What Does Z85 Mean? The Standard Suspension Package
Z85 is GM’s standard handling and trailering suspension. If your label has Z85 and not Z71, this is the truck you have.
What Does Z85 Mean? The Standard Suspension Package Read Post »
What Does VYU Mean? The Snow Plow Prep Package
VYU is GM’s Snow Plow Prep Package. GM’s 2016 special-applications document lists all ten components — spring rate, oil cooler, alternator and more.
What Does VYU Mean? The Snow Plow Prep Package Read Post »
What Does Z71 Mean on a Chevy or GMC Truck?
Z71 is GM’s off-road package. What it actually includes changed with every generation — here is what the factory documents say, year by year.
What Does Z71 Mean on a Chevy or GMC Truck? Read Post »
DIY Chevy Avalanche Bed Slide: Build Your Own Sliding Cargo Platform
Build a sliding cargo platform for a 2002–2013 Chevy Avalanche. Full cut list, 48-inch by 62-3/4-inch dimensions, the 13-caster layout, and the bed measurements to take before you cut plywood.
DIY Chevy Avalanche Bed Slide: Build Your Own Sliding Cargo Platform Read Post »
How to Restore a Faded Chevy Avalanche Tonneau Cover: 4 Products Tested
Four products tested side by side on the faded factory tonneau cover of my 2007 Avalanche — how each one applied, which gave the deepest black, and what this test does not prove yet.
How to Restore a Faded Chevy Avalanche Tonneau Cover: 4 Products Tested Read Post »
GMT800 8.1L Duramax Fan & TrailBlazer SS Fan Clutch Upgrade
The 8.1L GMT800 fan upgrade owners actually run: the 9-blade Duramax fan (GM 15010202 / ACDelco 15-80690) on the 2008–2009 TrailBlazer thermal clutch (GM 25816289 / ACDelco 15-40144). Verified part numbers, why the bolt patterns force the pairing, what the catalogue data proves about fitment — and the clearance check you cannot skip.
GMT800 8.1L Duramax Fan & TrailBlazer SS Fan Clutch Upgrade Read Post »
How I Restored the Oxidized Headlights on My 2007 Avalanche
I restored the heavily oxidized OEM headlights on my 2007 Chevy Avalanche with staged wet sanding and a Meguiar’s G17804 coating. This guide separates what I actually did from the manufacturer’s application and safety instructions.
How I Restored the Oxidized Headlights on My 2007 Avalanche Read Post »
GMT800 Regearing for Bigger Tires: Choosing the Right Axle Ratio (1999–2006)
Bigger tires make a GMT800 feel gutless and throw off the speedo because they change your effective gearing. Here’s how to pick the right axle ratio to get it back.
GMT800 Regearing for Bigger Tires: Choosing the Right Axle Ratio (1999–2006) Read Post »
GMT800 Tow Package Retrofit: Wiring, Brake Controller & Tow Mirrors (1999–2006)
Bought a GMT800 without the tow package? Here’s what it takes to add the trailer wiring, a brake controller and tow mirrors — and what you can’t retrofit without deeper changes.
GMT800 Tow Package Retrofit: Wiring, Brake Controller & Tow Mirrors (1999–2006) Read Post »
GMT800 Interior LED Swap: Dash, Cluster & Dome Light Upgrade (1999–2006)
Swapping the GMT800’s dim incandescent interior bulbs for LEDs is a cheap night-and-day upgrade. Here’s how to pick the right bulbs, keep the dash dimmer working, and avoid the flicker.
GMT800 Interior LED Swap: Dash, Cluster & Dome Light Upgrade (1999–2006) Read Post »