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2018 Chevy Silverado build thread

tims53777

Rank 0

Traveler I

Following this!

I have a 2016 1500 crew cab short bed. It is my daily driver and I am just getting into things, so I do not plan to go nuts with it.
So far I am thinking of putting billstein 5100s on it to level and 33s. I want to remove the black plastic on the front and maybe get a skid. For recovery I was thinking a receiver mount winch and adding a front receiver.

Before all that I need to build out a sleep trailer. Tires will happen when mine wear out, which should be next spring. Shocks TBD. Might scrap the levelling plan and go for a lift by the time I am ready to do that!

What gears are you guys running? I have the 3.8s (the highest you can get stock) and am somewhat concerned about power loss going to larger wheels.
 

Kirk Kinnell

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

This is awesome!!! I have 2018 Silverado...and this thread is yuge!!! I now have a better sense of direction on how to start my build!!
 

VST

Rank II

Enthusiast III

Little update I loved the Silverado but ended up selling it and getting a Colorado ZR2. The ZR2 is definitly going to be a better vehicle for me because of size. I don’t have to worry about going down tight trails with the full size and trying to make a turn with a long truck. The ZR2 also has lockers front and rear and an awesome suspension stock. The aftermarket is definitly already starting to come around with a lot more available than the full size trucks.
 

Kirk Kinnell

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

Little update I loved the Silverado but ended up selling it and getting a Colorado ZR2. The ZR2 is definitly going to be a better vehicle for me because of size. I don’t have to worry about going down tight trails with the full size and trying to make a turn with a long truck. The ZR2 also has lockers front and rear and an awesome suspension stock. The aftermarket is definitly already starting to come around with a lot more available than the full size trucks.
Sell Out.....I jest :laughing: but I get it.
 

VST

Rank II

Enthusiast III

Lol when I bought the Silverado I didn’t have the intention of using it for vehicle camping but now I’m caught up in this and I think something more nimble is going to better for me in the long run
 

Kirk Kinnell

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

I hear ya I've wanted another 4 wheel drive after my Durango died and then I discovered overlanding and now I'm hooked. I worry about the nimble myself but I'll run what I bring till I grow up and I go PW.... LMAO
 

OnMyWaypoint

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

Congrats on the new rig! Can't wait to hear about your build.

I kind of did the same. Though I didn't get rid of my Silverado, I ended up getting a new JLU Rubicon last weekend. The Silverado is our daily driver and wanted to keep it as such.

Again, congrats on your ZR2


Little update I loved the Silverado but ended up selling it and getting a Colorado ZR2. The ZR2 is definitly going to be a better vehicle for me because of size. I don’t have to worry about going down tight trails with the full size and trying to make a turn with a long truck. The ZR2 also has lockers front and rear and an awesome suspension stock. The aftermarket is definitly already starting to come around with a lot more available than the full size trucks.
 

VST

Rank II

Enthusiast III

Thanks guys I’m already planning a list of mods but loving the way this truck rides so far
 

JButtress

Rank VI

Traveler II

You should look into voodoo racks I love mine and they have alot of options and some mounts. not a bad price to compared to most rack for Tacoma View attachment 64848
I have a feeling I jumped the gun on my 2017 Silverado z71. I did a leveling kit, but I also bought a BK BakFlip Tonneau cover which I love, but I dont think i can do any kind of a rack on the bed now because of it.
 

tims53777

Rank 0

Traveler I

I have a feeling I jumped the gun on my 2017 Silverado z71. I did a leveling kit, but I also bought a BK BakFlip Tonneau cover which I love, but I dont think i can do any kind of a rack on the bed now because of it.
I have the BAK Revolver Tonneau with an Adarac system. I put 1/4" AL plate under the angle iron mounts for the rack. Works pretty good for hauling kayaks and other junk. Haven't put a RTT on it and don't plan to. Not sure if it will work with the bakflip, but something to look into. Or swap the cover if possible!

I must mention that my revolver is NOT 100% waterproof. Probably 90%. I get leakage in heavy rain in all 4 corners in heavy rain. I think it could be fixed on the forward corners with weather stripping, just not a huge deal to me.

Might work for you with the bakflip (only a 2 second search ymmv)
https://www.f150forum.com/f38/just-installed-adarac-rack-w-bakflip-113411/
 

ThundahBeagle

Rank V

Advocate I

JASON BAKER...your regular cab, short bed Silverado reminds me of the 1993 and 1994 full sized k1500 Blazers I had - and wish I still had!

To me, the 90's full size Blazers are the most perfect production vehicle ever designed for this sort of thing. Big enough to sleep in and carry all my stuff. Yet smaller than, for example, my 2014 GMC Sierra Double cab, which I think is 3 feet longer.
 

ThundahBeagle

Rank V

Advocate I

Nice truck, Polax! Please update us on how you like your suspension. I have a 2.5" front and 1" rear leveling kit on mine right now and am still researching on suspension kits.
I own a 2017 Silverado 5.8' bed. I used to have the Undercover Ridgelander Tonneau cover on it until I decided to put a Leer truck cap. (still have the tonneau cover). The cool thing about the Ridgelander Tonneau is the tracks to place a roof rack.
Going with the truck cap and a Decked drawer system, I now use the truck bed to sleep. My daughter, wife, and I sleep comfortably.
Good luck in your decision. Keep us posted. I hope to learn from all of you.
I like this sort of simple setup. Most of what I do is road trips (1 or 2 thousand miles at a time) and truck-camping on camp or logging trails. My truck is stock at this point but my plan of for a mild but respectable lift, larger more aggressive tires. Probably go with that retro Cheyenne look that I've seen out there, with the white wagon wheels and white tire lettering.

But water, food, camp gear, appropriate tools and supplies and first aid, everything I need all under my Leer cap.
 

Wile_Coyote

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

I'm riding a '17 Silverado CC with a level. Soon I'll be installing a CST 4.5 with the CST shocks, and a re-gear from 3.43 to 4.11 for the eventual 35" tires.
I currently have a Diamond-Back bed cover that is really nice. I considered going with a cap, but felt it was not as secure as a Diamond-Back. And, when I bring along fuel cans, I wanted them mounted outside, on top of the Diamond-Back so they can vent properly when they slosh around on the trail.

Looking forward to see your build progress.
 
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