I like the direction you are going with this. If you don't like it, then change it. That is what makes these trucks great. So many different options. At the end of the day, it your opinion that matters the most. Gotta do what you love.
For anyone interested in the front brake upgrade, get your brakes from a 2008-2013 NOT a 2007. There seems to be a different part number for 2007 calipers from the later years, so they might not be the correct parts.
@@bobb851 2007 was a model change. 2007 Classic would be the "Cat Eye" Silverado. Body style change on the latter 2007's. I bet that is the difference in why Matt is recommending 2008-2013. 2014 was another model change. So, depending what you got them off of "old" or "new" body style, they may or may not work.
@@bobb851 If you got the parts I linked in my video then they are correct. If not then I’m still not sure if 2007 is actually wrong or not. Just for some reason the part numbers are slightly different compared to the 2008 and up. Could just be a model year change thing.
I thought you were selling and I almost got mad haha Tahiti is the reason I subscribed. I love all the upgrades you did to her and have done a lot of them to mine. I understand your quest for sleeper status and wish you luck on the build!
The brake upgrade has been superceded by 2019 brakes, they're 4 piston calipers. I unfortunately didn't know about this before doing a 2010 brake upgrade on my '03 Suburban a few months back. Stops good enough but just burns my ass a little knowing I didn't get the best I could when I was doing new brakes all the way around.
Thanks for the video! I definitely respect the decision to switch it back to stock, months ago after finding your page I watched the entire transformation of Tahiti and it inspired me to start a build of my own and after a few months I decided to switch directions and sell the truck. Sometimes priorities change, sometimes life gets in the way, and sometimes you realize you just don't like the build once you get into it. That's the world of modifying vehicles! Thanks again for the great content, can't wait to see what's next!
Big reason I went head first into modifying my Tahoe was your videos. My logic is with the power adders, you'll really want to make sure the suspension is proper even if you're not adjusting anything. Go back to stock body wise, keep your drivetrain/suspension mods.
I've got a stock Z71 Suburban in the same color. I agree that I think it looks great as is. I even put the factory head unit back in and added a USA spec Bluetooth adapter so it has essentially factory Bluetooth. Mines right above beater status but I am tempted to solid axle swap it after looking into how much $ a front end rebuild is going to cost.
Well hell Matt, you gotta do what makes you happy dude. I will admit, some of the exterior trim stuff you want to delete does look pretty good- the HD front end, for example. The Escalade trim in the rear always looks really good on this generation tahoe too. But that's just my preference- I'll watch whatever you decide to do with it either way man. Keep up the great work and great content! 👍
Hey there is another brake upgrade you're missing out on. You can mount 2019-2022 Sierra brakes as long as you have 17" wheels. Those are 13.5" (stock is 12") rotors and 4 piston calipers. I saw a video on it and found 2 brand new front sets that were take-offs for $225. All you need is a couple flat washers to center the calipers on the rotor because it's not a floating caliper. I pull a trailer without brakes and always ended up warping the rotors. Now I have way more stopping power with no worries of brake fade or warping the rotors.
Agree completely! I never thought the off road build was a good idea. Especially since you don't off road and it doesn't go well with a ton of power. You need a "City" Truck. Good handling, good brakes, good ride and wheel travel. Then add a ton of power. The reason these trucks are so good in the city is that they have a chassis, some side wall, and good travel. they absorb the mess we go through every day. My TB still has 70 series tires, which i NEVER thought i would like, but they work great in the real world. Lower it some, keep a premium damper on it. Go to a high performance all season tire (maybe a pilot sport as4?) then add the power. It will be great around town and a rocket on the open road.
Hey, did you take down the brake video? I can't seem to find it. I saw a 2013 Avalance at the junk yard and was thinking about going back for the front brake but I wanted to see your parts list. Thanks for the channel! Love your work here.
Its nice to see someone who appreciates the stock look/ride of the 2nd gen Tahoes. I'm personally not a fan of when they get modded out, especially the Z71 trim, as to me it looks and rides perfectly fine the way it was built. To each their own if they want to mod, I don't disrespect anyone who does, as its their ride, but I wouldn't do it to my own. I have a '04 Dark Green Z71 that is all stock, 111k with the exception of a Magnaflow muffler and a few minor changes that are a result of required repairs over the years. I've gotten a lot of flack for keeping mine stock, so its refreshing to see that you do respect the stock look after modding. I am looking forward to seeing Tahiti when she is finished, great video!
I totally agree Matt, I like the way they look stock out of the factory. I had an 04 Chevy suburban I put a rough country leveling kit on it and bigger tires and I ended up disliking it after that
I have two of the same Sony head units in my vehicles and the clock definitely has a mind of it's own on both. That said, they still look and work great.
I concur with your assessment, the sleeper not only looks and rides nice, but in a crisis situation, you blend in, where all the black-wheeled, low-profile, tactical looking rigs become 'targets.'
I have a 2006 GMC Yukon that I have a double DIN Kenwood head unit with my stock Bose system, Brembo BBK, Viking DA coilovers and lowering spindles with 5" Belltech coils, DJM hardware kit, adjustable panhard bar, LED brake lights, Escalade D pillars, polished declad GMC 20" wheels with the rears widened to 11" with 275/55 and 325/50 Nitto NT420V, (stock for now) LQ9 with stock Duramax catback with a 4" Borla X1R, and HP Tuners tune. I have had 5 GMT800 SUVs not including trucks and I absolutely love these trucks, how easy they are to modify to be quick, comfortable, handle surprisingly well, and reliable. I am going to head, intake, cam, headers for the LQ9 torque converter, transmission build, 4.11 gears and diff, stereo, HD hood cut to fit the GMC front end, grille, front and rear painted bumpers and new head lights, replace the worn suspension components. I've always wanted to build a fullsize Trailblazer SS. Keep the coilovers and shocks and sell it last because you will be disappointed to go back with stock torsion bars and shocks. Or you could even build a slightly lowered maybe 2-3" front and rear Z71 Tahoe leaving you an AWD SUV to make quick.
