idowa
Full Member
- Jan 21, 2012
- 165
- 74
- Detector(s) used
- Tesoro Lobo SuperTraq
- Primary Interest:
- Prospecting
I bought and built my Suburban for back country exploring and was not into looking for gold at the time, but it has proven to be nearly ideal for the task.
I started with a very clean `97 Suburban 1/2-ton 4x4 I picked up for under $5k.
I needed more clearance but didn't want too much lift, along with the added issues of re-gearing, roll-over danger, pre-mature wear on suspension components, etc.
So, I just added 2" lift blocks to the rear and cranked the torsion bars 2.5"; just enough to clear 33" tires. I chose the BFG All-Terrain KOs since they perform well in a variety of terrain, and mud isn't too common out here. I have encountered some serious mud and was able to get through it with little trepidation...
I added the fender flares to keep mud and rocks from hitting the sides. I designed and built the roof rack myself so I can carry my canoe, or kayaks, or even my 12' aluminum fishing boat. Plus, lots of room for gear if needed.
It has 3.73 gears and a locker in the rear. I've added dual exhaust, cold air intake, Accel ignition, MSD cap and rotor, Summit racing wires, and all synthetic fluids.
The factory transmission was weak, so I had it rebuilt using top of the line components at a cost of $3k.
It's still not done; I'm building a custom front bumper and rock sliders this summer...
For going where the Suburban won't go, I have a 2002 Yamaha Kodiak ATV that is mostly stock. Since the photo, I added a large black plastic box to the back rack to haul my prospecting gear.
I've been into modifying vehicles since I was 14 and it was my passion for years.
Just wondering if other folks here have vehicles built for back-country exploring and treasure hunting that they've customized...
I started with a very clean `97 Suburban 1/2-ton 4x4 I picked up for under $5k.
I needed more clearance but didn't want too much lift, along with the added issues of re-gearing, roll-over danger, pre-mature wear on suspension components, etc.
So, I just added 2" lift blocks to the rear and cranked the torsion bars 2.5"; just enough to clear 33" tires. I chose the BFG All-Terrain KOs since they perform well in a variety of terrain, and mud isn't too common out here. I have encountered some serious mud and was able to get through it with little trepidation...
I added the fender flares to keep mud and rocks from hitting the sides. I designed and built the roof rack myself so I can carry my canoe, or kayaks, or even my 12' aluminum fishing boat. Plus, lots of room for gear if needed.
It has 3.73 gears and a locker in the rear. I've added dual exhaust, cold air intake, Accel ignition, MSD cap and rotor, Summit racing wires, and all synthetic fluids.
The factory transmission was weak, so I had it rebuilt using top of the line components at a cost of $3k.
It's still not done; I'm building a custom front bumper and rock sliders this summer...
For going where the Suburban won't go, I have a 2002 Yamaha Kodiak ATV that is mostly stock. Since the photo, I added a large black plastic box to the back rack to haul my prospecting gear.
I've been into modifying vehicles since I was 14 and it was my passion for years.
Just wondering if other folks here have vehicles built for back-country exploring and treasure hunting that they've customized...
