[SgtShiv]

Got my first gift from a fellow motorist.

 

[SgtShiv]

Thank you. Yeah sucked only 4500 miles on it, but I guess it gives me something else to do to it. Good news is I did find a package waiting at the door when I got home so, starting another project. Try to get all but the bumpers done tonight. Ordered new tires on way home, so should be sitting good for awhile by the end of the week.

 

[SgtShiv]

You are welcome, was my pleasure, lol.

Working on bl now and should have some new rubber by the end of the week.

Yeah it's very likely that it will be aftermarket now, but would've been nice to have option to sell it I damaged.

 

[SgtShiv]

I finished the BL install, and got the Airraid MIT and AEM Dryflow filter installed. Front/rear fender height at 39 7/8 and 40 1/2. Now just to wait on new tires and come up with next project. Probably holdout for tune to correct speedometer and try to squeeze a little bit more to offset the added height and weight of tires.

 

[SgtShiv]

Did the RC install on the 22nd and finally was able to get the alignment done today.

 

[SgtShiv]

Forgot pic of intake and since without pictures it didn't happen had to update.

 

[SgtShiv]

Tires are in and just dropped the truck off.

 

[SgtShiv]

Got the new tires installed and stopped off and got a few quick pictures. Went with Nitto Terra Grapplers G2 in 285/75R17. Stopped in an empty lot did some full lock turns, only rub slightly at full left lock in reverse. Took a look and appears it is on left front at the rear of wheel well on the outside of tire. Had about an 1/8 gap when stopped so not sure if I'm going to bother with it since full lock reverse is rare for me. Wheel well to ground measurements are at 41 1/2 in the front and 42 in the rear.

 

[SgtShiv]

Thank you kindly and I agree completely. Looks more like a 4wd truck should.

 

[SgtShiv]

Thank man!! Lots of ideas just not sure which ones I'll follow through on. Probably next will be tuner so I can correct speedo and regain a little performance after my recent weight gain. Then again I may get impatient and find a got to have mod that comes up. May start playing with some plasti dip on wheels and such.

 

[SgtShiv]

Thanks, I am really happy with the outcome so far and the tires definitely made a huge impact. Yes sir, I did use the 5.3 Airraid tube. Being that it isn't 4.3 specific had to make a few changes. Went to Lowes and bought a 1/2 pcv plug and O'Reillys for a 4" to 3" intake adapter. Seems enough of us do this Airraid could just offer the kit specifically for the 4.3 or add in the extra parts needed.

 

[SgtShiv]

Truck looks really sharp! I'm very close to picking up that Zone BL, did you install if yourself or have a shop do it? I don't have access to the kind of garage and tools I'd like to take on a job like that so id have someone else do it, just worried about getting killed on labor if I do bring it in.

Those tires are a huge improvement too, wish more companies offered their tires in a 285/75/17 size

Thanks man. When I first was looking at lifting it, I looked at the possibility of letting a shop do it just to save myself the time and labor, but for the Zone 3.5 Combo I was quoted almost $1400. I only checked one shop, which happens to be the only real off-road type shop around within an hour drive. The price was good on parts with no mark-up compared to buying the kit myself, but the shop wanted 195 for the alignment and another 950 for labor. According to Zone it's only a 3-5 hour install, so at 190/hr I figured even if it took me a little longer I'd be way ahead financially. Also got a coupon in the mail for alignment through dealership, so saved myself over a grand doing it myself.

Decided to go with RC level for the extra 1/2" since I wanted to run a taller tire. Then the Zone BL was done the next week. Didn't need much in the way of tools. Mostly just sockets, ratchets, a couple wrenches and a screw driver set. Does require a little cutting for the bumper brackets, I used a die grinder with cutting wheel, but could use sawzall or even a hacksaw and lots of elbow grease. Took my time and used mostly hand tools even though I have air compressor and a bunch of air tools. Probably spent a total of 8 hours rolling around in the driveway doing both the level and BL.

I'm sure you could find a better price, or if you got a friend with tools, you two could knock it out pretty easily. Could also just do part of the kit yourself, bed lift was super easy, the cab wasn't too bad, other than time consuming.

I'm super happy with the tires, but it would have been nice to have more options. Only one's I came across were the Nitto Terra Grapplers G1 & G2, the Trail Grapplers and BFG KM2's. Since it's a daily driver with seasonal snow and ice wanted to avoid MT's.

 

[SgtShiv]

Man I love the way your tuck sits...that's a lot of look for not much $$. Great job!

Thanks man, I'm super happy with it myself. Definitely looks a lot better in my opinion.

 

[SgtShiv]

Thanks man, I'm just trying to be like you all with these gorgeous trucks you have

 

[SgtShiv]

Just a pic comparing tire size. Mounted is the Terra Grappler G2 285/75R17 next to the stock General Grabber HTS 255/70R17.

 

[SgtShiv]

Should have a tune in a couple weeks. Just sent deposit for BBP Tune event in Pittsburgh.

 

[SgtShiv]

Black Bear Performance tune done today thanks to Justin. Seems to have a bit more get up and go with less lag already and transmission seems to have improved. I still need to send him a new log once I make the switch to E-85. Planned to switch over before tune but wanted one more tank of regular 87 to compare mileage after tires and then didn't see any gas stations with E-85 once I got to Pittsburgh. Must be blind though since Justin told me about one just down the road from the meeting spot. Oh well, be ready for a refill tomorrow or Wednesday and data logging right after.

 

[SgtShiv]

Got the fronts tinted last week. Went with 20% Solar Gard, will more than likely change it come spring though. Up close the tint has a greenish appearance. My fault for not discussing this more with the shop that did it.

 

[SgtShiv]

Thanks I appreciate the kind words. I'm down in Adrian about 45 minutes southwest of Detroit.