I started to modify my 02 Escalade thanks to Tahoe videos like yours on mt800s. Modifying on cars/trucks that are paid off and reliable is the best. 2-3k and the vehicle feels like a new toy.
Glad you went back to stock with the wheels and everything else, 2nd Gen Tahoe's are great looking SUV's. I bought my 2002 Z71 new in December of 2001, it now has 316,000 miles and still runs great. Those 5.3L are bullet proof as long as you change the oil regularly. My rockers are rusted pretty bad under the Z71 plastic so I'll be watching out for your rust repair video. In your original brake video, you stated that we would need 18" wheels so I never did it. Now that I know it will work on stock 17" I'll make that upgrade on my next brake job, but next on my list are new door hinge pins, my driver door sags a half inch when I open it. Thanks for all the great Tahoe video's, they are my favorite.
For restoring the plastics use lithium trim restoration cubes did my truck a year or so ago and all the plastics still look as good as the day I did it.
@@travissheehan6082 nice I have a 03 Z71 black with the black plastic wheel flares and of course the grey plastic the lithium trim cubes made it look brand new deep black took all of 15 minutes to get them mint. It’s been a good bit over a year now and it’s still held up like the day I did it. Washed it several times and drove it through the winter last year absolutely perfect.
Love the build Matt, I feel the exact same way about these trucks. I love the stock Z71 look and how they ride from the factory. I’ve had a 2016 GM pickup since new and I recently decided that I missed this generation of Tahoe, so I went out and bought one for a new daily. Hard to go wrong for $2800.
I am sort of going through the same thing with my Tahoe with the upgrades and I do not like the way it rides. So, just the change in tires made that big of a difference? I may have to go back stock if so!
For my dads supercharged Audi q7, we have drone mobile on it. I wanna add the temperature sensor but idk how lol, do I just buy the module and pop it in? Is it plug and play or is there more to that?
Not a bad plan. Suspension is a though one. It is cool that you get the ride you want with less body roll. You also have the adjustability for when you tow to firm up the rear. Also probably safer overall with the coil overs because of that stability since you daily it and might have to get out of a situation. But I get what you are saying about the cash. You have to do what you want and make sure you are happy with it. We are just along for the ride. How is the TA?
I've watch almost all your videos on Tahiti. I just finished my lift using Suspension Maxx torsion keys and raised my 03 Tahoe up and I didn't know at the time I bought the same drop upper control arms as you. I also put the longer Bilstien shocks ! My truck rides great I live in CO. and go off road frequently nothing heavy duty. When I need breaks I'll do the 07 up grade, which is an awesome Idea. My E fans are another story as I'm going factory! Everything is set up correctly but no one can program my ECM/PCM. When I was in Jersey I went south Jersey to where you suggested but the couldn't do it ! So finally I found an 05 for sale with factory Efans and took the VID # from that and ordering a new ECM for $150. and will go from there!
If you want the biggest brakes possible look into 2022 Tahoe PPV brakes (some Tahoes come upgraded with them too) they are a 6 piston fixed caliper. You will need 20’s to clear them though.
I think you have to have 18” minimum. That’s what surrounds the 6piston calipers on the trail boss models with the black twin spoke wheels. I’ve been dreaming about that mod for my 06 Z-71
The first wheel change you made to facilitate the new brakes, those looked the sharpest. I like the factory bodywork on these. I just wish I could FIND an aftermarket taillight for an ambulance door equipped unit. OEM is the ONLY option I've been able to source.
I do agree those truck are great looking straight from the factory! I also do like to see those big behemoths with a nice power setup for straight line power! I think it’ll be awesome either way! You gotta do what makes you happy bro!
I’ve got an 05’ Z71 , same color. My fave mod was relocating the knock sensors. They were a pain to replace and kept throwing codes. I moved them to the front of the pass side head and they are very happy there. 😁
What mods do you recommend to increase seat of the pants hp? My cheap 03 suburban z71 has the 5.3 LM7. Bone stock but has airraid filter but still stock tube. May go back to stock airbox as this sucks some engine bay air in. What's my best wake up the 5.3 upgrade? Michigan Motorsports or Blackbear tune? Magnaflow muffler swap?
Greetings from Dallas, Texas. First and foremost, I love your videos. Just by watching you I have upgraded my suburban in many ways. Been trying to figure out my front end suspension and I saw your video when you were completely replaced everything. It helped out a lot. Thank you for the videos. Keep it up. Would love to see more if there is anything else to do I understand but I love your videos bro
Cold Solder joint in factory amp causes intermittent issues with no volume. You can bypass, open and reflow solder or just replace them. They are notorious for this (Bose amp) sometimes they’ll work with a restart, sometimes not. I always just replace them on customers stuff,mine get upgrades 😅
I had one of these tahoes 2005 it made it to 320,000 miles before the frame went it was relatively rust free but someone had used a sawzall so ur would start to fail the transmission also started to show its age a violent 1-2 shift at low rpm when warm it was pretty good
Glad you changed direction. Have added the larger brake upgrade suggestion on 18" take off wheels and tires to my 2000 Tahoe LS 4wd. 325,000 miles with reman 5.3 st 265k, New dash bezel with 7" DVD head unit. I am considering changing 3.73 gears in the differentials to 3.23 to improve gas mileage. Good/bad idea? If so what bolt on would you suggest to regain some of the lost acceleration from taller gears? What suggestions to cure the Tahoe Shake when going over rough spots in the road. Helwig sway bars? What crate motor upgrade to match with 4L60. Lots of questions. Sorry. The restomod market for 2nd Gen Tahoe is massive. Great videos.
