Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 15, 2013, 02:57:19 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 15, 2013, 02:57:19 PM
Yeah, I did it... I bought a Chevy. Sold the Dakota a few weeks ago because the V6 was just too much of a slug with the 32" tires that were on it, and the lack of opening rear doors was going to become a problem as my puppy grows (she's half shepherd, half cane corso, I'm expecting her to approach 100 pounds). A v8 four-door 97-04 Dakota would have been nice except for that five foot box required with a four door. Newer Dakotas are not an option (I hate them), and Rangers and Colorado/Canyon are too small (and the Chev twins are probably the worst trucks on the road). I wouldn't consider an older Ford because I don't want spark plugs blowing out, and newer trucks in general are off the table because of the cost. Dodge trucks are off the table as well (I love the Hemi, hate everything else about them). This pretty much leaves me with GM. An extended cab with 6.5 foot box would fit the bill nicely, so I began the search.
Then we had this beauty traded in. It's a 2004 Avalanche. I've always thought the Chev Avalanche was a great idea: Full-size rear seats and doors, but fold that magic wall down and you've got an eight foot box. Dead-nuts reliable LS (5.3) power, fully loaded with heated leather, and absolutely rust free thanks to years of undercoating. It's only got 85k miles on it, and drives like a new truck. Two sets of wheels (stock 17" GM alloys plus a set of 16" American Racing rims). The only downside is the body lift. I hate body lifts, especially on Chev trucks because they show so much frame. However, I got a great deal on it ($7500, including a two-year powertrain, electronics, and steering/suspension warranty) so I can live with the body lift.
So without further ado, here is my new truck:
First plan is to get some new aftermarket wheels and 33" tires. Gonna sell the set of American Racing wheels to help pay. Also gonna install some aftermarket headlights similar to the ones in the 300. And I've got to raise the running boards to try to hide some of that frame...
Then we had this beauty traded in. It's a 2004 Avalanche. I've always thought the Chev Avalanche was a great idea: Full-size rear seats and doors, but fold that magic wall down and you've got an eight foot box. Dead-nuts reliable LS (5.3) power, fully loaded with heated leather, and absolutely rust free thanks to years of undercoating. It's only got 85k miles on it, and drives like a new truck. Two sets of wheels (stock 17" GM alloys plus a set of 16" American Racing rims). The only downside is the body lift. I hate body lifts, especially on Chev trucks because they show so much frame. However, I got a great deal on it ($7500, including a two-year powertrain, electronics, and steering/suspension warranty) so I can live with the body lift.
So without further ado, here is my new truck:
First plan is to get some new aftermarket wheels and 33" tires. Gonna sell the set of American Racing wheels to help pay. Also gonna install some aftermarket headlights similar to the ones in the 300. And I've got to raise the running boards to try to hide some of that frame...
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: STANG8U on June 15, 2013, 03:51:38 PM
Post by: STANG8U on June 15, 2013, 03:51:38 PM
cool I like my 01 1500
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Beau on June 15, 2013, 04:02:02 PM
Post by: Beau on June 15, 2013, 04:02:02 PM
I like the looks of the Avalanches except for the gray plastic cladding that some of them came out with. Yours looks good, you'll have to post some shots after the new treads are on too :)
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Big B on June 15, 2013, 05:32:58 PM
Post by: Big B on June 15, 2013, 05:32:58 PM
Nice Truck! Those models must have sold well, as they are everywhere here. I still work on them constantly at the shop. Would have went for the '04-'05 dually Silverado personally, if I was in the market, but I do see the appeal of the Avalanche.
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: turbotrav on June 15, 2013, 06:15:31 PM
Post by: turbotrav on June 15, 2013, 06:15:31 PM
LSX 5.3 is a great engine...I got 2001 Silverado 1500 ECSB...loaded like your Avalanche....203k on it...only uses a bit of oil... Great truck.
