If you've ever had a frustrating day on the trail because your rig's vital components let you down, then you'll appreciated Joe Hill's '01 Chevy Tahoe. While on a weekend wheeling excursion in the mountains of Southern California Joe learned firsthand how factory 1/2-ton components don't always pair well with tough and rocky terrain. What started with a bent tie rod early in the day quickly escalated into a blown ball joint, a disconnected steering knuckle, and a rear differential explosion.
Though he was unsure at first how to react to the drivetrain demolition, Joe soon chalked it up to a great learning experience and perfect opportunity to upgrade. To get the Tahoe up to par he sent it over to the fullsize experts at One Ton Off Road in Littlerock, California. While there, Joe worked with shop owner John Hughbanks to craft the four-door Chevy into a more durable and trail tough machine.
Since completing the conversion with One Ton, Joe no longer worries about the light-duty parts getting in the way of his trail fun. And if any of the remaining 1/2-ton equipment ceases to be up to the task, he'll be ready to upgrade it as well. For now, he continues to enjoy the spacious SUV throughout the California trail system and explore the possibilities of his daily driver and weekend wheeler.
Tech Specs
2001 Chevy Tahoe
Drivetrain
Engine: 5.3L
Transmission: 4L60E
Transfer case: NP246
Front Axle: Dynatrac Trail Series 60, ARB Air Locker, 4.88 gears
Rear Axle: Hummer H2 with factory E-locker, 4.88 gears
Suspension
Springs & Such: One Ton Off Road straight-axle conversion with Bilstein coilovers, three-link radius arm front, and factory multilink rear
Steering: Dynatrac high steer with hydraulic assist
Tires & Wheels: 38x15.50 Baja Claws on 20x10 Moto Metal 951s
Other Stuff: 3-inch Performance Accessories body lift, Hella lights, ORU Defender rack, Warn winch with front and rear receiver mounts
After the original 1/2-ton...
After the original 1/2-ton front end components bit the dust, Joe upgraded to a tried and true Dynatrac Trail Series 60 front axle. To control the new straight-axle a hydraulic assist steering system was mated to the custom high steer links.
The Bow Tie's straight-axle...
The Bow Tie's straight-axle conversion was fabricated by One Ton Off Road and uses a three-link radius control arm system with a track bar to keep things in check. Coupled with a set of 12-inch Bilstein coilovers, the trail-ready Tahoe now has a durable suspension that allows the massive 38-inch Baja Claws to travel freely.
All jokes aside, there are...
All jokes aside, there are a few similarities between the Hummer H2 and the late-model Tahoe. Joe tells us that the H2's 14-bolt rear axle bolted in with almost no modifications. And since the H2's 91/2-inch AAM axle was already equipped with the factory E-locker, it was cost-effective way to add beef and performance to the rear of the Chevy.
Though the fullsize SUV offers...
Though the fullsize SUV offers a fair amount of interior space for gear and equipment, Joe wanted just a touch more carrying capacity. To find more room Joe looked to the roof and added a Defender rack for those long-haul trail rides when having a few extra parts and supplies never hurts.