I don’t think changing the gears will improve fuel economy by much. If it did you would probably lose it with engine mods trying to gain acceleration back. You would be better off getting a tune to lean it out a bit to improve mpg.
Thanks. Before getting a dyno tune, do long tube headers and x-pipe dual exhaust system make any sense? Not interested in sound increase just increase performance and mileage.
I have a 2005 2WD in the same color. (250k)You saved me from doing some suspension mods because I do like the way this truck drives. I put the Blisteins on last week and they’re great I’ve also done the intake manifold gasket with new knock sensors and the oil pan gasket with the new O-ring on the lifter since suddenly my oil pressure was low. I’m very curious about some horsepower upgrades because I wanna move in the same direction
I’m not sure how you feel about Hub Centric Spacers but that definitely gives you less body roll. But may not fit into the stock look the way you want it.
If you are bored ever I'm partial to the 06 GMC Denali front end. The bumper and grille are the best of any of them imo. It'd be neat to convert a short one into a 06 Denali xl look with the chrome grille. Dunno if the fenders are different I think they are more subtle a flare.
On my suburban I had the exact problem with the radio and actually wound up having to splice a constant wire to get it to turn on the speakers everytime. For me it was a blue wire on the after market harness and a pink wire on the stock harness
Yes, looking forward to this new direction. Great truck, Good to know factory ride feels better . Looking forward to seeing body shop work, ride and power.
I just purchased a 2003 with 158,000 from a friend that had it as a second vehicle thus the ow miles. I was thinking of just upgrading the outside lighting package. Any recommendations on product brand for the outside Lighting package? Remote start will come after the lighting package. Thank you
i can confirm that you have to use 17'' rims or bigger for the brake swap, i could not get the 16s from my 03 suburban onto the 07 tahoe I swapped rims from, had to remove the brake calipers to get them on.
Sometimes it's not about what or how you build your truck but where you drive it. Built a 00 Suburban similar to your Tahoe, it was amazing in the southwest desert, moved to east coast and have been slowly bringing it back to stock... I know exactly how you feel about the Tahiti.
I have the same truck with the gray interior. I don't have much money but the two things that bother me are the stock jacked up rear end and body roll. I think I would install thicker sway bars before I would go through the expensive of a leveling kit. If the truck serves me well up to next spring, I may have the front bumper repainted, the low rear quarter panels replaced and maybe the rockers that are showing some rust. Ok, maybe I will have to install the rear lowering kit too but at 71 years old, I would really dred doing that.
I believe you need to do a software update for the head unit. Check the Sony page I think they have the update on there page where you will need a usb to do it
You gotta disable the setting for the auto time, worked for me. Mine likes to change what set of radio stations it’s in for some reason, so you get a surprise every time you start it if you use the radio.
While I’m sorry to see the build change direction, I can understand not liking the changes. You try to make it the best it can be but end up with some unexpected side effects that you can’t live with. I’ve certainly learned a lot about my own 2005 suburban z71 watching your videos. I’m getting ready to do the obligatory bilstein 5100 and torsion keys. I also got a set of the 2014 z71 wheels in black, with some 275/65/18 kenda klevers. So I’m curious to see how the ride changes. Thanks for the content. Always a good watch.
calipers for $20! that's crazy. my local junk yard in HOuston is so over priced that by the time I spend time out of my day, drive there, find the part, take it off, pay for it, drive home, clean it, etc. I may as well had just bought it new. they charge so much and are never consistent with the prices.
Nailed it! As a subscriber I'm not mad at cha. I have a bad upper control arm (ball joints and bushings) so I'm looking into things to tear into while my tires off, 07 break upgrade, E fans, dual batteries for my boom boom 💥 IM SO FREAKING EXCITED!
I'm glad you're turning your truck back to stock. Those blacked out wheels and front bumper looks aweful and cheap, unlike before you modded those that thing looks premium and clean 👌
I have a 06 Z71 and love it stock for the most part. I do however love the black wheels and I actually got them after I saw your video. I am very interested in HP mods and to see what you do! What shocks would you recommend to keep the SUV feel but just a nice upgrade? I've only changed them once since 2006 and I am pretty sure mine are shot, but want a little better than stock. Thanks for all your videos!
I have an 04 Yukon Denali that has a pioneer radio that does the same no sound thing. I just press the OnStar button twice. Pressing it cuts the radio off to activate OnStar then pressing it again to deactivate OnStar and the radio comes back on. Does your Bluetooth have a 1-2 second delay? I'm not sure if its the radio or if its something else like the adapter or the Bose system.
I like my aftermarket tail lights on my 06 Tahoe, but it gets rid of the cruise control which I don't like. I have custom wheels as well. Everything else is stock.
Try adding some resistors to the led tail lights, or add a resistor to the third brake light and it should trick the BCM into turning the Cruise back on
I noticed Tahiti has aftermarket headlights. Where did you purchase them and how have they held up? A lot of the stuff on Amazon seem to be hit or miss. You do a great job of explaining and getting to the point without taking too long to get there. Your videos always seem to flow very well.
