Oberloh
Full Member
I love my 2003 1500 Avalanche except for it having the payload of a mini-truck. I would like to "overland" but the less than 1300 lb payload won't allow for steel racks, a fold out tent on top, a winch and aftermarket steel bumpers, tools, extra gas and water etc., especially with 4 adult occupants, after roughly 700 lbs for 4 adults that leaves less than 500 lb for every new thing added onto it.
Before you say trade it for a 2500 model, I have thought of that but I bought my Av new in 03 and know every maintenance issue, so I am leery of looking for a 2500 base model to start with. I only want to run only 35" tires but hate the coil/torsion bar suspension. I am considering a Dana 60 rear and Dana 60 or 8-lug Dana 44 in front for the clearance. I don't care about the stiff ride quality because I have been used to 1-ton work trucks my whole adult life. I realize I have to really beef up the frame, tranny and engine coolers, front steering components, shocks as well as a larger brake booster and better rotor/calipers. (anything else?)
Has any one do this and have suggestions of regrets.
Thank you.
Don Oberloh
Before you say trade it for a 2500 model, I have thought of that but I bought my Av new in 03 and know every maintenance issue, so I am leery of looking for a 2500 base model to start with. I only want to run only 35" tires but hate the coil/torsion bar suspension. I am considering a Dana 60 rear and Dana 60 or 8-lug Dana 44 in front for the clearance. I don't care about the stiff ride quality because I have been used to 1-ton work trucks my whole adult life. I realize I have to really beef up the frame, tranny and engine coolers, front steering components, shocks as well as a larger brake booster and better rotor/calipers. (anything else?)
Has any one do this and have suggestions of regrets.
Thank you.
Don Oberloh
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