Travis
Travis
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 15, 2013, 06:58:22 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 15, 2013, 06:58:22 PM
Already did my first "mod": I raised the running boards a couple of inches on each side. These running boards mount to the body mounts. Whoever installed the body lift left them in their stock location relative to the frame, so they were several inches below the rocker panels and it looked funny. I'd normally remove them entirely as I view running boards as something to tear off while mudding, but in this case I'm keeping them because they help hide the frame from view... at least they do now that I raised 'em. I'd have raised them even further but they're as high as they can go at the front mounts:
Before:
After:
Note that stuff you see all over the doors and rocker panels is not rust, it's undercoating. Gotta wash it off... eventually...
Before:
After:
Note that stuff you see all over the doors and rocker panels is not rust, it's undercoating. Gotta wash it off... eventually...
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 19, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 19, 2013, 06:18:08 PM
Got the new boots on today. Cheapo Chinese 18X9.5's with 275/70R18 BFG Rugged Trail T/A tires. They work out to be a 34.5" tire, as measured by our shop's road-force balancer. Sorry for the poor lighting, the sun was at my back and half the truck was shaded by trees, making for dark photos.
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: STANG8U on June 19, 2013, 07:05:00 PM
Post by: STANG8U on June 19, 2013, 07:05:00 PM
looks good
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Beau on June 19, 2013, 07:24:22 PM
Post by: Beau on June 19, 2013, 07:24:22 PM
oh yeah!
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: TOM Renzo on June 19, 2013, 09:06:30 PM
Post by: TOM Renzo on June 19, 2013, 09:06:30 PM
Thunder you have came over to the dark side. Or should i say my side of thinking. Technically the engine is an LS motor with an IRON BLOCK but the correct designation is an LM7. Only all aluminum engines are considered LS. Even though it is a technicality the basic iron block and will except all LS parts other than the fact that the block is iron and an LM designation. Beautiful truck. Congrats I love that truck.
Chevy threw a few curves at the truck engines
4.8 mostly in the SSR
LM 7 came in most trucks in the 5.3 variety iron block
And just for fun they threw in a LH5 And LY5
You need a sharp eye and know chevys to tell them apart. Once again good luck with your new TOY!! I love the AVALANCHE it is a great truck!!
Chevy threw a few curves at the truck engines
4.8 mostly in the SSR
LM 7 came in most trucks in the 5.3 variety iron block
And just for fun they threw in a LH5 And LY5
You need a sharp eye and know chevys to tell them apart. Once again good luck with your new TOY!! I love the AVALANCHE it is a great truck!!
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Beau on June 19, 2013, 09:50:44 PM
Post by: Beau on June 19, 2013, 09:50:44 PM
I think one of those would look pretty slick with 35" tires, and a suspension lift.
Don't worry Tom, I ain't joinin' the Dark Side ;P
Don't worry Tom, I ain't joinin' the Dark Side ;P
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: TOM Renzo on June 19, 2013, 10:17:17 PM
Post by: TOM Renzo on June 19, 2013, 10:17:17 PM
Come over to the dark side 302 you will like it. The LS force is with YOU!!!! You can't hold out FOREVER!!!! It is your DESTINY !!!!
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: 1BadBird on June 20, 2013, 10:41:23 AM
Post by: 1BadBird on June 20, 2013, 10:41:23 AM
Quote from: TOM Renzo;417337
Come over to the dark side 302 you will like it. The LS force is with YOU!!!! You can't hold out FOREVER!!!! It is your DESTINY !!!!
:rollin: :laughing: :slap:
Darth Renzo
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 20, 2013, 11:31:59 AM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 20, 2013, 11:31:59 AM
Quote from: TOM Renzo;417335
Thunder you have came over to the dark side. Or should i say my side of thinking. Technically the engine is an LS motor with an IRON BLOCK but the correct designation is an LM7. Only all aluminum engines are considered LS. Even though it is a technicality the basic iron block and will except all LS parts other than the fact that the block is iron and an LM designation. Beautiful truck. Congrats I love that truck.
