Could just as well be called the maintenance log...
I recently picked up a 1998 Tahoe, I got it cheap for under a grand and drove it home (110 miles). So while *mostly* solid, it has issues.
I'm running this thread mostly so I can keep track of my notes as I do work on it, I work in IT which leaves me plenty of time for researching topics while waiting for upgrades or tech support call back. I've found articles that later, I couldn't remember where or what search terms helped me find them.
Eons ago I had been ASE Certified in Brakes, Electrical, and Suspension systems. This doesn't mean I won't ask seemingly dumb questions from time to time)
One of the companies I support has engineers and CNC plasma table and brake, so I'll be making some things.
I also have a wife, 2 small kids (ages 4 and 6) plus a hobby farm to maintain, so my fun projects can take a long (long, long) time to complete, but maintenance always happens. I like to document it all..
I'm a cheapskate and I don't like to pay for things that I can do myself, or build myself.
I don't like to replace working components (not even for upgrades that I really, really, really want)
Every project needs goals, constraints, needs, and wishlist items.
Goals
Reliable Daily Driver
Low Maintenance, easily found replacement parts.
I like to buy lifetime warranty parts from local parts stores.
But I balance that with online pricing.. like O2 sensors that are $65 at O'Reillys are only $25 on Amazon, same brand and part number, thats a no brainer.
Constraints
Must fit inside garage with 7ft door opening
Must be easy for kids to get in and out of
A couple times per year I want to be able to participate in the stock classes of my local 4wd club
http://www.jvornd.com/RULES.html
Must remain street legal
No tire size larger than 33"
Custom tuning is questionable (I don't see it specifically prohibited)
So now onto my Wishlist.
Car------------------ 1998 Tahoe LS
Body
General ------------- Debadged, remove pin stripes.
Hood----------------- Stock
Fenders-------------- Stock
Wheel Opening Trim -- Looking at options to black out.
Grill --------------- Body Color
Options-------------- Blacked out grill
Headlights ---------- Aftermarket, mine are hazed and cracked.
Daytime Running Lights - disabled (they annoy the hell out of me)
Front bumper -------- Custom with stinger/light bar/receiver hitch
Rear Bumper --------- Custom with swing tire holder and corner steps, built in reciever hitch
Roor Rack ----------- Custom tubular with room for lights
Running Boards ------ Custom Rock Slides or boat sides
Drivetrain
Engine--------------- 5.7L Vortec (stock)
Head----------------- Stock
Induction------------ Stock
Ignition------------- Stock
Injection ----------- CSFI to MPFI upgrade
Throttle Body ------- Trim restrictor plate for increased airflow
Cam------------------ stock
Exhaust-------------- Shorty Headers direct OEM replacements
Fan------------------ Electric fan
Skid Plate ---------- Custom, biggest one I can make.
Tranny-------------- 4l60 (stock)
Rear --------------- 14b
Front -------------- 9.25 upgrade
Lockers ------------ Selectable and both ends (front/rear)
Battery------------ Stock (think about dual batteries though)
Air intake--------- Intake Silencer removal -- done
A/C---------------- Fix Stock, none works, Previous Owner said it was one of the rear AC hoses.
Electrical--------- I want LED's everywhere possible (dash/turn signals/tail lights/backup lights/dome light/Glovebox) plus I'd like to add some under dash and maybe some under body.
Suspension
Lift --------------- 4" max, there is no rubbing currently with stock height.
Rims---------------- 17 inch
Front Brakes ------- 2500 Rotors, 3/4t or 1t calipers
Rear Brakes -------- Stock drums
Brake Booster ------ Hydroboost
Tires--------------- 265/70 17 (32" tall)
Torsion Bars ------- Replace Tahoe crossmember and Torsion Rods with Truck (1500/2500) crossmember and rods
Rear Leaf Springs -- Truck (1500/2500) stock springs
Rear Shackle ------- Reverse them
Traction Bar ------- Build One, center mount, shackle in the front
Swaybars ----------- Research 2500/3500 options (truck or suburban)
Interior
Front Seats---------- Stock
Back Seat------------ Stock
Upholstry------------ Stock
So this is where I began.
