Why so few GM Builds?

[rayra]

no shortage of GM builds here, of all types. HEre's the GMT800 / Suburban Mafia -
http://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...ckup-Suburban-Yukon-etc?p=2302987#post2302987

 

[Matt_]

My only gripes with the modern (2007+) GM trucks is that they still have the problematic AFM (the system that shuts off 4 cylinders while cruising)

Unless you get a 2500 with the L96 6.0L. No AFM, and a drivetrain/platform designed to survive 200k+ for 2500hd truck fleet use.

Only issue with GMT900 2500 series SUVs is finding one in good condition for a decent price. Last production year was 2013, and they're highly sought after, with very few people selling due to lack of equivalent replacements on the market. Blue book value almost doesn't apply...

 

[vintageracer]

My daughter's 2001 1500HD Crew Cab just rolled 350,000 miles last month (December 2017. The truck still has the original 6.0 GAS LS engine with a 4L80E transmission that has been replaced once. Synthetic oil since new. Change oil every 5K miles. Last oil change used 3/4 of 1 quart of oil between oil changes.

Pretty Amazing!

 

[zoomad75]

Maybe the GM guys aren't posting on here in the same volume as the more popular overlanding rides do. Pop over to CK5.com and check out a few of the multipurpose builds (K5's. Subs of many generations and SAS'd GMT400's and GMT800's). I haven't put together a build thread here, but I'm big on going against the grain. So I'm running a 91 V1500 Blazer (aka K5), mild lift, Bilstiens, 3/4 ton axles and a modern 5.3 LS small block. Most recent add for camping comfort (key word being camping) is the vintage FWC Blazer camper I found. Modern power/fuel economy in a sweet bodystyle with a very stout drivetrain.

I'm in the middle of refurbishing the camper to make it useable for a run to Mojave Road/death valley in a few months.

 

[BPD53]

Maybe the GM guys aren't posting on here in the same volume as the more popular overlanding rides do. Pop over to CK5.com and check out a few of the multipurpose builds (K5's. Subs of many generations and SAS'd GMT400's and GMT800's). I haven't put together a build thread here, but I'm big on going against the grain. So I'm running a 91 V1500 Blazer (aka K5), mild lift, Bilstiens, 3/4 ton axles and a modern 5.3 LS small block. Most recent add for camping comfort (key word being camping) is the vintage FWC Blazer camper I found. Modern power/fuel economy in a sweet bodystyle with a very stout drivetrain.

I'm in the middle of refurbishing the camper to make it useable for a run to Mojave Road/death valley in a few months.

Beautiful

 

[chilliwak]

All the GM folks are out doing. Not sitting at home posting about what they wish they were doing. 

I could not agree with you more!!:ylsmoke::luxhello::Wow1::bigbossHL:



Here is my 94 Yukon with a dana 60 up front and a 14 bolt in the rear. Running on 37s and a diesel 6.5....

 

[Wilbah]

I think a lot of the GM platforms are great for builds or even using as stock. I have a '04 Yukon with 230K miles or so. Its never given me any difficulties. Sure have the usual stuff I have to do to keep it operational, but its comfortable around town and on the highway to a spot. Then when I get there it works great/fine offroad - granted I am a logging road, FS road, not a rock crawler kind of guy so I don't need a SAS up front. But the factory rear locker works. Only been stuck a couple of times and that's more from f'n around cause I had a buddy who could pull me out. Plus whether its a Yukon or Suburban plenty of room in back for all the gear and I can sleep there in a pinch (like the trip my buddy forgot his tent poles). When I trade it (ha....give it away!) I will prob go 4 door pickup as the kids are older and I don't need the 3 row seats and I can get 3/4 ton which I cant in a Yukon xl any more. But I would go with whatever GM platform you like/need....pickup, Yukon/Tahoe, Suburban/Yukon XL, I think they are all great for basic camping, wheeling, etc. Obviously if you're building a rock crawler something else may be better but at the price for a used one that was owned by a wife hauling kids to school and groceries I think they are great. Obviously if you're buying used if you can buy from the original owner or through someone you know so you know the TRUE history. Some get beat to crap if its owned by some guy farming or running oil fields or whatever. Good luck!

 

[03tahoe]

Here's a build thread on a GMT800 Tahoe: http://northwestoverland.com/forums/topic/2003-tahoe/

Yeah it's the short version of the Suburban but it will do just fine for 6 adults especially if you get and are willing to use the "bench" front seat and bench second row.

 

[vintageracer]

Let's not forget when GM would sell you a "Chalet" in which you could enjoy your stay!

These can be pretty slick when the shell is mounted on a newer model 1989-1991 Blazer with proper suspension and drivetrain upgrades.

 

[Wilbah]

Let's not forget when GM would sell you a "Chalet" in which you could enjoy your stay!

These can be pretty slick when the shell is mounted on a newer model 1989-1991 Blazer with proper suspension and drivetrain upgrades.

That would be sweet outfitted right!

 

[Buliwyf]

I miss the olde GM's. GM needs to look backwards to go forwards. Solid Dana Axles. Manual hubs. Simple to work on. Good looks.

 

[Tex68w]

Poor aftermarket support in terms of off-road mods and a weak drivetrain on the 1/2-ton stuff. I am an anti-GM guy, I saw my parents have far too many issues with them when I was growing up. In regards to their HD line of vehicles they are a very distant third amongst the current offerings, small cabs, handles like a car and the IFS is a joke.

 

[vintageracer]

I miss the olde GM's. GM needs to look backwards to go forwards. Solid Dana Axles. Manual hubs. Simple to work on. Good looks.

The SAME can be said for every other OEM manufacture with the exception of JEEP who has shown the NEW Jeep will continue with a solid axle.

The "Simple to Work On" concept is now a Pipe Dream due to government regulations for all manufacture's.

 

[vintageracer]

handles like a car.

That's why GM sells so many!

 

[Buliwyf]

The SAME can be said for every other OEM manufacture with the exception of JEEP who has shown the NEW Jeep will continue with a solid axle.

The "Simple to Work On" concept is now a Pipe Dream due to government regulations for all manufacture's.

Not that simple. The Powerwagon is pretty simple to work on. The Super Duty suspension and axles are dead simple to work on. (engine not so much, because Ford) The GM front end is a bit of a pain. SAS are nice, but not as much as a '85 2500 with a ZZ502 would be.