2005 Z71 Complete upgrades

[PNW NBS Z71]

I am a member at the Tahoe/Yukon Forum and have a build thread there where I have gone almost completely thru the entire outside of the rig and some of the inside. I have taken working components off of steering, suspension, cooling system, oiling system, entertainment and a/c-heater controls, brake system-hydro-boost, fuel system, charging system, evap system, exhaust system, emissions system, exterior paint and even installed Hellwig performance front and rear sway bars.

This was done not because parts were worn out but because, after running shops for 25+ years and working as a tech before that for 10+ years, I am a firm believer of replacing parts as a maintenance schedule because I know eventually they all wear or fail and can leave a person stranded.

In this whole process I have used nothing but Genuine GM parts and the best aftermarket parts available. I have gobs of pics and will be happy to share. Only if interested.....there is no Build Thread here and I have reached out to try and get that here at the Tahoe Forum.

This is only meant as a guide but I do have to say that, BY FAR, this SUV handles and stops and performs better than new and I have been told that many times by friends that have ridden in it. It is a 2005 Z71 with 136k miles and is flawless, except for a rub or two on the paint.

 

[taho3fan]

Nice pics. Your Tahoe looks great! What upgrades did you do on the suspension? Also, what brand of nerf bars /steps are those?

 

[PNW NBS Z71]

The bars are stock Z71 bars. My upgrades are complete when I do them and only use Genuine GM Parts. The biggest performance upgrade was the Hellwig sway bar kits, front and rear.
I also had Digital Dash Solutions do a custom dash cluster and now I have the transmission temp gauge that works. Also did the custom rear vent appliques.

 

[PNW NBS Z71]

My list of what has been replaced by all Genuine GM Parts:

Pedal pressure sensor assembly, steering gear box, 8 injectors, throttle body, refurbished pristine a/c-heater controller, Corvette servo, blower motor, cannister purge, cannister solenoid, fuel pump, charcoal cannister and bracket, complete new evap hoses/lines, alternator, water pump, thermostat, starter, positive and negative cables and did the Big 3 ground upgrade, radiator, vacuum hoses, upper rad hose, lower rad hose, coolant reservoir, new cap, all heater hoses and tees, outer mirrors, all rear control arms and track bar, all oxygen sensors, third brake light, 2018 GMC truck wheels with custom black bow tie center caps, plugs, wires, MAF, MAP, all belts, complete fluid change for every fluid and trans filter, P/S pump and hoses, new hydro-boost and new master cylinder, motor mounts and trans mounts, Interstate AGM battery, knock sensors, oil sender, intake and valve cover gaskets, 8 ignition coils, steering wheel position sensor, idler arm, pitman arm, tie rods, center link, both front axles, upper and lower control arms with bushings and ball joints, both hub bearings, both rear axle seals and bearings, engine rear main seal, torque converter seal, KYB shocks all around, belt tensioners and idlers, complete front and rear brake pads, calipers, rotors, oil cooler lines and trans lines, rear park brake shoe assemblies, refurbished stock radio and cd player, various paint work and soon to be done exhaust work.

I can say with all certainty that this is the best running and performing 2005 Z71 with 136k miles in Oregon and likely the country. I am not crazy about all kinds of custom work. I want the best looking and performing stock vehicle.

 

[PNW NBS Z71]

 

[PNW NBS Z71]

Pics available of all along the way, during this process. Just ask and I can post. I have hundreds of photos.

 

[tegger]

The bars are stock Z71 bars. My upgrades are complete when I do them and only use Genuine GM Parts. The biggest performance upgrade was the Hellwig sway bar kits, front and rear.
I also had Digital Dash Solutions do a custom dash cluster and now I have the transmission temp gauge that works. Also did the custom rear vent appliques.View attachment 7934View attachment 7935

View attachment 7931View attachment 7932View attachment 7933

That's flawless! We'll work on my uncle's new 2006 Z71 project and the sway bar is part of the list. Still waiting for the brake pads and toyo tires to arrive so we can work there at once.