I recently picked up a 1998 Tahoe, I got it cheap for under a grand and drove it home (110 miles). So while *mostly* solid, it has issues.
I'm running this thread mostly so I can keep track of my notes as I do work on it, I work in IT which leaves me plenty of time for researching topics while waiting for upgrades or tech support call back. I've found articles that later, I couldn't remember where or what search terms helped me find them.
Eons ago I had been ASE Certified in Brakes, Electrical, and Suspension systems. This doesn't mean I won't ask seemingly dumb questions from time to time)
One of the companies I support has engineers and CNC plasma table and brake, so I'll be making some things.
I also have a wife, 2 small kids (ages 4 and 6) plus a hobby farm to maintain, so my fun projects can take a long (long, long) time to complete, but maintenance always happens. I like to document it all..
I'm a cheapskate and I don't like to pay for things that I can do myself, or build myself.
I don't like to replace working components (not even for upgrades that I really, really, really want)
Every project needs goals, constraints, needs, and wishlist items.
Goals
Reliable Daily Driver
Low Maintenance, easily found replacement parts.
I like to buy lifetime warranty parts from local parts stores.
But I balance that with online pricing.. like O2 sensors that are $65 at O'Reillys are only $25 on Amazon, same brand and part number, thats a no brainer.
Constraints
Must fit inside garage with 7ft door opening
Must be easy for kids to get in and out of
A couple times per year I want to be able to participate in the stock classes of my local 4wd club
http://www.jvornd.com/RULES.html
Must remain street legal
No tire size larger than 33"
Custom tuning is questionable (I don't see it specifically prohibited)
So now onto my Wishlist.
Car------------------ 1998 Tahoe LS
Body
General ------------- Debadged, remove pin stripes.
Hood----------------- Stock
Fenders-------------- Stock
Wheel Opening Trim -- Looking at options to black out.
Grill --------------- Body Color
Options-------------- Blacked out grill
Headlights ---------- Aftermarket, mine are hazed and cracked.
Daytime Running Lights - disabled (they annoy the hell out of me)
Front bumper -------- Custom with stinger/light bar/receiver hitch
Rear Bumper --------- Custom with swing tire holder and corner steps, built in reciever hitch
Roor Rack ----------- Custom tubular with room for lights
Running Boards ------ Custom Rock Slides or boat sides
Drivetrain
Engine--------------- 5.7L Vortec (stock)
Head----------------- Stock
Induction------------ Stock
Ignition------------- Stock
Injection ----------- CSFI to MPFI upgrade
Throttle Body ------- Trim restrictor plate for increased airflow
Cam------------------ stock
Exhaust-------------- Shorty Headers direct OEM replacements
Fan------------------ Electric fan
Skid Plate ---------- Custom, biggest one I can make.
Tranny-------------- 4l60 (stock)
Rear --------------- 14b
Front -------------- 9.25 upgrade
Lockers ------------ Selectable and both ends (front/rear)
Battery------------ Stock (think about dual batteries though)
Air intake--------- Intake Silencer removal -- done
A/C---------------- Fix Stock, none works, Previous Owner said it was one of the rear AC hoses.
Electrical--------- I want LED's everywhere possible (dash/turn signals/tail lights/backup lights/dome light/Glovebox) plus I'd like to add some under dash and maybe some under body.
Suspension
Lift --------------- 4" max, there is no rubbing currently with stock height.
Rims---------------- 17 inch
Front Brakes ------- 2500 Rotors, 3/4t or 1t calipers
Rear Brakes -------- Stock drums
Brake Booster ------ Hydroboost
Tires--------------- 265/70 17 (32" tall)
Torsion Bars ------- Replace Tahoe crossmember and Torsion Rods with Truck (1500/2500) crossmember and rods
Rear Leaf Springs -- Truck (1500/2500) stock springs
Rear Shackle ------- Reverse them
Traction Bar ------- Build One, center mount, shackle in the front
Swaybars ----------- Research 2500/3500 options (truck or suburban)
Interior
Front Seats---------- Stock
Back Seat------------ Stock
Upholstry------------ Stock
So this is where I began.
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