Is my truck capable ?? Chevy 2500

[Zatara]

I have owned Toyotas for many years and still do, but I bought a 2000 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 extra cab with the 6.0 a year and a half ago to tow a larger trailer we bought.
We have been looking to get back into camping and I would like to beef up my truck.
I have been lurking and reading a lot here and one thing I think I have found out is that very few, if anyone has any love for the Chevy 4x4s. I'm not looking to build a mall cruiser but maybe something like what the Border Patrol Chevys look like.
So basically, my question is..... is my truck a lost cause or can they be made into a capable trail/off road trucks.

[ujoint]

The Chevys are fine, but you do have an "oddball" with that 2000 model. They're unique in several ways as far as the suspension goes. It probably also has the 9.5 semi float rear end, but if you're luck it has the 14 bolt 10.5". As long as you don't go over a 35" tire, you should be fine. Stick to a narrower tire with an aluminum wheel to keep the unsprung weight down. Locker options for the rear will depend on the axle application, and I wouldn't recommend any type of locker for the front. Unless of course, you convert it to solid axle. :) Some of the aftermarket steering upgrades that are available for the 01 to current HD's aren't compatable with your truck, making it more difficult to beef up the front end.

[Kermit]

.... maybe something like what the Border Patrol Chevys look like.



What does the Border Patrol use for suspension on their Chevy's?

Being in Tucson...I see them all of the time...seems like their setup would do just fine. They sure do look "right". I kinda like the human transport shell too. Supposed to be heavy though. Roof Top Tent and some ambi doors, would be a nice setup. Or a Gem Top with tool boxes.
http://www.gemtopleer.com/assets/images/wm250.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/840000-840999/840825_34_full.jpg

[Zatara]

I'm in Tucson also and see them all the time but never had a chance to ask anyone who might know whats done to them.

As for my truck, yes it is an "odd" model. It's listed as a "HD" on my window sticker but it lacks some of the things they started on the HDs in 2001.
It has the 14 bolt SF rear axle with 4 wheel disc brakes. The front end suspension is the same as the 2001 HDs not like the earlier 99 models.
What I was wanting to do is just level the front end with the Cognito level kit and add the idler/pittman brace kit to strengthen the steering.
I really like my stock alloy wheels and think I'll run something like a 285/70R16 BFG AT or MT.

[ujoint]

Sounds like a good setup/gameplan. I think the border patrol trucks are running an RCD lift. Check with Cognito on the steering kit for your truck to make sure it will work, if you haven't already.

[Zatara]

Sounds like a good setup/gameplan. I think the border patrol trucks are running an RCD lift. Check with Cognito on the steering kit for your truck to make sure it will work, if you haven't already.

I called Cognito and they told me to measure my upper A arms to see if I had the new or old suspension. Thats how I found out what I had.
They said the steering braces would work and so would the level kit.
He told me I had a late model that had the 2001 style HD suspension.
My main concern is to not lift it too high so as not to damage the CV axles.
I really like the ARB bumper too.

[Kermit]

Oh, this would be a cool setup for a storage system, just picture it with a slideout kitchen on there.http://www.cargobed.com/industry/contractor-trucking-accessories.htm

http://www.cargobed.com/images/templates/industries/23.jpg

Maybe head over to the new Border Patrol head quarters and do some poking around, maybe the mechanics can give you the low down.

My friend has 2500 2WD, with a 3" drop arm, it does fine even just being 2WD, it rides better than my Tacoma.

[outsidr]

As far as the border patrol goes, some use light speed bump stops and full lower skid plates (both on light racing site). I do not know about the RCD kit but I do have a 2500 that has been 8.5" with Rock Krawler desert racing suspension and now is set up with a dodge 2500 power wagon axle. I can pretty much answer most any question you could conceivable have since I have torn mine down and put it back together. Mine is an 06 diesel but I have built several like yours.

If you have a 9.25 front diff ARB makes a locker and reider racing makes HD cv shafts. I have a 9.25 diff with an ARB Installed and the matching Reider Racing CV's for sale currently as I have switched to a solid axle. I like d the IFS setup a lot but Rock Krawler needed a guinea pig for their SAS kit so I sent it up to him.

Let me know if you have additional questions. If you have the 14 bolt and 9.25 37's are fine. Steering is the limiting factor and there are solutions there as well. In fact Fabtech just released new idler set up that looks good. Also Rock Krawler is releasing an NEW IFS kit that will dog all others in the coming month on their new pure performance website. http://www.pure-performance.biz/

Here is my rig for ideas.... http://www.lokeytrucks.com/Media.html or http://www.lokeytrucks.com/images/pages/Chevy/team_lokey_baja_truck_index.html

[kcowyo]

I'm not looking to build a mall cruiser but maybe something like what the Border Patrol Chevys look like.

