2001 Chevy Silverado 4x4 Build

[Razorwalker]

So, been a while since I've posted. Had some medical issues and then the van that I was building out had a ton of electrical issues and mechanical issues. Was more than I was willing to deal with, so I cut my losses and am starting over with a pickup build. Ryu (Japanese for Dragon) is a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 with 244,xxx miles on it. I bought it 3 weeks ago for $2,500 and have put almost 3K miles on it. My mechanic says that the motor, transmission, transfer case and 4WD all all in great shape and should last a while. it does have some issues being a 20 year old truck with almost a quarter of a million miles, lol, but those are getting fixed and the others are cosmetic and don't care. :)

The two upper pics were taken this morning in Alabama were I picked up the RTT. It's a no name, but resembles a Smittybuilt XL. In great shape, only used a few times. Got it for $600. Guy helped me install it and showed me all the features and how to open and close it (was pretty simple, but never had one before). The rack it's sitting on is also a no name, picked it up for $200 a few days before. Came with the 2 small LED pods and has a spare tire mount/winch underneath. The bigger LED light bar used to be on the van, but stripped all of them off before selling it. Not it's permanent position. There was a dip in the ground right by the side of the truck, so the ladder didn't quite make it to the ground, but thinking about getting one a little longer and swapping it out. Picking up a Defender Roof Rack tomorrow and possibly a Back Rack with wire grate to use as attachment area for MaxxTraxx, Rotopacks, etc. as I can not find mounting hardware for the rack I currently have. Plus, I like the idea that they are mounted a little out of easy arms reach to discourage theft. I use rear camera on my dash camera setup for rearview mirror anyways, so obstructing the back window is not a problem. Gonna mount a solar shower and panel in the Defender rack on the roof. Not gonna be running too much electrical stuff. Mainly just a fridge and occasionally a laptop. All my other electronics can be charged while driving. Other things I've got planned are: Tonneau Cover with a custom bed box with slide outs for kitchen and gear storage, side awning, brush guard, remove the bench seat in the back for a fridge/freeze and slide & small water tank with more gear storage above, better tires, better shocks and that is about it for now. Below are the pics I took the day that I got the truck. As you can see, there is some rust in the usual areas and a dent on the bed. Thought about pulling it out and maybe doing some flairs, but I think it gives the truck character. Will treat the rust areas to stop the spread and some color matched touch up & bondo maybe.



So, let me know what you guys think. Any ideas, suggestions or pics of similar build are always appreciated. Going to be testing out the tent next week after I get a few things fix on the truck. Will post pics of my setup.

 

[tjZ06]

How is the rust underneath? The good thing with the platform will be the abundance of parts available for it.

-TJ

 

[Razorwalker]

How is the rust underneath? The good thing with the platform will be the abundance of parts available for it.

-TJ

It's not too bad, yet. In the rocker panels and where the dent is is the worst. Had a few rusted things underneath like a u-bolt, break line, fuel line, but had them all replaced already. As for the abundance of parts, it's one of the reasons that I choose a Silverado. Plus, being a 2001, don't need an electrical engineering degree to work on it, lol

 

[Razorwalker]

Picked up that Back Rack for $20 in SC yesterday and got it installed this morning. Put my fire extinguisher on it. Gonna mount Rotopac's & MaxxTrax to it as well. Used up my Pilot Fuel Rewards and got that Bearcat 9800SSB CB and antenna kit for $11.42. Just had to pay the taxes. Not gonna be permanently mounted there, making a custom box to mount on the roof that will hold the CB and my rocker panel for all the lights. Waiting on getting a roof rack so can install all of it at once instead of removing the headlines 3 or 4 times.

 

[RoarinRow]

She’s looking good! Nice project for sure. Been working on my 02 2500hd for awhile now. No RTT but a camper shell instead.

 

[Razorwalker]

She’s looking good! Nice project for sure. Been working on my 02 2500hd for awhile now. No RTT but a camper shell instead.

