Hello folks,
I’ve been a lurker here for little and I’ve been contemplating how I should go about building my own Expo Vehicle. I have a few requirements that limit my choice in a number of ways. I’m probably going to need a vehicle that can tow 6000lbs and I want a SUV, and for my price range, I’ve been narrowing my choices down to ’96-’01 Tahoes or Yukons. Most likely the older ones with the 5.7 vortec, or “OBS”. The 5.3L NBS would be nice but would eat up any budget for upgrades, tires, and repairs Ideally it would be factory tow package optioned with 3.73’s, 241 manual tcase selector, and rear barn doors. I’d really prefer a ¾ ton type of vehicle but with my limitations the shorter, non-suburban 1500 looks like it will work. . I’ve searched a few times for tahoe/Yukon and I read a few of the members builds but would like to start my own post with some questions
As mentioned, I plan on towing a 2000lb trailer, 3100lb race car, and assorted spares & accessories about a half dozen times a year around 300-500 miles round trip. When not towing, the truck will double as a mild expedition vehicle to travel the back roads, mountain & forest roads etc for longer vacation trips. So what I’m looking for is input on the offroad, 4x4, & expedition capability this type of truck will be asked to do and what changes I should consider making to it.
As for build, it will be pretty limited:
-Mild lift, up to 2”
-285/75/16 or equivalent 17” - open to suggestions. Not too big, mpg concerns
-Extra BIG trans cooler (B&M stacked plate or similar 8x11”)
-3.73’s with G80, posi, or other locker. Hopefully I can get one w/ 3.73s already. 4.10’s maybe?
-Shift kit/tuning – I’m fully aware of the 4L60E weaknesses, hopefully I wont have to rebuild right away.
-Possible brake upgrade
-Rear air bags for assisting in loaded/towing scenarios
-14bolt Semi Floater swap, sometime down the road
-Tow hitch w/ weight distribution & anti sway, which I already have.
-Stowage and/or mounting for basic accessories: flash light, shovel or e-tool, heavy duty come-along (no winch), highlift jack, emergency & first aid kits, full size 285 spare, etc.
-Few extra off road lights
-I don’t plan to add heavy duty bumpers at this point
- Will the 241/243 be strong enough to wheel reliably in these trucks? Do they break easily or maybe do they generally need a rebuild or overhaul before 175K miles
- I haven’t read too many complaints about the IFS 4x4, anything to look out for or worry about as far as strength or reliability is concerned? how badly are these travel limited even with sway bars disconnected?
- Suspension lift. When researching the possible tire sizes most of the folks (non expo types) seem to be happy with cranking up the torsen bars, adding spacers in the back and just driving around on big tires. However, I hear it can increase ride harshness, accelerate front end components & tire wear, and most importantly reduce the actual available travel & working distance of the suspension. I have browsed superlift & skyjacker. They both offer a 2-2.5” lift kit which includes upper control arms & what appears to be a mild diff drop. It looks like a 1.5-2” lift will work well for me for the tire selection
Super lift example
Skyjacker example
For expedition purposes & wanting a 4x4 that performs, are these IFS trucks w/ drop-type lift kits a good idea? Do they function well especially when considering the cheap torsen-cranking methods? Can you get respectable articulation for this rig to where it could be considered ‘capable’?
I'm not interested in rock crawling, or mud bogging. I want to get out and go places and not be hindered by a weak vehicle.
I have a ¾ ton 454 th400 2wd suburban now, so I know I’m giving up some going to an IFS 4x4 ½ ton. I’d prefer to find a clean ’91 solid axle 3/4ton 4x4 suburban w/ barn doors….
Thanks,
Morgan
I’ve been a lurker here for little and I’ve been contemplating how I should go about building my own Expo Vehicle. I have a few requirements that limit my choice in a number of ways. I’m probably going to need a vehicle that can tow 6000lbs and I want a SUV, and for my price range, I’ve been narrowing my choices down to ’96-’01 Tahoes or Yukons. Most likely the older ones with the 5.7 vortec, or “OBS”. The 5.3L NBS would be nice but would eat up any budget for upgrades, tires, and repairs Ideally it would be factory tow package optioned with 3.73’s, 241 manual tcase selector, and rear barn doors. I’d really prefer a ¾ ton type of vehicle but with my limitations the shorter, non-suburban 1500 looks like it will work. . I’ve searched a few times for tahoe/Yukon and I read a few of the members builds but would like to start my own post with some questions
As mentioned, I plan on towing a 2000lb trailer, 3100lb race car, and assorted spares & accessories about a half dozen times a year around 300-500 miles round trip. When not towing, the truck will double as a mild expedition vehicle to travel the back roads, mountain & forest roads etc for longer vacation trips. So what I’m looking for is input on the offroad, 4x4, & expedition capability this type of truck will be asked to do and what changes I should consider making to it.
As for build, it will be pretty limited:
-Mild lift, up to 2”
-285/75/16 or equivalent 17” - open to suggestions. Not too big, mpg concerns
-Extra BIG trans cooler (B&M stacked plate or similar 8x11”)
-3.73’s with G80, posi, or other locker. Hopefully I can get one w/ 3.73s already. 4.10’s maybe?
-Shift kit/tuning – I’m fully aware of the 4L60E weaknesses, hopefully I wont have to rebuild right away.
-Possible brake upgrade
-Rear air bags for assisting in loaded/towing scenarios
-14bolt Semi Floater swap, sometime down the road
-Tow hitch w/ weight distribution & anti sway, which I already have.
-Stowage and/or mounting for basic accessories: flash light, shovel or e-tool, heavy duty come-along (no winch), highlift jack, emergency & first aid kits, full size 285 spare, etc.
-Few extra off road lights
-I don’t plan to add heavy duty bumpers at this point
- Will the 241/243 be strong enough to wheel reliably in these trucks? Do they break easily or maybe do they generally need a rebuild or overhaul before 175K miles
- I haven’t read too many complaints about the IFS 4x4, anything to look out for or worry about as far as strength or reliability is concerned? how badly are these travel limited even with sway bars disconnected?
- Suspension lift. When researching the possible tire sizes most of the folks (non expo types) seem to be happy with cranking up the torsen bars, adding spacers in the back and just driving around on big tires. However, I hear it can increase ride harshness, accelerate front end components & tire wear, and most importantly reduce the actual available travel & working distance of the suspension. I have browsed superlift & skyjacker. They both offer a 2-2.5” lift kit which includes upper control arms & what appears to be a mild diff drop. It looks like a 1.5-2” lift will work well for me for the tire selection
Super lift example
Skyjacker example
For expedition purposes & wanting a 4x4 that performs, are these IFS trucks w/ drop-type lift kits a good idea? Do they function well especially when considering the cheap torsen-cranking methods? Can you get respectable articulation for this rig to where it could be considered ‘capable’?
I'm not interested in rock crawling, or mud bogging. I want to get out and go places and not be hindered by a weak vehicle.
I have a ¾ ton 454 th400 2wd suburban now, so I know I’m giving up some going to an IFS 4x4 ½ ton. I’d prefer to find a clean ’91 solid axle 3/4ton 4x4 suburban w/ barn doors….
Thanks,
Morgan