So basically, my question is..... is my truck a lost cause or can they be made into a capable trail/off road trucks.
No way is your truck a lost cause.

For roaming the backroads of the southwest, a full size Chevy would be a great outfit. There's a reason the gov't uses them. As far as finding out how they are equipped, the fleet dealer who orders them may be a better person to ask how they are equipped. Dunno how you find out which dealership though....

Years ago I had a '98 K25 HD when I was roaming the hills of SW Colorado and never saw it as a detriment. I was towing larger trailers at the time so I needed full size but it did many of the more popular trails around Telluride, Ouray and Lake City. I cranked the t-bars, added some Edelbrock IAS shocks, 285 BFG's and never thought about winches, fancy suspension, etc. Ground clearence and traction were all I needed. Still wish on occasion that I had that truck.

Don't worry about the lack of Chevy owners here. Build it and inspire some Chevy love (not Chevy Luv though, please...) on ExPo. This is a very diverse community and will continue to be as long as owners of all makes feel they have a home here. I'd love to see what you come up with.

:beer:

[ujoint]

So is Rock Krawler now Pure Performance? Or is that just a store front/retail location? I noticed on the site they called one the kits the "pure performance" solid axle swap.

[outsidr]

So is Rock Krawler now Pure Performance? Or is that just a store front/retail location? I noticed on the site they called one the kits the "pure performance" solid axle swap.


He is creating a separate brand for truck stuff. There is not anything Rock Krawling has to do with a vehicle sporting over an 80-90 wheel base. It makes sense. Rock Krawler will be shorty stuff with massive articulation and big diesel and pick up stuff will be pure performance...:sombrero:

[ujoint]

Gotcha.

[Zatara]

Are there any other parts or modifications that can be done to make the Chevy trucks more durable or reliable off road ??
Any specific areas to watch for problems ?

[outsidr]

The roto molded section of the Frame that starts where the frame goes from straight to angle up to allow room for the axle travel is a weak point of the frame. It is possible that a direct impact of the front of the frame could bend or fracture that piece. It is unlikely that you will cause something like this on expedition though.

The most serious issue is the pittman arm idler arm set up. Bare minimum swap both out for Napa Premium fleet components with Graphite ball caps and grease fittings (they are made by MOOG). Always carry a spare of both on expedition.

Everything else is bulletproof and/or repairable and should hold for you...:victory:

[Zatara]

The roto molded section of the Frame that starts where the frame goes from straight to angle up to allow room for the axle travel is a weak point of the frame. It is possible that a direct impact of the front of the frame could bend or fracture that piece. It is unlikely that you will cause something like this on expedition though.

The most serious issue is the pittman arm idler arm set up. Bare minimum swap both out for Napa Premium fleet components with Graphite ball caps and grease fittings (they are made by MOOG). Always carry a spare of both on expedition.

Everything else is bulletproof and/or repairable and should hold for you...:victory:

Thanks for the info !!
Also, how well are your interior parts and body parts holding up to the off roading, vibration etc... ??

[4Rescue]

...There's a reason the gov't uses them... Because GM owes the US Government billions...

[kcowyo]

Can you present some facts to back up your statement that the reason the gov't provides the Border Patrol Chevys, is because of GM's debt?

[4Rescue]

As much as I loathe all things GM, those Border patrol trucks look spot on. Great ride height, taller skiny tires, and being gov issue, I'm sure the're beefed up plenty. And they really are boxy classic looking pick-ups (which I kind of like) Do they run the diesels or the 6.0 gasser motor in those??


Can you present some facts to back up your statement that the reason the gov't provides the Border Patrol Chevys, is because of GM's debt?
I was just taking a shot at GM, but I honestly can't tell you why they use them... They certianly aren't the most reliable trucks on the road... So I would actually have to guess it's because they get them very cheap as fleet vehicles go. Besides, I belive the BP uses a number of different vehicles don't they??


And to answer the original question: No, your truck is not hopeless, it's got 4wd, low range and a driver, it'll go more places than it probably should. It's size might be a limiting factor depending on teh terrain you're driving, but like someoen said, in the wide open desert country, the size just adds comfort. Go for it.

As far as the odd year, my buddy has the same truck (black 2000 2500 with the 6.0 Gas motor) and he ran into the same issues of finding a really quality suspension lift that wasn't really expensive, in the end he just left it stock. I'm sure that by now there are plenty of options being that it's a chevy and a very popular truck.

[absolute]

Time for some more Chevy Love!!

