Need more easy upgrades ideas

[SpeedUp]

My 2008 TB is a LS base model. I wanted to add a few easy upgrades and creature comforts, so...

* I added the dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temp
* Installed the side mirrors with turn signals and defrost
* Added homelink buttons for my garage door
* PCMofNC tranny cooler
* Deep aluminum transmission pan
* Autometer transmission temp gauge
* Pioneer video head unit with new front/rear speakers, carplay, and backup cam

Looking for some more ideas, anyone have something they added that was easy and awesome?

 

[SpeedUp]

Were seat warmers an option on these trucks? If so, would I have the wiring harness needed already maybe? I have cloth seats if that matters

 

[TollKeeper]

They were an option, but are wired thru the DDM and PDM, pretty sure it would not be a plug and play, but you could add aftermarket.

Cargo cover in the back if its a SWB, Leather from a junkyard donor, SS Brakes and wheels or aftermarket, cluster that has DIC, Denali steering wheel (wood grain accents) with DIC controls, overhead console?, lowering kit if your into that, lifting kit if you are into that, SS rear and front bumper, and I am sure there are a few things I am forgetting.

 

[Mooseman]

- Tune
- And as @TollKeeper said, Cluster with a DIC along with steering column and wheel with switches (just did it, ain't too bad a job)
- Bigger SS front brakes. Just need the brackets and rotors.
- Fuzzy dice?

 

[SpeedUp]

Cluster sounds interesting, is that a plug-n-play job? What about the mileage?

 

[Mooseman]

Not quite plug and play, need to run 4 wires to the cluster from the column. Also have to swap your key cylinder and VATS sensor if you don't have a Tech 2 or it won't start. Radio buttons won't work unless you can wire the resistor wires directly into the HU. Mileage will be whatever was on the junker (I know, major drag). There are reprogrammers available from China but that's an extra expense and may be in a grey zone for legality.

Other advantage is you get a nice leather wheel. In my case, I kept the key that came with the column as I could do the VTD relearn with my Tech 2 but now I have separate door and ignition keys (like the old days!)

 

[Mooseman]

For the heated seats, you could just make your own wiring with a switch on the seat's side panel. Most used leather seats are junk though and the driver's usually has a broken element in the seat.

 

[SpeedUp]

Just purchased the Dorman universal heated seat kit (628-040). Now I have a Saturday project

 

[Mooseman]

I just wish with these kits had the ability to have just back heat like the stock units. Great for backaches.

 

[Blckshdw]

Also have to swap your key cylinder and VATS sensor if you don't have a Tech 2 or it won't start.

I didn't do this step, and didn't have a problem

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Tune

Tint

LED interior lights

LED license Plate lights and reverse lights

 

[Reprise]

I just wish with these kits had the ability to have just back heat like the stock units. Great for backaches.

Or even having the warmth... without it getting 'too warm'. I usually turn off the seat bottom after the initial warmup, and ride with the back 'on', eventually cutting that down to 'medium', as well. Perfect for running around on the cooler spring / fall days when it's a waste to wear a jacket for running from truck into store, etc.

The only complaint I have about GM's system is that (at least on the trucks?) it has to be switched on each time the truck is shut off / restarted, b/c of the momentary switches. IIRC, I even posted about changing this in the Envoy, once upon a time (my Hondas had rockers, and I prefer those... but the GM heaters are better)

Always nice to have 'more than you need' and not use it, than the other way around (or as the young'uns say... 'first world problems')

 

[Mooseman]

I didn't do this step, and didn't have a problem

Did you swap the whole steering column? On mine, I immediately got the security light and if VATS wasn't tuned out, it wouldn't have started.

 

[Blckshdw]

Nope, got the DIC cluster off eBay, DIC steering wheel from another member, and a used clock spring from another member. Extended some wiring, made some connections, and done deal.

 

[Mooseman]

Here's another one you might want to consider. De-racking. I just did it, give a much cleaner looking roof, like an SS. I used stainless set screws with thread sealer. I had one of the pressed nuts spin in the roof and had to seal it with RTV.

What did you do to your GMT today?

Got around to finishing up/correcting the upper ball joint adventure this evening. Got a replacement joint for the one I couldn't thread the zerk fitting into. This time, screwed the fittings in before pressing them into the steering knuckle. Used a different press kit this time, with more...

gmtnation.com

I'll likely get the bodyshop to permanently fill them in.

 

[Kelly@PCMofNC]

Very cool, sounds like some nice touches. Tuning is a great mod (good bang for the buck) if you are looking for more power!!