Excellent content and suggestions, I have an 01 suburban 2 wheel drive, I have the 07-14 20" wheels and an Android touchscreen as my first 2 mods. I have owned a few brand new Ford full size trucks and love them but, to be completely honest with this 20 year old vehicle, it is absolutely my favorite in many ways, and as you said the soft ride is one of the best things about it. And it's extremely cool how many people are parting these out because they made so many, I found an 03 w completely identical code #s and paint too of course. My older brother has had a 2004 Tahoe four-wheel drive in mint condition for many years and he's always bragged about it , the motor and the simplicity of the design for repairs and or upgrade. Thanks again for the video , very user friendly
The factory amp is starting to go out. It was a common issue on the stock head units. Sometimes I hate I know what I know. From being a chevy dealer mechanic
Wire the amp turn on wire direct to the power wire behind the head unit i had the same issue with my 00 hoe for some reason certin times when changing from radio to bt or usb it freaks out and does not switch pwr
I absolutely love the sony system you put in, being it also supports the apple interface, and i'm going to watch that video later of the installment. But its funny because i have the same year, surburban version, with the same exterior silver birch metallic paint, and exact same interior tan, with the apparent "custom" leather seats. Completely left it bone stock, and the only thing i changed was the engine block (last one blew up at 160k).
I did the brake upgrade on my 03 Tahoe a few months ago, and it's soooo much better. Should have been that way from the factory for such a heavy rig. I also have the electric fans and factory harness that I got from a wrecking yard. But unfortunately my programmer I ordered from HP Tuners has been on backorder for 3 months now.
I wanna say thank you for making videos with your tahoe. You're the first youtuber I found that has a simular vehicle than mine. But I was wondering if the front brake upgrade would work with a 2002 chevy silverado? And also do whatever you want to the tahoe or just make whatever videos you want to make I will watch it.
Older vehicles kept close to stock are much more valuable in my mind. When I see a truck with a big lift or a bunch of aftermarket "performance" stuff on it, all I see is future issues or issues being covered up. And what would it cost me to get it back to stock. I would pay less for a modified truck versus a stock one at this point. That is unless it was modified by a reputable shop as part of a restoration or a much older truck.
Damn man you are the one that made me get black wheel on my truck but I only went up to a size 18 and I kept a softer tire and I love the my comfortable ride
Now that you have the stick tail lights back on check out the diesel led reverse bulbs. They are bright as hell! Going on 2 years with mine and I couldn't imagine backing up at night without them. The stock look and ride is the best for sure. I have 20" summer wheels on mine and it rides like a lumber wagon. And 18" winter wheels with load range c tires that ride much better.
I like the direction you are going with this. If you don't like it, then change it. That is what makes these trucks great. So many different options. At the end of the day, it your opinion that matters the most. Gotta do what you love.
For anyone interested in the front brake upgrade, get your brakes from a 2008-2013 NOT a 2007. There seems to be a different part number for 2007 calipers from the later years, so they might not be the correct parts.
So the 2007's won't work? I already got both calipers and brakes and painted. Was waiting until I needed to do front brake job. I don't understand
@@bobb851 2007 was a model change. 2007 Classic would be the "Cat Eye" Silverado. Body style change on the latter 2007's. I bet that is the difference in why Matt is recommending 2008-2013. 2014 was another model change.
So, depending what you got them off of "old" or "new" body style, they may or may not work.
So the recommended Callahan kit from Amazon is no longer recommended?
@@howardross7149 Thats the right one. I remember seeing the same part number issue when I was linking those parts so I made sure it was for a 2008.
@@bobb851 If you got the parts I linked in my video then they are correct. If not then I’m still not sure if 2007 is actually wrong or not. Just for some reason the part numbers are slightly different compared to the 2008 and up. Could just be a model year change thing.
I thought you were selling and I almost got mad haha Tahiti is the reason I subscribed. I love all the upgrades you did to her and have done a lot of them to mine. I understand your quest for sleeper status and wish you luck on the build!
The brake upgrade has been superceded by 2019 brakes, they're 4 piston calipers. I unfortunately didn't know about this before doing a 2010 brake upgrade on my '03 Suburban a few months back. Stops good enough but just burns my ass a little knowing I didn't get the best I could when I was doing new brakes all the way around.
you need 20's to run the 2019 brakes. the gmt900 brakes are the way to go for keeping factory 17" gmt800 z71 wheels.
@@mattb6001 my 2020 silverado lt work truck has 17s from factory
What rim size you on?! I’m kinda in the sleeper lane myself stock rim size 🤌🏾
Thanks for the video! I definitely respect the decision to switch it back to stock, months ago after finding your page I watched the entire transformation of Tahiti and it inspired me to start a build of my own and after a few months I decided to switch directions and sell the truck. Sometimes priorities change, sometimes life gets in the way, and sometimes you realize you just don't like the build once you get into it. That's the world of modifying vehicles! Thanks again for the great content, can't wait to see what's next!
Your build/videos is the reason why I’m still keeping my 03 Tahoe Z71. Looking forward to watching the future mods.
I just bought a 2004 Tahoe Z71 w/ 390k km. Still running strong!
Big reason I went head first into modifying my Tahoe was your videos. My logic is with the power adders, you'll really want to make sure the suspension is proper even if you're not adjusting anything. Go back to stock body wise, keep your drivetrain/suspension mods.
I've got a stock Z71 Suburban in the same color.
