2003 GMC Envoy rig (I know so not the typical rig)

[Amy&Tyler]

Ok so I got my truck (if you call it that i do so that's what counts lol) a few years ago and have always been bit by the off road bug. well its now developed in to overlanding and expedition style adventures and experiences. the biggest contributor to lead me on this path is expedition overlands crew and their trips across north america and recently the trip down south.

So now to my ride...




This is how it sits as of the summer, with a 2 inch ready lift kit installed, 31 inch goodyear tire's the grill guard and roof rack with custom brackets to keep it as low profile as possible to the roof.

since then i have rebuilt the front struts with Rancho struts, new springs and a front 3 inch lift kit from the lift meister. http://theliftmeister.com/public_html/theliftmeister.com/ for those envoy/trailblazer guys looking for lifts etc. the rear im still putting together the parts list so i make sure im satisfied with the result. I do also have plans to organize the interior some more from what i have currently set up and ill have to upload pics later when i have light.

anyway glad to be here and share my lil story more updates as they come.

 

[legendaryandrew]

Like in the street racing world: run what you brung. I love non standard rigs being used to explore, so good job!

 

[ExplorerTom]

Agree. It's not another Jeep or 80-series Land Cruiser so it's all good.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

The goal for most of our rigs is to slightly increase ground clearance and wheel travel without giving up ride comfort or noticeably increasing your center of gravity and I think you have done pretty good so far.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

And of course having that 4.3 under the hood is a bonus in anyone's book.

 

[onemanarmy]

Those don't have the 4.3 V6. Should be the 4.2 straight 6

 

[Amy&Tyler]

Thanks for all the positive comments, and i like using the unique platform it makes it challenging and its not the norm. and yes as onemanarmy said its the 4.2L inline 6 engine.

I managed to get some pics of the start of my storage solutions in the back its definitely a work in progress.



so obviously drivers side with FA kit glow sticks in a MOLLE pouch and a fire extinguisher. im attempting to have it so my emergency equipment is fairly accessible i can even pop just the glass portion on the back hatch and grab them.



passenger side as you can see my red tool box (which it grew to that size out of experience and necessity) the black pouch beside it is a 3 day individual survival kit then mounted on the side is a pouch with bungees, the larger black one has toilet paper (cuz ya never know and more so for the wife and our daughter) the box of gloves for various uses and my jack.

so like i said its a start Im planning on putting a drawer system in it as well plus try to keep access to the current storage spaces to maximize everything

 

[legendaryandrew]

Huh, I didn't know GM OFFERED an I6. How is it for power/reliability/mpg? I know Toy did well with their I6's (think 2JZGTE, 7MGTE, 1FZ from the LC). Not so hot on efficiency, but smooth quiet and reliable.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I put 2 drawers in the back of my Explorer and absolutely love them. Mine are ARB. There's still some room down the sides to fit stuff that doesn't fit in the drawers.

 

[herm]

The i6 is a very good engine. Only problem I have encountered is the short piston skirts can cause the rings to wear, but I'm not sure it's a common problem.