I have an 05 HD ext. cab long bed w/6.0 and I have taken that truck more places in the PNW and West then I could have ever imagine! My truck started out as a toy hauler (Quads, Motorcycles, Sleds, Camper & Occasional K5 or Jeep), but the more I've built various off road toys, I always end up taking my HD! My current setup is 1/2" crank on Torsion Bars, Yokohama Geolander AT2's in 285, 16x8 aftermarket wheels, Raider Topper, Line-x Bed, back up cam, GPS, CB and a bunch of things that making it great! Looking in to the Cognito level soon. I really can't justify spending 2-3K for 35's. If i keep the truck long enough i'll end up doing a SAS! But that will depend! let me know if you have any questions or just shoot the chevy love... J/K

oh yeah... my CJ has chevy love, but more on that later! (still need to do a build page!)

[Colorado Ron]

Maybe you guys have or have not seen my build thread, but I think they make a great platform.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/2163972482_6965e3b61c.jpg

Build Thread:http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8605

[4Rescue]

Maybe you guys have or have not seen my build thread, but I think they make a great platform.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/2163972482_6965e3b61c.jpg

Build Thread:http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8605Wow, I almost didn't see the exo, that's very slick looking.

[outsidr]

Wow, that is a great looking truck. Very clean lines, well done:26_7_2:

[Colorado Ron]

Thanks guys! I love how it turned out!

[outsidr]

The interior components have all held up well. I think that since Chevy typically has more knobs slides, buttons, and gizmos in the interior there is statistically more to break. Dodge and ford are typically more simplified or have less features so this plays a roll in the "chevy Inte3riors suck" stigma. Granted, some of their attempts at controls are better than others year to year. But it is something to consider none the less...

[1976K5Chalet]

If i didn't loose it on the last hard drive frag....working in the oilfield i seem to loose a hard drive in said laptop about every 9 months...if it happens again i am going to a panasonic toughbook and that will be the end of it. Anyways i had a GM GSA pdf or two on the package of add ons designed specifically for the gsa fleet vehicles....and i will say if some of that stuff was standard issue on a truck labled HD...i wouldn't be tearing my hair out trying to find the most suitable solution to my dilema of busted tierods and self adjusting torsion bars to name a few...but at the same time the HD was built for the masses and it is the best riding .75 to 1 ton on the market bar none. Its just not designed to hold up to what i drag her thru getting in and out of the rig locations i work out here.
Other than the cancerous IFS front end i love my HD to death...i have added a bully dog triple pup out the gate while i was in calgary...next was the afe air filter..then the buckstop outback bumper....which i can attest will take a bridge hit rather nicely ....and recently a 45 gallon transferflow fuel tank went in....33K miles and at 75-80mph we are knocking down over 18mpg in perf mode....so other than then ifs front...i am extremely happy!

If i can find those darn PDF's i'll share them with all!

DW

[BBsound]

just looking at the picture it looks like the Border Patrol truck may have a body lift???

I looked at a stock 2500hd today, and now retract my body lift statement!!!!

[eugene]

you can find a lot of information from the brochures at the gm fleet site http://www.gmfleet.com/
the military parts and service manuals give some nice details
http://www.gmfleet.com/government/products/GMDefense.jsp?navSec=products

As far as why does border patrol or government use GM, its cost of ownership. When you run a fleet the $ spent is what matters, and thats including initial cost, repairs and maintenance. Some may think their preferred brand is more reliable but sometimes it takes extra or costly maintenance to make it reliable or they don't count their planned down time for maintenance, kind of like when microsoft says their os is the most reliable but count the monthly reboots for patches.

What do you guys think of the 1500's for an expedition vehicle. I had to move up to full size to have a kid capable cab and still have the 6' bed because all the small trucks have a shorter bed when you have the large enough cab. IMHO GM still have the most downtime free trucks, some may think they might not be as reliable but I don't have to take mine in to a dealer for things like a timing belt or other scheduled maintenance like my co-workers with some of the "better" brands. None of my gm trucks have ever seen the inside of service garage. I know my truck isn't going to be a rock crawler, just a simple base camp for spending time outdoors. I need to take some pics and start a thread of my own soon.

[Hoss86]

I don't know what the Border Patrol uses for their Chevy suspensions, but Superduty Headquarters has installed expensive Donahue Racing (Icon) on Ford Excursions. It's nice to see our tax dollars well spent.:smiley_drive:

Here is the link to the page I found it. http://www.sdhqoffroad.com/gallery/ford-ex3.asp?image=imgs/ford/ex0021.jpg&title=

[QUOTE=Kermit]What does the Border Patrol use for suspension on their Chevy's?