I agree that I think it looks great as is. I even put the factory head unit back in and added a USA spec Bluetooth adapter so it has essentially factory Bluetooth.
Mines right above beater status but I am tempted to solid axle swap it after looking into how much $ a front end rebuild is going to cost.
What’s the model number
@@ryans6449 BT-45 VETTE if you are asking about the Bluetooth Adapter.
Well hell Matt, you gotta do what makes you happy dude. I will admit, some of the exterior trim stuff you want to delete does look pretty good- the HD front end, for example. The Escalade trim in the rear always looks really good on this generation tahoe too. But that's just my preference- I'll watch whatever you decide to do with it either way man. Keep up the great work and great content! 👍
When restoring the plastics try cerekote trim wipes worked great for me just clean the cladding a brush and some spray nine
Yes dude thanks man, love the factory look. Glad you’re going back to the original look
Hey there is another
brake upgrade you're missing out
on. You can mount 2019-2022
Sierra brakes as long as you have
17" wheels. Those are 13.5" (stock
is 12") rotors and 4 piston
calipers. I saw a video on it and
found 2 brand new front sets that
were take-offs for $225.
All you need is a couple flat
washers to center the calipers on
the rotor because it's not a
floating caliper.
I pull a trailer without brakes and always ended up warping the rotors. Now I have way more stopping power with no worries of brake fade or warping the rotors.
I actually picked those brakes up and was going to use them with the 18 inch wheels. I didn’t think they would fit the 17’s
@@lsxmatt I do have them mounted behind 18” rockstars with no spacers or rubbing. I was going to try my stock 17’s but waited for the 18’s to come.
I totally agree with you, Matt. I love the way they look stock as well
Agree completely! I never thought the off road build was a good idea. Especially since you don't off road and it doesn't go well with a ton of power. You need a "City" Truck. Good handling, good brakes, good ride and wheel travel. Then add a ton of power. The reason these trucks are so good in the city is that they have a chassis, some side wall, and good travel. they absorb the mess we go through every day. My TB still has 70 series tires, which i NEVER thought i would like, but they work great in the real world. Lower it some, keep a premium damper on it. Go to a high performance all season tire (maybe a pilot sport as4?) then add the power. It will be great around town and a rocket on the open road.
‘’Courage taught me no matter how bad a crisis gets ... any sound investment will eventually pay off."
Am hoping on you can explain more on how you make extra income from investments
Financial freedom is absolutely the perfect freedom
This is awesome, please can you be of an assistance to me how can I connect with your broker?
@Casino Şimşek OK thanks
I think you should consider being a UA-camr and have your own channel. You share some good tips for strategic investments.
Dude your channel is legit AF. love it watch all your shit keep em coming
The stock Tahoe is a great interstate roller. No need to make it miserable to drive.
Hey, did you take down the brake video? I can't seem to find it. I saw a 2013 Avalance at the junk yard and was thinking about going back for the front brake but I wanted to see your parts list. Thanks for the channel! Love your work here.
Here it is: ua-cam.com/video/E11z7hLzpxw/v-deo.html
I love the oem + look. Rims look great and the level. Fix the rust and headliner and call it done.
Its nice to see someone who appreciates the stock look/ride of the 2nd gen Tahoes. I'm personally not a fan of when they get modded out, especially the Z71 trim, as to me it looks and rides perfectly fine the way it was built. To each their own if they want to mod, I don't disrespect anyone who does, as its their ride, but I wouldn't do it to my own. I have a '04 Dark Green Z71 that is all stock, 111k with the exception of a Magnaflow muffler and a few minor changes that are a result of required repairs over the years. I've gotten a lot of flack for keeping mine stock, so its refreshing to see that you do respect the stock look after modding. I am looking forward to seeing Tahiti when she is finished, great video!
I totally agree Matt, I like the way they look stock out of the factory. I had an 04 Chevy suburban I put a rough country leveling kit on it and bigger tires and I ended up disliking it after that
I have two of the same Sony head units in my vehicles and the clock definitely has a mind of it's own on both. That said, they still look and work great.
Yup I have the same one just with front facing usb connection clock does have a mind of its own when not connected via CarPlay
what floor mats do you have? I have Weathertech in my 04 Tahoe and do not like how they fit.
I concur with your assessment, the sleeper not only looks and rides nice, but in a crisis situation, you blend in, where all the black-wheeled, low-profile, tactical looking rigs become 'targets.'
I have a 2006 GMC Yukon that I have a double DIN Kenwood head unit with my stock Bose system, Brembo BBK, Viking DA coilovers and lowering spindles with 5" Belltech coils, DJM hardware kit, adjustable panhard bar, LED brake lights, Escalade D pillars, polished declad GMC 20" wheels with the rears widened to 11" with 275/55 and 325/50 Nitto NT420V, (stock for now) LQ9 with stock Duramax catback with a 4" Borla X1R, and HP Tuners tune. I have had 5 GMT800 SUVs not including trucks and I absolutely love these trucks, how easy they are to modify to be quick, comfortable, handle surprisingly well, and reliable. I am going to head, intake, cam, headers for the LQ9 torque converter, transmission build, 4.11 gears and diff, stereo, HD hood cut to fit the GMC front end, grille, front and rear painted bumpers and new head lights, replace the worn suspension components. I've always wanted to build a fullsize Trailblazer SS. Keep the coilovers and shocks and sell it last because you will be disappointed to go back with stock torsion bars and shocks. Or you could even build a slightly lowered maybe 2-3" front and rear Z71 Tahoe leaving you an AWD SUV to make quick.
