.

 

[Seabass]

Those are awesome trucks! I sold one just like it to my dad about 4 years ago that I drove about that long. He's still got it and uses it hard. Over 200k on the odo and still runs great. My wife has one too- 200k on it as well. You're lookin really good like you sit. I struggle with keeping my DD functional and not over loaded. Looking forward to watching what you decide to do.

 

[fault_tolerance]

Looks good! I'm always go back and forth about the 4DR and the extended cab. Even though the length in the box is slight affected, I would rather have the longer box because I like having a tool box in my bed.

What about a roof tent that goes over the cap? That way you can still use your box.

 

[shopkins]

Thanks Seabass. I'm doing my best to keep it functional. @fault_tolerance, I'm trying to keep the camping setup to a minimal, just open the sides and camp. I also have a 12ft kayak that I put on the roof so I wouldn't be able to use a roof top style tent.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ZMagic97]

Sweet truck! I can't wait to see more on it.

 

[shopkins]

well hopefully i will be getting back on this soon. between my other project, work being slow (commission based pay) and attempting to change careers, have not had too much time and extra money. however i have ordered some pieces to make a spare tire carrier for the truck. my spare under the truck is a 33" to match whats on the truck, but hangs down too low for comfort. also working on plans for the sleeping platform/storage area, and still trying to figure out how to seal off my cap from the bugs with the windows open. hopefully i'll have some progress pictures of the tire carrier soon.

 

[Bg86]

Nice man I have a 99 sierra Im waiting to start on

 

[bamabrock]

this thread should give you some basic ideas:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...e-some-quot-set-up-quot-Regular-Camper-shells