The HD, heavy duty light truck is our 2005 Sierra 2500. Have you ever heard of a 20 footer? This baby is a 45’er, maybe. She’s got some bumps and scrapes, but that just means she’s not afraid to go where others might question. As we’ve discussed in other posts, maintenance is necessary when relying on our equipment. As we get her ready to explore deserts, forests, and mountain ranges, we set out to get her running in top shape. We will review a bit of the maintenance completed on the hubs, right after we share a bit of background.
The 2500 spent some time roaming the desert, as it was put to work maintaining highways and managing capital improvements of a county prior to it’s role at bluebear.ind. Upon taking on it’s new role, the 2500’s exhaustion was quickly apparent. As we took it on it’s first journey, it had trouble getting up to speed as the transmission was stuck in 3rd gear.
With persistence, the bluebear team swapped out some parts in the transmission which got it moving for some time. Though as one might have guessed, the 2500 was simply in need of deeper transmission work, as the previous issues had once again arisen.
After spending some time hauling our team and equipment, the 2500 was ready for a rebuilt transmission.
Queue, the GearStar 4L80E. After a few days, the new transmission was in, paired with a new transmission cooler, a thermostat, and all new hoses.
With the transmission issues sorted, it was time to address the wheel hubs. In came new front hubs, new front brake calipers, and new rotors and pads on all four corners. Ending the job with a fluid flush, and the 2500 stops on a dime.
So what is next for the 2500?
Mounting a winch onto the front bumper, as we currently have a hitch mounted winch. Fixing an exhaust leak. Addressing worn out suspension parts including bushings, shocks, and tie rod ends. We have a “new to us” used grille from a 1500 truck that may make it’s way to the front end, though will need some modification.
As the bluebear.2500 is primarily relied on to haul our scout vehicle (RZR 800s), the truck needs to be up for the task of pulling and stopping comfortably, while also being able to carry the heavy load of documentation equipment and roadside assistance and recovery equipment as needed. Additionally, the truck will receive some much needed repairs including a refreshed headliner and a back up camera.
On an upcoming post, we will go over some of the equipment we take on a scouting trip. If you are interested in reading about some of the maintenance procedures completed on bluebear.2500, leave a comment or send in an email and we can provide in depth details.