We have noticed that many custom truck/SUV enthusiasts are holding on to their older vehicles. During these challenging economical times we are not digging as deep into our pockets like we used to. Instead of throwing $50K out for a new truck or SUV our readers are tending to refurbish their older rides.
This Fantastic Four will is a continuation of the previous X-treme Makeover '98 Tahoe tech article that was featured in Truckin' Volume 35 No. 5 '09. Found on pages 92-96, Rick Sepulveda and his crew at Anaheim Prestige Custom Paint in Anaheim, California, performed minor bodywork and prep before the Tahoe was given new colors using a new line of Summit Racing single stage acrylic enamels. After the paint and bodywork, the high stance and old wheels and tires really stood out and made the Tahoe look dated.
Before
To remedy the common ailment, we'll show you the continued transformation of this '98 Tahoe with 165,000 + miles on the odometer. The Tahoe was given a shot in the arm by improving the Vortec 5.7L engine's performance and fuel mileage by installing both a CGS air intake and after-cat exhaust system. These two systems contributed engine performance gains of 30lb-ft of torque and nearly 30 hp with a 2 miles per gallon improvement in mileage. Once the engine was breathing easier, a DJM 4/4 static suspension drop kit was bolted on. The Tahoe's leading edge was lowered using a pair of DJM 2-inch drop spindles and a shorter progressive lowering coil spring. The rear was lowered by installing DJM front leaf spring hangers and rear leaf spring shackles, and relocating the rearend housing atop the rear leaf springs, instead of underneath the leaf spring packs. DJM Calmax Super Shoxs were installed to absorb and dampen the ride.
The Tahoe's overall appearance was improved by bolting on a set of stylish Intro wheels "Sport 5" 20x81/2-inch polished billet aluminum wheels, wrapped with Goodyear Fortera LS 275/45R20 tires for increased grip, improved cornering, and braking. Combining good looks and better performance, the Intro wheels and Goodyear tires were sure to increase the Tahoe's potential. Simon Purves and his backroom installation technicians Ox Higgins and Mike Bogart at Traders Sport Trucks in Santa Fe Springs, California, transformed the previous off-road high-roller into a more aggressive lowered boulevard cruiser. Take a look at how we took an 11-year-old Tahoe and quickly turned it into a sweet daily driver using parts from CGS, DJM suspension, Intro custom wheels, and Goodyear Fortera tires.
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To improve engine performance, a CGS after-cat exhaust system will replace the OEM system.
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Ron Scranton removed the bulky OEM exhaust.
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Ron installed the CGS Motorsports polished T-304 stainless steel high flow muffler with th
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Casey Scranton used a mig welder to ensure there are no leaks...
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...in the CGS after-cat system from exhaust flange to polished T-304 stainless steel exhau
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A worms-eye view shows the CGS exhaust installed under the Tahoe.
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A CGS Motorsports air intake system consists of a powdercoated CNC mandrel bent air tube,
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A 13mm wrench was used to remove the cumbersome OEM filter airbox.
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After inserting the CGS air intake tube into the OEM corrugated rubber tube, Casey secured
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Casey reconnected the OEM air intake temp sensor (AIT) to the CGS air intake tube.
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Casey installed the CGS air intake system in less than 20 minutes. The system was ready to
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After laying out and organizing the DJM Suspension lowering kit on Ox's well-used bench to
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Before putting the '98 Tahoe on the lift, Ox took measurements at all four-corners and rec
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After removing the off-road wheel/tires, the front OEM suspension was disassembled.
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While the front suspension was disassembled, it was a good time to install new upper and l
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The DJM lowering spring was wedged up inside the frame and lower control arm pocket.
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Ox mounted the DJM 2-inch drop spindle onto the upper and lower control arms then secured
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A new DJM Calmax Super Shox was inserted up into the upper mounting bracket.
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Ox reinstalled the front OEM brake caliper and the remainder of the font suspension.
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Moving to the rear suspension, Ox unbolted the front leaf spring hanger and rear leaf spri
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The front leaf spring hanger bracket was removed from the leaf spring pack.
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The new DJM front leaf spring hanger bracket was bolted to the frame using the existing mo
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The OEM rear leaf spring shackle was removed from the leaf spring pack.
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The DJM rear leaf spring shackle was bolted and secured to the leaf spring pack.
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To lower the rear axle housing 4 inches, it was reinstalled above the leaf spring packs. O
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To achieve the proper shock articulation angle, shock absorber extensions were installed.
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Calmax Super Shox were mounted to the upper shock bracket. The lower shock mount will be s
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One of the components that make the most impact to the overall appearance of any custom ve
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Goodyear Fortera 275/45R20 tires were chosen because they are a highway all-season light t
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Ox used the Hunter tire machine to mount the Goodyear Fortera tire onto the stylish Intro
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We rolled the Tahoe down the street from Traders Sport Truck to the alignment shop to get
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After the Intro "Sport 5" wheel and Goodyear Fortera rubber were teamed up and mounted on
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After returning from the alignment shop, Ox took the final measurements from all four corn
From The Driver Seat
Making major appearance, engine, suspension, and wheel/tire changes to your high-mileage truck or SUV will instantly improve your overall driving experience. The CGS intake and exhaust install improved the engine's throttle response and power. The CGS tuned exhaust decreased back pressure and created a deeper-sounding rumble. Lowering the Tahoe with a DJM Suspension 4/4 drop improved its cornering and braking due to a lower center of gravity and the tighter suspension helped eliminate body roll and less nose diving during braking. Larger 20x81/2-inch Intro custom Sport 5 wheels wrapped in Goodyear Fortera 275/45R20 rubber not only improve the looks, but also contributed to better cornering and braking due to a larger tire tread contact patch with the road surface.
Your Questions Answered
Time spent working: 8 hours
Degree of difficulty: Intermediate
Tools Needed:
Hoist, or screw jackstands, floor jack, tire changer, wheel/tire balancing machine, front end alignment machine, air tools, assorted sizes of sockets and wrenches, drill, assorted bit sizes, hammer, ball joint pickle fork, assorted screwdrivers.
Parts Used:
CGS Motorsports air intake PN20151 $190.00
CGS Motorsports exhaust PN00000 $419.00
DJM Suspension CS2351-2 front coil springs $137.36
DJM Suspension DS2056-2 2-inch drop spindles $249.11
DJM Suspension FK1029-4D flip kit $385.82
DJM Suspension SP87400 caster camber align kit $71.30
DJM Suspension 1315 gas shock absorber $110.14
DJM Suspension 1500 gas shock absorber $55.07
DJM Suspension 1800 gas shock absorber $55.07
Intro custom wheels Sport 20x8.5 (4) $2,050.00
Goodyear Tire Fortera SL P275/45R20 set of (4) $476.00
Total: $4,298.87 (Prices from djmsuspension.com, cgsmotorsports.com, introwheels.com, and tirerack.com and do not include labor or other materials cost)