Chevy threw a few curves at the truck engines
4.8 mostly in the SSR
LM 7 came in most trucks in the 5.3 variety iron block
And just for fun they threw in a LH5 And LY5
You need a sharp eye and know chevys to tell them apart. Once again good luck with your new TOY!! I love the AVALANCHE it is a great truck!!
Actually, Tom, since you want to get picky, the only engines that are actually LS engines are the ones with LS in their RPO code, such as the LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, etc. All others, iron or aluminum, are just called "Gen 3" or "Gen 4" small blocks, but since everyone on Earth calls all Gen3 and up small blocks LS engines I thought I'd follow convention. Similarly, when I do the 5.3-into-Jeep-XJ swap that I've been dreaming about lately I will call it an LS swap, just like everyone else does.
This also isn't my first GM. I've owned two 2nd gen Firebirds (78 T/A and 80 Formula), a 78 Skylark, an '83 Chev C10 shorty 2wd (305, 3-on-the-tree), three Saturns, a Passprt Optima (Canadian version of the Pontiac Lemans), and an S10 4x4. I truly have no automotive loyalty except for Fox Birds and Cats. I've owned Nissans, Toyotas, Hyundais, Fords, Toyotas, Volvos, Chryslers, Jeeps, and of course Fords... Just about everything except Honda, and its not because I hate Hondas, I just won't pay what fools think they're worth.
I bought a GM truck not because I wanted to join the dark side, but because for 1997-2010 GM trucks are the only ones I'd consider owning, for the reasons I mentioned in my first post. I don't think they're perfect, they're just s little less trouble pr0ne than older Firds and Dodges.
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 22, 2013, 04:34:47 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 22, 2013, 04:34:47 PM
Looks nice :).
Is it possible to take the body lift out since you don't like it?
Is it possible to take the body lift out since you don't like it?
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: mcb82gt on June 22, 2013, 06:22:17 PM
Post by: mcb82gt on June 22, 2013, 06:22:17 PM
Nice looking rig. Got it for a good price too. Same color as my wifes 2000 suburban.
I also have a 96 silverado z71, Ive owned since 97, been a "rock" of a truck. Both of them have been outstanding trucks reliability wise. Rust is starting to creep around.
I also have a 96 silverado z71, Ive owned since 97, been a "rock" of a truck. Both of them have been outstanding trucks reliability wise. Rust is starting to creep around.
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 22, 2013, 10:16:00 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 22, 2013, 10:16:00 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;417435
Looks nice :).
Is it possible to take the body lift out since you don't like it?
Unfortunately no - the kit is welded in. It consists of a bunch of sections of 4" pipe welded to the factory body mounts. It looks like they did a good job - they certainly did a permanent one. The lift is growing on me now - with the raised running boards and bigger wheels/tires it doesn't look quite so silly anymore, in fact it looks pretty good. Here's a shot of it I took at work, with better lighting and on a better angle to show the raised running boards and bigger boots:
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: TOM Renzo on June 22, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Post by: TOM Renzo on June 22, 2013, 10:38:17 PM
Not getting PICKY THUNDER just a talking point and i think i nailed it with my post. There are several people that think iron blocks are LS based. They are just that GM designated them differently in the numbers game. Once again just wanted to clear that up!!
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 23, 2013, 12:01:45 AM
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 23, 2013, 12:01:45 AM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;417458
Unfortunately no - the kit is welded in. It consists of a bunch of sections of 4" pipe welded to the factory body mounts. It looks like they did a good job - they certainly did a permanent one. The lift is growing on me now - with the raised running boards and bigger wheels/tires it doesn't look quite so silly anymore, in fact it looks pretty good. Here's a shot of it I took at work, with better lighting and on a better angle to show the raised running boards and bigger boots:
Ah I see. I thought it was easily removable. I mean it could come out it but it would be a pain. It does look much better with the raised running boards and bigger wheels.