Thanks :) Yeah, I was debating several different options for my build. RTT, Camper Shell, or possibly a homemade off-road trailer of some kind. The final deciding factor for me was the height in the other two. With having spinal arthritis, being able to sit comfortably is a deciding factor. A little more work setting up than the other two, but I think the trade off is worth it in the end.

 

[Razorwalker]

Latest picture & build update, taken just a few hours ago up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Added all the lights (Curved 56" on front, 2 36" on the RTT rack for the sides, moved the "pods" to the rear bars for rear ditch lights and another 48" bar on the rear. Wiring is temporary. Got weather-proof Quick disconnects coming so if I want to remove the rack for hauling, I don't need to cut wires.) Yakima Roof Rails & Smittybuilt Defender Roof rack installed. Not sure if I'll keep the rails. It's the perfect height for when I add a side awning and for the solar shower, but I think would look better if it was just above the light bar. I did get a brand new Smittybuilt Universal Mounting kit with the rack, but already had the Yakima's installed and Flex sealed. Let me know what you guys think or if you've had good/bad/negative experience with a setup like that.

She's not the prettiest lady on the road, but she's been turning a lot of heads :P

 

[RoarinRow]

Thanks :) Yeah, I was debating several different options for my build. RTT, Camper Shell, or possibly a homemade off-road trailer of some kind. The final deciding factor for me was the height in the other two. With having spinal arthritis, being able to sit comfortably is a deciding factor. A little more work setting up than the other two, but I think the trade off is worth it in the end.

Yup your build makes sense!

 

[Razorwalker]

So, here is a little update on the build. Haven't had much time to work on her as I've been helping my brother work on his house to get it ready to sell.

After looking high and low, really couldn't find anything that I either liked or could afford as a floor console next to the shifter, so I decided to build my own. Used some scrap plywood left over from projects on the house and built a little console for my switch panel for my lights and got room left over for a CB. The one I had died on my out of the box, so had to return it. Probably will just got with a classic Cobra 29, but don't have it yet, so I made sure to leave enough room to add it later. The box on top is a 3 way switchable cigarette lighter adaptor. There are 3 OEM installed, but are always on. So, I picked this one up from Walmart for $10 and now I can just push a button and turn everything off without fighting the plugs behind the tablet. Once I add the CB, I'll either paint, stain or cover the box. But, for now it works pretty good. Also added my last LED bar to the bumper and wired it in. Still got 2 more LED pods to get for the front facing ditch lights. The wiring is also temporary. Right now, all my lights are running off the truck main battery. Once I get my solar panel and AGM battery hooked up, I'll run it all off of that one.

 

[Razorwalker]

I know it's been a while since I've updated, but got some new additions to the build and a change....

Picked up a high lift jack from Tractor Supply....

Some steel Ultra Off-Road wheels that just waiting on rubber for. They need cleaned and redone, but got all 4 for $100....

An overhead console since my truck didn't come with one. Never can have too much storage space. Snatched this for $60.....

...And this is what I did with it. I installed it, and put in a dual 5v USB plug where the garage door opener was, attached a 7" Nexus tablet to the front that is hooked up to my ODB II bluetooth sensor to monitor the ECU at all times using Torque & added a JBL Bluetooth speaker for hands free calling and for the CB since it will be in the console on the floor and won't hear the speaker. Has a dual AUX input on the end of the 18' cable so that I can put in a HAM or anything else I might want to...I already owned the Nexus tablet, but the USB outlet was $5 and the speaker $20....

Picked up a Kobalt axe and shovel from Lowe's, $60...

Removed the Yakima bars. Was causing too much drag and was not really necessary since the Smittybuilt Defender came with a new Universal Mounting kit....





And, last, but not least, picked up this ARB Touring Awning today for $100.

She's coming along. Next, will be installing the solar shower and custom box in the back with camp kitchen and storage.....

