ZMagic97
Explorer
I've been on the forum for a couple years as the owner of on 08 JK Rubicon, but after owning 2 two door vehicles (my other is a standard cab Silverado) and in the last years meeting a woman with a couple kids, I knew it was time to do a vehicle switch up.
My JK was built up pretty nicely IMO, but wasmore than I needed. So, the truck is going to be a vehcile for the family on the weekends, going on road trips like San Diego and Vegas every few months from Phoenix and still do Chicago and Montana with ease, as well as be a good off road vehicle.
The last photo of the JK before the new owner grabbed it:
Since the she and the kids love off road but hitting the trails with 4 people and gear in a two door is difficult, I decided to buy a 2006 GMC Sierra from a friend of mine at work. It had about 119,000 miles at the time of purchase and needed some attention, but overall I was happy.
The day I took it home:
There were a few things I knew needed done for me to be happy. First thing was the leaks, and it had more than I thought, but a lot of small ones. To get it leak free and make me feel good about the truck's reliability, I replaced the gasket for the front main, rear main, oil pan, timing chain, and both valve covers. Also replaced the heater core hoses which were weeping, put in a new water pump, power steering pump and lines, flushed the coolant system, did an oil change, and re-aligned the front end. It wasn't cheap, but the truck runs great and I'm confident in it.
Next thing was a good cleaning. I went to town on the interior with a carpet cleaner, some brushes, and armor all.
With a 6" lift and 35s, it is tall. So, side steps were next. I got Smittybilt ones from 4Wheel Parts in Mesa. Not fancy, not sliders, but all I need for what I do.
I noticed going to Tonopah for or going across town the 3.73 didn't seem to do well and the auto trans kept wanting to hit 2nd or 3rd gear to climb small hills. A regear seemed needed, but the speedo being off needed to be addressed as well, so I got a Hyptech tuner new to the door from AutoAnything for $260.
With a premium tune and adjustments, the regear is off my lift. I drove it to the expo up I17 at 75-80 with normal downshifting any stock truck would do and mileage is averaging 13.5 which is great for my set-up if you ask me.
I had fun taking the 260/Pinewood to Mormon Lake. The mud was a good 4WD test/challenge. It handled it better than I thought it would.
After coming home I had it cleaned and detailed. It was a good photo opportunity yesterday morning before work...
I also put in a dash mat by Dash Designs and Lloyds floor mats. The fronts didn't come with the Z71 logos like I wanted, so they are on their way. The rear one came in fine.
I love the truck so far. It's fun and easy to drive and has many creature comforts which are great for long road trips and camping alike.
My JK was built up pretty nicely IMO, but wasmore than I needed. So, the truck is going to be a vehcile for the family on the weekends, going on road trips like San Diego and Vegas every few months from Phoenix and still do Chicago and Montana with ease, as well as be a good off road vehicle.
The last photo of the JK before the new owner grabbed it:
Since the she and the kids love off road but hitting the trails with 4 people and gear in a two door is difficult, I decided to buy a 2006 GMC Sierra from a friend of mine at work. It had about 119,000 miles at the time of purchase and needed some attention, but overall I was happy.
The day I took it home:
There were a few things I knew needed done for me to be happy. First thing was the leaks, and it had more than I thought, but a lot of small ones. To get it leak free and make me feel good about the truck's reliability, I replaced the gasket for the front main, rear main, oil pan, timing chain, and both valve covers. Also replaced the heater core hoses which were weeping, put in a new water pump, power steering pump and lines, flushed the coolant system, did an oil change, and re-aligned the front end. It wasn't cheap, but the truck runs great and I'm confident in it.
Next thing was a good cleaning. I went to town on the interior with a carpet cleaner, some brushes, and armor all.
With a 6" lift and 35s, it is tall. So, side steps were next. I got Smittybilt ones from 4Wheel Parts in Mesa. Not fancy, not sliders, but all I need for what I do.
I noticed going to Tonopah for or going across town the 3.73 didn't seem to do well and the auto trans kept wanting to hit 2nd or 3rd gear to climb small hills. A regear seemed needed, but the speedo being off needed to be addressed as well, so I got a Hyptech tuner new to the door from AutoAnything for $260.
With a premium tune and adjustments, the regear is off my lift. I drove it to the expo up I17 at 75-80 with normal downshifting any stock truck would do and mileage is averaging 13.5 which is great for my set-up if you ask me.
I had fun taking the 260/Pinewood to Mormon Lake. The mud was a good 4WD test/challenge. It handled it better than I thought it would.
After coming home I had it cleaned and detailed. It was a good photo opportunity yesterday morning before work...
I also put in a dash mat by Dash Designs and Lloyds floor mats. The fronts didn't come with the Z71 logos like I wanted, so they are on their way. The rear one came in fine.
I love the truck so far. It's fun and easy to drive and has many creature comforts which are great for long road trips and camping alike.
