ITGuy's 2003 Sierra 1500/2500 4x4 RCLB Build Thread

ITGuy

ITGuy

SnowSnowSnowSnowSnow.....
Sep 22, 2013
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Portland, Maine
s824.photobucket.com
The Truck : 2003 Sierra 1500 4x4 RCLB w/ Vortec 4.3L v6
70K miles, 4l60e Auto, 8' Bed - the "Base" Sierra.
My father left it to me and I have been considering what to do with it.
This is basically a donor vehicle; perfectly drive-able the way it is.

I thought this vehicle might deserve a new lease on life so I started removing the old work truck components and adding a little eye candy~

**This thread contains the following updates**

1500 Build List
- Rough Country 2.5" leveling kit (4 Shocks, Shackles, 3" Blocks and T-Keys) - Completed install on 10/14/2013
- Tires - Nitto Grappler A/T's 305/55R20's - Completed install on 10/16/2013
- Rims - Ultra Predators 20x10 -25mm offset - Completed install on 10/26/2013
- Chrome Lug Kit, valves - Completed install on 10/26/2013
- New Rotors, Brake pads, Break lines, e-Brake + hardware - Completed install on 10/16/2013
- Sanded and painted Calipers - Completed on 10/29/2013
- Denali chrome clear projector headlights clear markers - Completed install on 11/01/2013
- Yukon clear corner lamps - Completed install on 11/01/2013
- Replacement Chrome Grill - Completed install on 11/02/2013
- Replacement Upper F. Bumper chrome - Completed install on 11/02/2013
- Bumper Brackets sanded, treated and repainted - Completed install on 11/14/2013
- Replacement Lower front bumper + colormatched - Completed paint + install on 11/16/2013
- Denali clear Halo Fog lights - Completed install on 11/15/2013
- Tow mirrors with heater / mirror signals, colormatched - Completed install on 11/25/2013
- Escalade Door Handles, colormatched & leveled - Completed install on 11/25/2013
- Audio: Pioneer AVH-X8500BHS Double Din unit - Completed install on 10/03/2013
- New windshield - Completed install on 2/20/2014

Merge 1500 & 2500 - Completed Swap on 6/1/14
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- Bought a 2006 2500HD Donor Truck - LBZ Cab & Chassis Utility truck
- Sold Utility Body
- Transferring everything I need off the old frame which is rusted out.
- Continuing build after truck is reassembled.
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Continuing build
- 2002 Chevy 2500HD Hood for HD Hood [Needs to be modded] - Completed install on 6/15/14
- MBRP Turbo Outlet 3" Performance Downpipe - Completed install on 6/8/14
- MBRP 4" XP Series Downpipe-Back Exhaust System - Completed install on 7/13/14
- MBRP Reg Cab Adapter 4" - Completed install on 7/13/14
- Rear Bumper Brace, Brackets and Hardware - Completed install on 5/20/14
- Fuel Filler Neck Hose Pipe and Nozzle - Completed install on 5/24/14
- LED tailights by Motion Auto - Completed install on 5/20/14

- :up:Complete prep and repaint:up: - Completed Painting on 6/24/14

- Cognito 4-6" Lift Kit CLKP-1004.2 - Completed install on 9/18/14
- Cognito Driveline 3194-9800 - Completed install on 9/18/14
- 4 American Force Independence SS8 Polished 22x12 Rims - Completed install on 9/17/14
- 4 Toyo Open Country M/T 35x12.50R22 - Completed install on 9/28/14
- Rear Fender Well covers - Completed install on 10/4/14
- OEM Fender Flares [to be colormatched] - Completed install on 10/4/14
- Dust Shields & Hub Front Assemblies - Completed install on 9/16/14
- Cognito Allison Transmission Mount - Completed install on 8/30/14
- Cognito 2" Lift Torsion Keys - Completed install on 9/28/14
- Cognito Upper Control Arms & hardware - Completed install on 9/16/14
- Cognito HD Idler Assembly w/ weld Gusset - Completed install on 8/28/14
- Cognito Pitman & Idler Arm Support Kit - Completed install on 9/13/14
- Bilstein Monotube Steering Damper (46mm) - Completed install on 9/13/14
- Moog Pitman and Idler control arms - Completed install on 9/13/14
- Replacement Bed Bolts, Cam kit for UCA's and other bolts/nuts - Completed install on 9/16/14
- Red Powder Coated Powerstop Calipers & Brake Pads - Completed install on 9/25/14
- Drilled / Slotted Rotors - Completed install on 9/25/14
- 32 Gorilla 'Lifetime' Buldge Lug Nuts - Completed install on 9/29/14
- Energy Suspension Low Profile red bump stops [UCA] - Completed install on 9/28/14
- Energy Suspension Red Cone Type Bump Stop [LCA] - Completed install on 9/28/14
- Merchant Pump Rub Kit Ordered 5/5
- TransGo JR Shift Kit for 6 Speed Allison - Ordered 7/30/14
- PPE Black HD Differential Cover - Ordered 10/3/14
- Yukon-YG-GM9.25-411R - 4.11 Ring and Pinion - Ordered 11/4/14
- PPE Black HD Allision Trans Cover - Ordered 10/3/14
- PPE Magnetic Drain Plugs - Ordered 10/3/14