 

[Sparksalot]

Where did you score the roof console?

 

[Razorwalker]

Where did you score the roof console?

I got it on eBay. Was $40 plus $20 shipping. Had a few scuffs on it, but the lights work and had all the doors and connections.

Security Measure

www.ebay.com

There is the link to the seller. He has a bunch of parts. Not sure if he has another console or not.

 

[Sparksalot]

Ah cool. I recently did the ebay rounds to find four more of the cop car wheels for a complete second set of wheels and mounted tires. I might have to troll for a console. Texas DPS removes them to mount the light controller, so mine is missing.

 

[Razorwalker]

Ah cool. I recently did the ebay rounds to find four more of the cop car wheels for a complete second set of wheels and mounted tires. I might have to troll for a console. Texas DPS removes them to mount the light controller, so mine is missing.

Most of what you see that I've added to my build, including the truck came off of Facebook Marketplace. Might check there if you haven't already. Also check for "parting out" posts. Sometimes can find good deals there too.

 

[Razorwalker]

Small update.....

These are the wheels that I picked up for the build. Ultra Off-road Steel wheels. The one on the left is what they looked like when I got them. The one on the right is what they will look like when I'm finished with them.


Also picked up two recovery boards for $20. They are used, but in good shape. Pretty sure they are off brand and not MaxxTraxx, but if they work....Hopefully I'll never need to find out, lol. Mounted them on the BackRack to make them a little harder to steal, but also makes it a little harder to access.

 

[Razorwalker]

So, again, been a while since I've updated, just been super busy helping my brother with his house. I've managed to just about get everything I need to finish the build, just waiting on some free time and to finish hauling so that I can permanently mount everything for the last time. Also, a MAJOR change to the build. I was wanting to build a box in the bed with slide out kitchen and storage. However, I never took into account the rising cost of lumber. Was gonna cost me roughly $400+ to build it. That was out of the question. So, started looking around for other ideas and came upon this:




ARE Utility topper. Ignore the gaps. It was made for an F150, minor modifications were made and now it fits snug as a bug. All 5 doors have the same key and all lock and work. All the gas struts are brand new. Snatched this topper in VA for $200 cash. Has internal frame. I contacted ARE, gave them the model number and they assure me that it will hold over 500 lbs stationary and over 200 in motion. Will be mounting the rooftop tent on there and doubled my storage capacity.


Picked up this 6.5'x10' awning with side walls for $100 yesterday. Was brand new in the box. Guy ordered it (Chinese knockoff) and never heard anything for months. So, he ended up ordering a different one and this showed up a few days after he got the new one. Was actually surprised at the construction of this awning. Almost identical to my smaller ARB in construction, with the notable exception of the fabric. But, for $100, not complaining :)


Finally got the wheels finished up. Dropped down to 16's from 18's, but up a little on the tire height, so only lost 3/4" in clearance.


Picked these up the other day. 2 RotoPax, Mounting Plate, Locking Mount and a Mount Extension for $150 for it all. Brand New, never used.



Some things you just have to buy new and from a distributor. 100 Watt Renogy Solar kit with Wanderer Charge Controller.


Linston 58 Quart Fridge/Freezer....


Watt & Voltage Meter.....


Renogy Bluetooth Adaptor so that I can monitor everything from a dedicated tablet set up just for that...


100 Amp Hour AGM Battery...



Kreiger 1100 Watt Sine Wave Inverter....


And last, but not least, a brand new 80v Cordless Chainsaw. I actually did not buy this, was a trade for my back rack that I no longer need. Still, good deal though.

So, that's all for the update for now. Next update SHOULD be pics of the finished build and heading out to test everything out before hitting the road full time.