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 23, 2013, 07:58:11 AM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on June 23, 2013, 07:58:11 AM
Quote from: TOM Renzo;417459
Not getting PICKY THUNDER just a talking point and i think i nailed it with my post. There are several people that think iron blocks are LS based. They are just that GM designated them differently in the numbers game. Once again just wanted to clear that up!!
By "nailed it with my post" you mean "Got it totally wrong", right? and by "Several people that think iron blocks are LS based" you mean EVERYBODY (including GM - I'll get to that near the end of this schooling), right? I know I shouldn't shiznitty up my own thread to school you, but you are under the impression that your opinions are indisputable fact. I'm here to dispute them, first with logic, then with proof.
First, the logic bit. You say that only aluminum engines are LS. Ok, how about the L33 5.3? No "LS" in there, but it's aluminum. Or the LM4, LH6, LFA, LZ1, L72, L92, L9H, L94 and L99? All aluminum, and not an "LS" designation to be found in the bunch.
That was the logic. Now the proof.
Quote:
Quote
The GM LS engine family is an engine design intended as the only V-8 engine used in General Motors' line of rear-wheel-drive cars and trucks. The LS series was a "clean sheet" design with little in common in terms of shared parts with the classic Chevrolet small block V8. The basic layout owes a good deal to the essential concept of Ed Cole's original small-block design of 1954-55, though the LS engine also uses design cues from Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac engines. Some LS engines are all-aluminum, especially the performance oriented engines, while others are cast iron, and all LS engines have six-bolt main bearing caps.
Summit Racing also seems to think LS engines include iron block variants:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/department/engines-components/section/engine-assemblies/part-type/crate-engines/engine-family/chevy-small-block-gen-iii-iv-ls-based-engines
This is a search result for "LS ENGINE" on summit's site - note that the LQ9, LQ4 and several 5.3's show up with their dirty, dirty iron blocks
And I've saved the best for last. GM itself, the designer and manufacturer of these engines, calls them LS engines. A quick look at GM performance website shows several 5.3 and 6.0 engines available, and a quick look at the specs of one of these engines (an LM7 based 5.3 in my example, since it is relevant to this schooling) shows that even GM considers them to be LS series engines:
http://www.chevroletperformance.com/EngineShowcase/tech_specs.jsp?engId=LS327&engine=LS327&sku=19165628&engCat=ls
You don't have to bother following that link, though, because I've taken the trouble to bring that spec chart here for all to see:
Now, Tom, in future, if you're going to make irrelevant posts in people's posts to try to impress us with your knowledge, at least make sure you know what you're talking about, especially if that irrelevant post is "calling somebody out" on their own knowledge. You just happened to catch me on a lazy Sunday morning with nothing better to do. I might not always have the time to straighten you out.
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: TOM Renzo on June 23, 2013, 08:48:55 AM
Post by: TOM Renzo on June 23, 2013, 08:48:55 AM
Dont get in a HUFFF i was just pointing something out. Not g on your corn flakes. Or hijacking you post. At least you have come over to the dark side as posted. Not trying to impress you chicken.
As i said they are GM designated. No worrys i am so glad you did buy a CHEVY and come over to the right side. Thank you!!
As i said they are GM designated. No worrys i am so glad you did buy a CHEVY and come over to the right side. Thank you!!
Title: New truck (CAUTION: CONTAINS BOWTIE) *UPDATE* New Boots
Post by: Clayton on June 23, 2013, 10:31:14 AM
Post by: Clayton on June 23, 2013, 10:31:14 AM
Nice lookin rig Carm. As for coming to the dark side, Renzo i like ya, you do good work and very meticulous work at that. But this is technically a tbird/ cougar forum, all in all it is you who is coming to the dark side with your midnighter. Its okay buddy, we have plenty of cookies, and we have plenty to share.