- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
I recently picked up a 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 with some miles on it. It's nothing special, just a good old GM pickup with a few dents. I choose this truck for the Vortec 350 engine, the 3rd door and the late model features a '98 would offer, like a decent interior, working A/C, cruise control, etc. It was also priced right, which means more room in the budget to make the modifications I want! The Vortec 350 makes 330 ft/lbs of torque and is plenty peppy for an engine that's 14 years old, while getting respectable mileage. The 3rd door will offer access to the back for loading up our dog and camping gear. This build is probably going to be slightly different than the norm, which is why I like the idea... 
My intent with this truck is to have a multipurpose (dual sport!) truck, something that can haul dirt bikes one weekend, load up and go explore the mountains and canyons of Colorado and Utah the next weekend, then tow the occasional trailer when needed. The plan is to modify it with a solid axle swap, 35's (or 37's?) and some goodies to make camping out of the truck comfortable. I want it to be capable of tackling the more scenic trails in Utah, Colorado and beyond and get thru them without a hitch.
Here's how the build is going to break down;
I want this build to be something that anyone can duplicate, these trucks are all over the place and prices are getting low. I think the platform is solid and with a solid axle conversion, you can have a capable, reliable 4x4.
After getting the truck home, the first thing I did was remove the rear bench seat and clean up the inside & outside. Here's how it looks, pretty much stock. Right after I took the pics, I took the sawzall to the big exhaust tips... they were loud and annoying!
My intent with this truck is to have a multipurpose (dual sport!) truck, something that can haul dirt bikes one weekend, load up and go explore the mountains and canyons of Colorado and Utah the next weekend, then tow the occasional trailer when needed. The plan is to modify it with a solid axle swap, 35's (or 37's?) and some goodies to make camping out of the truck comfortable. I want it to be capable of tackling the more scenic trails in Utah, Colorado and beyond and get thru them without a hitch.
Here's how the build is going to break down;
- Offroad Design Solid Axle Conversion, ORD rear shackle flip. (Probably use 2" Tuff Country EZ ride springs, for a total of 5" lift in front, 4" in rear with the shackle flip, plus a 1" ORD Zero-Rate add-a-leaf to level it out. Hopefully this keep the height reasonable.)
- Ford Dana 60 front and a GM 14 Bolt rear, Detroit in the rear axle, ARB in the front. 4.88 gears.
- Hummer H2 17" wheels and and 37" tires.
I want this build to be something that anyone can duplicate, these trucks are all over the place and prices are getting low. I think the platform is solid and with a solid axle conversion, you can have a capable, reliable 4x4.
After getting the truck home, the first thing I did was remove the rear bench seat and clean up the inside & outside. Here's how it looks, pretty much stock. Right after I took the pics, I took the sawzall to the big exhaust tips... they were loud and annoying!