 

[RoarinRow]

So, again, been a while since I've updated, just been super busy helping my brother with his house. I've managed to just about get everything I need to finish the build, just waiting on some free time and to finish hauling so that I can permanently mount everything for the last time. Also, a MAJOR change to the build. I was wanting to build a box in the bed with slide out kitchen and storage. However, I never took into account the rising cost of lumber. Was gonna cost me roughly $400+ to build it. That was out of the question. So, started looking around for other ideas and came upon this:

View attachment 173432
View attachment 173433View attachment 173433
View attachment 173434
ARE Utility topper. Ignore the gaps. It was made for an F150, minor modifications were made and now it fits snug as a bug. All 5 doors have the same key and all lock and work. All the gas struts are brand new. Snatched this topper in VA for $200 cash. Has internal frame. I contacted ARE, gave them the model number and they assure me that it will hold over 500 lbs stationary and over 200 in motion. Will be mounting the rooftop tent on there and doubled my storage capacity.

View attachment 173435
Picked up this 6.5'x10' awning with side walls for $100 yesterday. Was brand new in the box. Guy ordered it (Chinese knockoff) and never heard anything for months. So, he ended up ordering a different one and this showed up a few days after he got the new one. Was actually surprised at the construction of this awning. Almost identical to my smaller ARB in construction, with the notable exception of the fabric. But, for $100, not complaining :)

View attachment 173436
Finally got the wheels finished up. Dropped down to 16's from 18's, but up a little on the tire height, so only lost 3/4" in clearance.

View attachment 173446
Picked these up the other day. 2 RotoPax, Mounting Plate, Locking Mount and a Mount Extension for $150 for it all. Brand New, never used.

View attachment 173437
View attachment 173438
Some things you just have to buy new and from a distributor. 100 Watt Renogy Solar kit with Wanderer Charge Controller.

View attachment 173439
Linston 58 Quart Fridge/Freezer....

View attachment 173441
Watt & Voltage Meter.....

View attachment 173442
Renogy Bluetooth Adaptor so that I can monitor everything from a dedicated tablet set up just for that...

View attachment 173443
100 Amp Hour AGM Battery...

View attachment 173444
View attachment 173445
Kreiger 1100 Watt Sine Wave Inverter....

View attachment 173440
And last, but not least, a brand new 80v Cordless Chainsaw. I actually did not buy this, was a trade for my back rack that I no longer need. Still, good deal though.

So, that's all for the update for now. Next update SHOULD be pics of the finished build and heading out to test everything out before hitting the road full time.

That's a lot of modding! All good stuff!

 

[Razorwalker]

That's a lot of modding! All good stuff!

Thanks. Can't wait to get it all together and finished. Hopefully here in a week or two, I'll be uploading pic of the final product :)

 

[Razorwalker]

OK, so it's been a while. I do apologize for that. Things have been extremely hectic around here since October. Well, first, as you can see, I finally got the topper on. Also managed to pick up a used (great condition) Warn Transformer Brush Guard Winch Mount for my truck. Technically, it's for a 2001 3500 Silverado, but it does fit and all the mounting holes line up perfectly. Just sticks out a little farther due to the 3500 having a larger bumper, but I am OK with that actually. I also mounted a 13,000 lb. X-Bull winch with 80' of Synthetic Rope into the cradle. Required a spacer kit from Rugged Ridge, but it all works and the X-Bull pulls like a champ. The PIAA light on the guard came with it, but did not have any bulbs, so I ordered some yellow fog light bulbs for them and they work amazingly. I've also managed to order a lot more stuff, not gonna put a bunch of pics up, but got another battery, and another solar panel, so doubled my capacity. Water tanks, battery isolator kit, 4 camera DVR system, CB, new stuff to make a custom center console and a bunch of other stuff.

House is complete and on the market. Once we get an offer and the house is under contract, I'll start working on the truck in earnest. Should be finished up within a few weeks. I know, you've all heard THAT before, lol. This time, I mean it. Really, no choice as when the house closes, the truck WILL be my home, so have to get it done :) So, keep an eye out, more updates will be coming soon and more frequently :)

 

[Sparksalot]

I’m liking the wheels.