05 GMC Yukon XL Build

[Echodawg]

Very cool build. I may have missed it in the thread, but does it have the G80 code? How does it do off road?

Thank you. Yes it has the G80. It has done very well off road once I got it lifted. It was swinging way to low as stock. Of course I do have to contend with the size and be careful but with a family of four its ideal. My Jeep days are over.

 

[Echodawg]

Gearing up for some trips. I picked up these two Hardigg cases on Craigslist. I can honestly say these things are heavy duty. Don't think I need two but just couldn't resist.

One on the left is how they came and the other is with some elbow grease.

Take all those stickers off and I end up putting another back on. Doesn't make much sense does it?

Interior shot.

In case someone was wondering how these things latch.

 

[Echodawg]

Installed a second battery tray in preparation of running dual batteries. I have my eye on the Luna System but it sure is expensive.

 

[Echodawg]

Just put on some new meats, Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs 315/70/r17. I hope they last longer then the ProComps did.

 

[Sonoran Explorer]

I'm curious what your thoughts are regarding durability, ride comfort, etc after nearly three years with the lift, larger tires, etc. I have an '04 Z71 suburban that I plan on doing a similar transformation on towards the end of the year. Also, did you ever do anything regarding performance mods? Finally, do you still had the hardigg storage cases? Curious how you have set up your interior storage. Sorry for all the questions, just excited to see another Yukon XL/Suburban done up the way I want to do mine...thx!

 

[BurbanAZ]

good looking truck, i love suburbans im on my 3rd one right now lol im sure ill always have one. Random question, do u have any trouble with ur wheel bouncing around with that tire carrier, i wanna make a bumper with a carrier but ive had bad luck with tire carriers on broncos. Also how are ull have to let us know how those goodyear wranglers work for u on and off road ive been wanting to get those for a while now.

 

[Echodawg]

I'm curious what your thoughts are regarding durability, ride comfort, etc after nearly three years with the lift, larger tires, etc. I have an '04 Z71 suburban that I plan on doing a similar transformation on towards the end of the year. Also, did you ever do anything regarding performance mods? Finally, do you still had the hardigg storage cases? Curious how you have set up your interior storage. Sorry for all the questions, just excited to see another Yukon XL/Suburban done up the way I want to do mine...thx!

No regrets whatsoever. I have had zero problems with the lift. My only complaint is the cost of new tires but that is to be expected. The only "performance" mod I added is a Airaid M.I.T. (still need to get a photo put up) It may or may not help but it sounds a bit better and cleans up the engine bay a bit. I kept the paper filter because oiling those things is a drag. I haven't had performance issues so I haven't been concerned with doing much more. Maybe a tune in the future since everyone seems to rave about those.

I sold one of the Hardiggs just because I did not need it but the other has been in constant use for all my backcountry travels. One of my best purchases for camping. On a trip all my gear just goes in the back and the rear seat comes out. For tools, compressors and such I cut into the plastic in the back above where the sub would go and I'm able to store stuff in the wheel wells out of sight (again, still need to get a photo of this). Hope this helps some. Looking forward to your build.

good looking truck, i love suburbans im on my 3rd one right now lol im sure ill always have one. Random question, do u have any trouble with ur wheel bouncing around with that tire carrier, i wanna make a bumper with a carrier but ive had bad luck with tire carriers on broncos. Also how are ull have to let us know how those goodyear wranglers work for u on and off road ive been wanting to get those for a while now.

I did have issues my first off-road trip with the tire rack and the way it was designed to close. It started rattling bad and I was afraid of it swinging open, especially wheeling. I had to use a bungee for that trip. Since then, I installed a thick rubber pad for the arm of the rack to rest on (it was metal to metal) and a pull-action toggle clamp as you see in the photo. No more issues except the red handles that it came with faded in the sun to a cool shade of pink. Nothing a little black Plasti-Dip couldn't fix. I've heard almost nothing but good things about the tires so we'll see how they hold up.

You could always go with tge factory GM dual battery setup. Do you happen to know the Part # to that rear battery tray?

I had thought about that but I want to be able to jump my spare in case of a dead battery. For the time being I keep the spare battery on a charge in the garage and just drop it into the truck for trips. Sorry, I don't have the part # but it was from the GM dealership for that year and those trucks that had the factory dual batteries.

 

[Boost Creep]

quick question about the rear bumper. does it enable you to still use the factory hitch or does it come with its own receiver? curious cause i'd really like a rear bumper with a tire carrier but i do alot of towing with my yukon so i don't want to lose that ability. if it has its own, do they give you any kind of idea on towing capacity?

 

[Echodawg]

quick question about the rear bumper. does it enable you to still use the factory hitch or does it come with its own receiver? curious cause i'd really like a rear bumper with a tire carrier but i do alot of towing with my yukon so i don't want to lose that ability. if it has its own, do they give you any kind of idea on towing capacity?

Comes with its own built in class III hitch which is rated up to 5,000 lbs. I have towed a 12' tent trailer without issue.

 

[28.]

OP if you're anything like me, you bought this thing for family reasons and it has served you so well you cant part with it.. I did axactly that and have the exact same plans for our 03 Yukon(also bought it new).. I just cant see myself letting it go after so many years of faithful, trouble free service.. Ol girl has been good to us...

 

[Echodawg]

OP if you're anything like me, you bought this thing for family reasons and it has served you so well you cant part with it.. I did axactly that and have the exact same plans for our 03 Yukon(also bought it new).. I just cant see myself letting it go after so many years of faithful, trouble free service.. Ol girl has been good to us...

Exactly!!! Family of four + gear, I couldn't imagine using anything else.