Returning from the Dark Side: Spring Break Mod Preview

[DJones]

After much speculation, I have decided to remove my off-road upgrades due to the high cost of gasoline. I'll easily be able to get 5-10 MPGs higher than I currently have, and with gas prices expected to reach $5, I would like to keep my paycheck. Here is a preveiw of the modifications I will make:

View attachment 18147

These are the GM ST191 aceesory wheels, a 2007 9-7x silver/chrome luggage rack, and a license plate pocket from a Buick Rainier.
I can't seem to find the part number of the Chevrolet center caps for the ST191 wheels.
Also, the license plate pocket will be de-branded and painted to match (you may be able to see what I have done already).

I am not planning to sell the off-road parts.

 

[jbones]

What kind of mileage were you getting with the 3" lift?

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I believe he had 3 inch body and 2.5 suspension lifts.

I went from about 19-20 stock mpg to my current 15-16 with all the mods and approx 7 inch of lift(3 body, 88 springs, Marks new style kit.

 

[djthumper]

What kind of mileage were you getting with the 3" lift?

I get about 16 mpg with my lift

 

[DJones]

I get 18MPG at 60MPH when I was getting 24 or 25.
I rarely go 70, but when I do, I average 13 when I was getting 21 or 22.

 

[jbones]

When I got mine new, 23-24 HW. Haven’t checked for a long time, I should recheck before I lift. I wonder what the 2" lift will bring in HW MPG?

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

When I got mine new, 23-24 HW. Haven’t checked for a long time, I should recheck before I lift. I wonder what the 2" lift will bring in HW MPG?

I bet the lift does nothing but bigger tires will

 

[djthumper]

When I got mine new, 23-24 HW. Haven’t checked for a long time, I should recheck before I lift. I wonder what the 2" lift will bring in HW MPG?

Jus the lift didn't kill me too bad. The increase of tire size did though. Which is why I want to go from 3.42 to 3.73 gears. If I can afford it I might just go to the 4.10 but that is double the money.

 

[jbones]

I bet the lift does nothing but bigger tires will

Not using wheel spacers, and only going 255/65/17, maybe I won't fair so bad.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

atleast your changing your style with a bang and have not been forced to go back to stock. And $5 which mean about $5.65 Premium for my 18-15mpg SS sounds great

 

[smitty5150]

That's some good looking stuff. Did you get those wheels from fleabay? If so, you beat me in the auction.....and got a great deal. I hear you on the fuel consumption, that and the breakage can be killer. I didn't go off road much, but I broke something every time. Not good for a DD.

 

[DJones]

I don't recall a reduction of fuel economy being after the 2" lift, and I can't pinpoint the exact cause because my cat died during the transformations.
I did get the wheels on eBay:

[EBAY]260680318810[/EBAY]

I will build it so that my 2" suspension lift can be put on in a few minutes. It will allow me to use the A/T tires in the winter - they have worked really well this winter.
The luggage rack was $69 from Morris-Rose Auto Parts in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

My ultimate goal is to get another trailvoy for full-time off-road use.

 

[ItsOnVoy]

How are you guys getting such high MPG? I get like 12-13 average

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I will build it so that my 2" suspension lift can be put on in a few minutes.

How will this be accomplished?

 

[DJones]

The rear should be self-explanatory, and the front will have a complete seperate set of struts. The swap will would only need three nuts to be removed per side. The only problem is the wheel alignment.

View attachment 18157

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Even with a 2nd set of struts it will be more than a few min. Not really hard but a hour or two to do frnt n rear.

 

[DJones]

Comparatively speaking... Much less time than putting in the spacer each time.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

How are you guys getting such high MPG? I get like 12-13 average

Stop driving like an SS owner lead foot

 

[TrailBlazn420]

I get around 17 MPG on the reg. Mostly city driving. I very rarely use the interstate, but when I do, it is usually for trips over 100 miles in length.

 

[Regulator]

Are you planning on removing the body lift as well, or just the suspension lift? I would be interested to see what your fuel mileage is with just the body lift and some reasonable tires in there.

 

[fadyasha]

I consider myself real lucky to be working in Saudi Arabia when I hear about MPG's and how everyone is suffering. I top up my TB at $10.5 using 95 octane. If I go 90 octane it's even less reaching about $8.8!

Of course back home it's a different story! when I visited last summer I was topping it out at about $70

 

[smitty5150]

My ultimate goal is to get another trailvoy for full-time off-road use.

The plan for me is already set for a dedicated off road rig. The question that remains for me now is whether I am going to trade the tb for a 2wd silverado/sierra, muscle car, etc or keep it and do a motor swap. Most people would say its a no brainer....start with a v8 vehicle. But I've grown attached to that little hunk of metal over the last 6 years.

 

[jbones]

Morris-Rose Auto Parts in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Wow, forgot all about that place, been there more times then I can count, born and raised in the Zoo.

 

[Porkins]

Really like those rims! Will be following this thread.

 

[TexazReece]

Yea those st1's r nice. I posted about them on the os. I have rails too,unfortunately due to my work schedule I've yet to install them I know the end caps are going to be a pain putting back on once mounted

 

[DJones]

Took me a trip to the dealer to get the part number for the center caps though. I don't think I've seen them on anything except the 9-7x. For future reference: the correct part number for the bowtie caps is: 17800085, with 88966047 stamped on the back.

 

[MDBT]

Can't wait to see what the wheels look like on a TB, I've only ever seen them on the 9-7x and other than mine I've only seen them in the flesh on two other saabs.

 

[DJones]

I'm hoping that they don't look too small, then I'll need to lower the suspension. I should have the tires purchased and mounted within the next three weeks and then I've got to find the lug nuts.

 

[El1t3tb]

How are you guys getting such high MPG? I get like 12-13 average

X2, I know I drive an ext and it doesn't help but I seriously get 12-13. It sucks

 

[DJones]

Took me a long time to find them, but I found them!
Rear bumper covered purchased:

[EBAY]140695073205[/EBAY]

Front bumper cover coming: (I think)

[EBAY]390387099130[/EBAY]

 

[havie22]

check out getallparts.com maybe cheaper and new!

 

[DJones]

check out getallparts.com maybe cheaper and new!

Now that you mention it, I checked it. It's all New A/M, not OEM.

 

[DJones]

Took me a long time to find them, but I found them!
Rear bumper covered purchased:

[EBAY ITEM]

Front bumper cover coming: (I think)

[EBAY ITEM]

Yep, both mine now!
Several parts still needed...

 

[Porkins]

Yep, both mine now!
Several parts still needed...

Congrads, NOW get to work! This thread is one giant tease.

 

[DJones]

I am beginning these mods on Monday, but there is no way I can get everything done. Wainting for something yet to be mentioned, some vinyl logos, and the guy who should be able to do the painting isn't answering his phone. The AMSOIL dealer also hasn't called to tell me my filter is in. I may also run out of money...

 

[STLtrailbSS]

I may also run out of money...

Story of my life hahaha