I started to modify my 02 Escalade thanks to Tahoe videos like yours on mt800s. Modifying on cars/trucks that are paid off and reliable is the best. 2-3k and the vehicle feels like a new toy.
Glad you went back to stock with the wheels and everything else, 2nd Gen Tahoe's are great looking SUV's. I bought my 2002 Z71 new in December of 2001, it now has 316,000 miles and still runs great. Those 5.3L are bullet proof as long as you change the oil regularly. My rockers are rusted pretty bad under the Z71 plastic so I'll be watching out for your rust repair video. In your original brake video, you stated that we would need 18" wheels so I never did it. Now that I know it will work on stock 17" I'll make that upgrade on my next brake job, but next on my list are new door hinge pins, my driver door sags a half inch when I open it. Thanks for all the great Tahoe video's, they are my favorite.
For restoring the plastics use lithium trim restoration cubes did my truck a year or so ago and all the plastics still look as good as the day I did it.
It Made the plastics look new
The cerakote plastic trim for the textured black stuff is the best ever
@@travissheehan6082 nice I have a 03 Z71 black with the black plastic wheel flares and of course the grey plastic the lithium trim cubes made it look brand new deep black took all of 15 minutes to get them mint. It’s been a good bit over a year now and it’s still held up like the day I did it. Washed it several times and drove it through the winter last year absolutely perfect.
Love the build Matt, I feel the exact same way about these trucks. I love the stock Z71 look and how they ride from the factory. I’ve had a 2016 GM pickup since new and I recently decided that I missed this generation of Tahoe, so I went out and bought one for a new daily. Hard to go wrong for $2800.
They’re getting cheap now. I’ve come across a few for that price and had to hold back from buying another…
I am sort of going through the same thing with my Tahoe with the upgrades and I do not like the way it rides. So, just the change in tires made that big of a difference? I may have to go back stock if so!
For my dads supercharged Audi q7, we have drone mobile on it. I wanna add the temperature sensor but idk how lol, do I just buy the module and pop it in? Is it plug and play or is there more to that?
Wish I could find a nice set of the stock 17" z71 wheels! Those look great!
Might wanna see if there is a software update for your headunit. Usually in the form of a USB drive update if no Bluetooth update ability.
Not a bad plan. Suspension is a though one. It is cool that you get the ride you want with less body roll. You also have the adjustability for when you tow to firm up the rear. Also probably safer overall with the coil overs because of that stability since you daily it and might have to get out of a situation. But I get what you are saying about the cash. You have to do what you want and make sure you are happy with it. We are just along for the ride. How is the TA?
I've watch almost all your videos on Tahiti. I just finished my lift using Suspension Maxx torsion keys and raised my 03 Tahoe up and I didn't know at the time I bought the same drop upper control arms as you. I also put the longer Bilstien shocks ! My truck rides great I live in CO. and go off road frequently nothing heavy duty. When I need breaks I'll do the 07 up grade, which is an awesome Idea. My E fans are another story as I'm going factory! Everything is set up correctly but no one can program my ECM/PCM. When I was in Jersey I went south Jersey to where you suggested but the couldn't do it ! So finally I found an 05 for sale with factory Efans and took the VID # from that and ordering a new ECM for $150. and will go from there!
If you want the biggest brakes possible look into 2022 Tahoe PPV brakes (some Tahoes come upgraded with them too) they are a 6 piston fixed caliper. You will need 20’s to clear them though.
I think you have to have 18” minimum. That’s what surrounds the 6piston calipers on the trail boss models with the black twin spoke wheels. I’ve been dreaming about that mod for my 06 Z-71
Damn it sounds like Matt is getting ready to sell Tahiti
These wheels in my opinion are the clearest, in general, stock wheels are optimal. don't go against engineering. Good luck bro!
The first wheel change you made to facilitate the new brakes, those looked the sharpest. I like the factory bodywork on these. I just wish I could FIND an aftermarket taillight for an ambulance door equipped unit. OEM is the ONLY option I've been able to source.
I do agree those truck are great looking straight from the factory! I also do like to see those big behemoths with a nice power setup for straight line power! I think it’ll be awesome either way! You gotta do what makes you happy bro!
I would like to add a killswitch for the battery on my 2003 tahoe. do you know what kind of killswitch would compatible?
I’ve got an 05’ Z71 , same color. My fave mod was relocating the knock sensors. They were a pain to replace and kept throwing codes. I moved them to the front of the pass side head and they are very happy there. 😁
What mods do you recommend to increase seat of the pants hp? My cheap 03 suburban z71 has the 5.3 LM7. Bone stock but has airraid filter but still stock tube. May go back to stock airbox as this sucks some engine bay air in. What's my best wake up the 5.3 upgrade? Michigan Motorsports or Blackbear tune? Magnaflow muffler swap?
Greetings from Dallas, Texas. First and foremost, I love your videos. Just by watching you I have upgraded my suburban in many ways. Been trying to figure out my front end suspension and I saw your video when you were completely replaced everything. It helped out a lot. Thank you for the videos. Keep it up. Would love to see more if there is anything else to do I understand but I love your videos bro
Cold Solder joint in factory amp causes intermittent issues with no volume. You can bypass, open and reflow solder or just replace them. They are notorious for this (Bose amp) sometimes they’ll work with a restart, sometimes not. I always just replace them on customers stuff,mine get upgrades 😅
I had one of these tahoes 2005 it made it to 320,000 miles before the frame went it was relatively rust free but someone had used a sawzall so ur would start to fail the transmission also started to show its age a violent 1-2 shift at low rpm when warm it was pretty good
Glad you changed direction.
