Jack's 2007 Chevy Build

[locrwln]

I have been collecting parts as of late and finally got around to installing some of it.

I have decided not to lift the truck, simply because with the camper, I really don't want to make it harder to release the latches and get in and out. The problem is that I still want/need some additional clearance under the low slung truck. What to do? Well, Bushwacker makes cut out flares that increase both tire coverage and open the fender openings up to allow for larger tires without lifting or larger tires with less lift.

I picked up some used Hummer H2 rims with tires. The rims are "black chrome" which I really like. The tires are worthless, but they at least allow me to make sure everything will clear. Here is are some pics of the flares and tire installed.









Those tires are BFG 35's, which are pretty small, but Bushwacker claims that you can fit 35's without a lift at all. I won't be using 35's, but more like 34's. As soon as I can get the front bumper installed, then tires will be purchased.

Stock tires and rims were reinstalled for now, so the truck looks a little wierd, but will look good when the H2's go on.

Jack

[locrwln]

One of the other things that I have done is tap into the factory PTO circuits to allow with the flip of a switch and a push of a button or two, you can adjust the idle for anything you might need it for. My use will be for my OBA and on board shower (both still need to be installed). Anyway, with a tap into the ECM with a couple of pins and a switch, you can adjust the idle from the stock setting of 650 rpms to as much of 1750 rpms.

Flip the switch and it will bump from 650 to 800 rpm
With the switch on and push the "cruise control" on button, the idle jumps up to 1200 rpms.
With the switch on and hitting the "resume" button, the idle jumps to 1750 rpms.

Pretty cool that it is all built into the ECM.

This is the write up I used, which works for the 06-07 LBZ Duramax's.
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=298191

I varied from the instructions slightly, I didn't tap into the main fuse panel, because I just thought there was a better system. And there was. Again, GM built everthing around "Upfitters." Which is for the companies that use the platform for ambulances/tow trucks and other industrial uses. One of those features is a junction block under the dash located to the left of the steering column. It is where the brake controller plugs in among other things. There just happens to be an unused block to the left of the plug in for the brake controller. It has five options for sourcing fused power, so I used that for my power source.

Jack

[Redline]

Very nice Jack.

[tombodad]

Those flares and Wheels look great. I'd love to see a side shot of the whole truck.

[1stDeuce]

Hey Jack, like your writeups!! Just curious, when you use the PTO option to set engine speed, does it cancel when you touch the brake? I did this to my old 6.5L, and it ended up being almost useless, since I'm pretty much always on the brake when using the winch to drag stuff. It was still good for an elevated engine speed for faster warmup, or for faster batter charging after winching, but not so much during, that's all.

Nice H2's. And flares. My only complaint about my H2's is how much crap they throw on the truck.
Chris

[locrwln]

Very nice Jack.

Thank you sir. Staying busy I presume?

Those flares and Wheels look great. I'd love to see a side shot of the whole truck.

Thanks, I really like them. I had it in a parking lot yesterday and as I was walking toward it (with the stock rims/tires) I told my wife, I want to get the H2's on there sooner rather than later, but I have to get the front bumper first because I don't want to cut a good bumper that I am just going to replace anyway. As soon as the bumper is on (which I found out today is a 6 week lead from the time of order, was not ordered today), I will be buying the tires and will get some full side shots.

Hey Jack, like your writeups!! Just curious, when you use the PTO option to set engine speed, does it cancel when you touch the brake? I did this to my old 6.5L, and it ended up being almost useless, since I'm pretty much always on the brake when using the winch to drag stuff. It was still good for an elevated engine speed for faster warmup, or for faster batter charging after winching, but not so much during, that's all.

Nice H2's. And flares. My only complaint about my H2's is how much crap they throw on the truck.
Chris

Yep, hitting the brake takes it back down to 800 rpms. I really expect to use it more for my OBA, which should be going on in the next couple of weeks and for the eventual on board shower (underhood/engine heat supply). As you pointed out, probably won't see much use for winching because like you, the brake is used alot while winching.

The flares provide additional tire coverage, so the spray should be minimized, especially because I am going with a 285/75R17 tire, so they will be relatively skinny.

I have to start on my step/sliders now that the flares are on. The wife (she's only 5'1") really wants a step for getting into the truck, so I have been given my orders.

Jack

[DoMiNiC1]

Looks awesome man. The smoked chrome wheels are super clean!

[locrwln]

Looks awesome man. The smoked chrome wheels are super clean!

Thanks, I was pretty excited to find them. I have only seen one other set.

Jack

[locrwln]

Well after a few hours of hard work, the front diff has been pulled out and dropped off at the driveline shop for the installation of the Eaton E-Locker. Should be done Friday.

Jack

[Redline]

Thank you sir. Staying busy I presume?
snip...

Yes, and finally getting my camper prepped for travel.

Are you ready for a short trip soon during this spring-winter we are having, before it snows…if it snows?