*I'll come back here and edit this post as I add / subtract ideas.*

Pics~
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Truck has a lot of potential, my first truck was a 4.3 long bed. I think some colormatching would go a long ways. Escalade door/tailgate handles to start would clean it up a lot, here's a link for some: 99 07 Silverado Seirra Escalade Door Handle Tailgate Victory Red Chrome 17801136 | eBay

The direction you take is totally up to you, if you have ideas of what you would like to do, we can guide you in the right direction with regards to what companies to buy from, etc.
 
6L swap, color match lower bumper, mirrors, door handles, chrome grille shell, Denali headlights, leveling kit, nice wheels and tires. Looks like a good starting platform other than the 4.3
 
Victory Red Baby. The paint is pretty good overall, but needs some work along the rocker/rear quarters where it has just started peeling back.

I'll check that link out, but if it's a good deal I have no problem pulling the trigger. I don't care for the existing handles / gate
 
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I was looking around for a 6.0l No1Limit, that's a good price.. although I do not believe that year will have the aluminum heads.

I am reviewing a 4.3 - 6.0 swap, browsing for an LQ4 with all the accessories + wiring. If I did this , I would mate it to my existing 4l60e unless I got a great deal on the pair. It would probably last just fine with my driving style, and have good roll-on power.

I also think a leveling kit is in order at the very least. 2"? 2.5"? to the front?

I'll probably grab those handles / tailgate that you posted Jordan, thank you.
 
Yes that looks like a solid start. Not sure what the future holds as far as lifting goes but I would like it leveled. Thanks for the link.

I'll jump over to LS1truck and do some browsing.
 
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Update :
Purchased the Escalade Door Handles and gate handle color matched.
Purchased Rough Country Leveling Kit

While I wait for those to arrive :

I'm reaching out to several junk yards and private adds on craigslist about LQ4 motors,
and a few with a mated 4l80e tranny as well. I'll consider it if the price is right.

No1Limit - that craigslist add you found isn't too bad if the tranny was bought with the motor.
the 99-00 has cast iron heads and longer crank that wouldn't fit a 4l60e. It wouldn't be a bad job to change the heads to the 317's while the motor was out anyway, and a mild cam, and ..and...and..

It will end up being a winter project unless I get really lucky and find a perfect combo.
I am still needing to buy / replace some tools for this project anyway.
 
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Huck had that leveling kit, Marc has it, Fogle had it, I have it (actually Fogle's old kit) and we seem to agree its the best bang for the buck kit
 
Tylers88 said:
Huck had that leveling kit, Marc has it, Fogle had it, I have it (actually Fogle's old kit) and we seem to agree its the best bang for the buck kit
Click to expand...

i have the back in and it ride nicer then stock already IMO taking my sweet ass time on it though need too buckle down and get shit done....but plans sound jealous of you already having door handles
 
Thanks guys. I have a couple of slow leaks to take care of on the tires, and maybe clean up the rims. It would be great for them to make it through the winter or at least I knew what direction I was going with the truck.

Glad to know that leveling kit got high marks. I am picking up a torsion bar tool this morning off a co-worker CHEAP. Used once and put back into the packaging. That should help since I don't have a bb press.
 
Tylers88 said:
Huck had that leveling kit, Marc has it, Fogle had it, I have it (actually Fogle's old kit) and we seem to agree its the best bang for the buck kit
Click to expand...

I have it too, no complaints either(minus the shocks which aren't the best)

And the tbar tool mated to an impact is the way to go


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