Have added the larger brake upgrade suggestion on 18" take off wheels and tires to my 2000 Tahoe LS 4wd.
325,000 miles with reman 5.3 st 265k, New dash bezel with 7" DVD head unit.
I am considering changing 3.73 gears in the differentials to 3.23 to improve gas mileage. Good/bad idea?
If so what bolt on would you suggest to regain some of the lost acceleration from taller gears?
What suggestions to cure the Tahoe Shake when going over rough spots in the road. Helwig sway bars?
What crate motor upgrade to match with 4L60.
Lots of questions. Sorry.
The restomod market for 2nd Gen Tahoe is massive.
Great videos.
I don’t think changing the gears will improve fuel economy by much. If it did you would probably lose it with engine mods trying to gain acceleration back. You would be better off getting a tune to lean it out a bit to improve mpg.
Thanks.
Before getting a dyno tune, do long tube headers and x-pipe dual exhaust system make any sense? Not interested in sound increase just increase performance and mileage.
I have a 2005 2WD in the same color. (250k)You saved me from doing some suspension mods because I do like the way this truck drives. I put the Blisteins on last week and they’re great I’ve also done the intake manifold gasket with new knock sensors and the oil pan gasket with the new O-ring on the lifter since suddenly my oil pressure was low. I’m very curious about some horsepower upgrades because I wanna move in the same direction
I’m not sure how you feel about Hub Centric Spacers but that definitely gives you less body roll. But may not fit into the stock look the way you want it.
If you are bored ever I'm partial to the 06 GMC Denali front end. The bumper and grille are the best of any of them imo. It'd be neat to convert a short one into a 06 Denali xl look with the chrome grille. Dunno if the fenders are different I think they are more subtle a flare.
On my suburban I had the exact problem with the radio and actually wound up having to splice a constant wire to get it to turn on the speakers everytime. For me it was a blue wire on the after market harness and a pink wire on the stock harness
Yes, looking forward to this new direction. Great truck, Good to know factory ride feels better . Looking forward to seeing body shop work, ride and power.
I just purchased a 2003 with 158,000 from a friend that had it as a second vehicle thus the ow miles. I was thinking of just upgrading the outside lighting package. Any recommendations on product brand for the outside Lighting package? Remote start will come after the lighting package. Thank you
i can confirm that you have to use 17'' rims or bigger for the brake swap, i could not get the 16s from my 03 suburban onto the 07 tahoe I swapped rims from, had to remove the brake calipers to get them on.
Sometimes it's not about what or how you build your truck but where you drive it. Built a 00 Suburban similar to your Tahoe, it was amazing in the southwest desert, moved to east coast and have been slowly bringing it back to stock... I know exactly how you feel about the Tahiti.
I have the same truck with the gray interior. I don't have much money but the two things that bother me are the stock jacked up rear end and body roll. I think I would install thicker sway bars before I would go through the expensive of a leveling kit. If the truck serves me well up to next spring, I may have the front bumper repainted, the low rear quarter panels replaced and maybe the rockers that are showing some rust. Ok, maybe I will have to install the rear lowering kit too but at 71 years old, I would really dred doing that.
Just getting started on modifying my 2006 Tahoe.. interested to see what drivetrain mods and performance mods you will be doing
You are gonna make it to 100,000 by the end of this year
I believe you need to do a software update for the head unit. Check the Sony page I think they have the update on there page where you will need a usb to do it
You gotta disable the setting for the auto time, worked for me. Mine likes to change what set of radio stations it’s in for some reason, so you get a surprise every time you start it if you use the radio.
While I’m sorry to see the build change direction, I can understand not liking the changes. You try to make it the best it can be but end up with some unexpected side effects that you can’t live with. I’ve certainly learned a lot about my own 2005 suburban z71 watching your videos. I’m getting ready to do the obligatory bilstein 5100 and torsion keys. I also got a set of the 2014 z71 wheels in black, with some 275/65/18 kenda klevers. So I’m curious to see how the ride changes. Thanks for the content. Always a good watch.
calipers for $20! that's crazy. my local junk yard in HOuston is so over priced that by the time I spend time out of my day, drive there, find the part, take it off, pay for it, drive home, clean it, etc. I may as well had just bought it new. they charge so much and are never consistent with the prices.
Nailed it! As a subscriber I'm not mad at cha. I have a bad upper control arm (ball joints and bushings) so I'm looking into things to tear into while my tires off, 07 break upgrade, E fans, dual batteries for my boom boom 💥 IM SO FREAKING EXCITED!
I like the sleeper idea, but how about tinting those front windows and exhaust?
I'm glad you're turning your truck back to stock. Those blacked out wheels and front bumper looks aweful and cheap, unlike before you modded those that thing looks premium and clean 👌
I have a 06 Z71 and love it stock for the most part. I do however love the black wheels and I actually got them after I saw your video. I am very interested in HP mods and to see what you do! What shocks would you recommend to keep the SUV feel but just a nice upgrade? I've only changed them once since 2006 and I am pretty sure mine are shot, but want a little better than stock. Thanks for all your videos!
I have an 04 Yukon Denali that has a pioneer radio that does the same no sound thing. I just press the OnStar button twice. Pressing it cuts the radio off to activate OnStar then pressing it again to deactivate OnStar and the radio comes back on. Does your Bluetooth have a 1-2 second delay? I'm not sure if its the radio or if its something else like the adapter or the Bose system.
I didn't need brackets for the front discs? I put on new with drilled slotted and they bolted right on.
I like my aftermarket tail lights on my 06 Tahoe, but it gets rid of the cruise control which I don't like. I have custom wheels as well. Everything else is stock.
What does the cruise control have to do with your Tail Lights?
@@shadowopsairman1583 They are full led. cruise control only works with halogen bulbs.
Try adding some resistors to the led tail lights, or add a resistor to the third brake light and it should trick the BCM into turning the Cruise back on
Concerning you o star turning on. Just hit it again it will turn off. I have a 2004 Tahoe LT. Same problem
I noticed Tahiti has aftermarket headlights. Where did you purchase them and how have they held up? A lot of the stuff on Amazon seem to be hit or miss. You do a great job of explaining and getting to the point without taking too long to get there. Your videos always seem to flow very well.
i got mine on rock auto they look great. they were cheap and arrived in like 2 days
Any chance you’re still selling the hd hood? I’ve been struggling like crazy to find one… would love to take it off your hands if so!
The larger rotor also gives you greater leverage cuz of the longer lever arm to increase the breaking force
Fyi E-Fans on many trucks require a larger radiator to be installed
Excellent content and suggestions, I have an 01 suburban 2 wheel drive, I have the 07-14 20" wheels and an Android touchscreen as my first 2 mods. I have owned a few brand new Ford full size trucks and love them but, to be completely honest with this 20 year old vehicle, it is absolutely my favorite in many ways, and as you said the soft ride is one of the best things about it. And it's extremely cool how many people are parting these out because they made so many, I found an 03 w completely identical code #s and paint too of course. My older brother has had a 2004 Tahoe four-wheel drive in mint condition for many years and he's always bragged about it , the motor and the simplicity of the design for repairs and or upgrade. Thanks again for the video , very user friendly
The factory amp is starting to go out. It was a common issue on the stock head units. Sometimes I hate I know what I know. From being a chevy dealer mechanic
Good video, I'd like some other input on the fan/cooling issues
It does look good in stock form and I also appreciate a good comfortable ride. You have the Camaro and TA for the stiff handling and racing stuff.
Did you end up selling the coil over shocks and upper control arms suspension upgrades ect ????
Can I put the ‘05/‘07 front break set on my ‘96 Tahoe?
Did the big tires really hurt the ride quality that much? I may go back stock myself.
Wire the amp turn on wire direct to the power wire behind the head unit i had the same issue with my 00 hoe for some reason certin times when changing from radio to bt or usb it freaks out and does not switch pwr
If you dont mind me asking what are you doing with the back glass? And the hood?
Makes sense, better to have it how you want it and use it. Your needs and tastes change so the ride can too.
I absolutely love the sony system you put in, being it also supports the apple interface, and i'm going to watch that video later of the installment. But its funny because i have the same year, surburban version, with the same exterior silver birch metallic paint, and exact same interior tan, with the apparent "custom" leather seats. Completely left it bone stock, and the only thing i changed was the engine block (last one blew up at 160k).
I did the brake upgrade on my 03 Tahoe a few months ago, and it's soooo much better. Should have been that way from the factory for such a heavy rig.
I also have the electric fans and factory harness that I got from a wrecking yard. But unfortunately my programmer I ordered from HP Tuners has been on backorder for 3 months now.
Hey man what’s your gas mileage like with big tires at 70mph I’m getting like 12mpg not good at all
What is your opinion on drilled slotted rotors for an 05 Tahoe? You think it would be worth it if we dont want to go with the big brake upgrade?
I think its worth it. I have a drilled and slotted set on the rear with towing pads. Ordering the same kit for the front soon.
I wanna say thank you for making videos with your tahoe. You're the first youtuber I found that has a simular vehicle than mine. But I was wondering if the front brake upgrade would work with a 2002 chevy silverado? And also do whatever you want to the tahoe or just make whatever videos you want to make I will watch it.
Yes! Just bought a model 2004 tahoe, I’ll be taking it to stock and restoring it. Subscribed
Did you keep the upgraded sway bars? I was going to do mine to take out the body roll.
I ended up taking them out. Might put them back in to see how it rides after the rest of the suspension is back to stock.
Older vehicles kept close to stock are much more valuable in my mind. When I see a truck with a big lift or a bunch of aftermarket "performance" stuff on it, all I see is future issues or issues being covered up. And what would it cost me to get it back to stock. I would pay less for a modified truck versus a stock one at this point. That is unless it was modified by a reputable shop as part of a restoration or a much older truck.
Did you sell your used parts? If not, I’m interested in buying them.
Back to stock but with a cam 💪💪
I hit my z71 plastic with the heat gun on my suburban, looks SO GOOD now. Almost new
How much do you want for the front bumper cap? I have a 03 tahoe with 271k miles on it
Damn man you are the one that made me get black wheel on my truck but I only went up to a size 18 and I kept a softer tire and I love the my comfortable ride
Good move with the softer tire!
@@lsxmatt thanks man I'm not a fan of the tires with the big tread
Now that you have the stick tail lights back on check out the diesel led reverse bulbs. They are bright as hell! Going on 2 years with mine and I couldn't imagine backing up at night without them. The stock look and ride is the best for sure. I have 20" summer wheels on mine and it rides like a lumber wagon. And 18" winter wheels with load range c tires that ride much better.
Just get Sylvania Zevo LED, the white is bright.
How do you get the software and how could I learn how to use and work the software
hey matt no subwoofer? curious what your take would be, you've done a lot of tasteful mods so far