My Favorite OBS Upgrades, Updates, and Parts
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LED Door Lights
My original door lights were pretty much all cracked and destroyed. While there are many different colors of these LED replacements. . . Including switchable RGB (seemed unnecessary to me). I chose the OE look style.
These make a huge difference in visibility when getting in and out when it's dark. When it's not they help freshen up the interior. . . and might just take a couple of years off.
Double Din Dash Bezel
For the first couple of months I had planned on keeping the stock radio, maybe adding bluetooth, and just using my phone on a dash mount; but after our first big trip fully loaded up I realized how useful a good backup camera would be. Especially being that the barn doors already do reduce visibility somewhat (I would never give them up though!).
I ended up taping off the center section of the bezel and painting the outside to match the interior. More or less indistinguishable from the factory part, except it fits a Double Din head unit now.
If you want a cheaper option you can always get the trim "ring" and cut your factory bezel, but I didn't want the look of the add-on bezel.
Door Panel Clips
Ok this one isn't really an upgrade at all. . . .or is it? Trying to eliminate annoying squeaks & rattles?. . . Check your door panels. Guaranteed you've got a few broken clips. If you plan on doing any work that involves take the door panel off you NEED these. Either way I'd just recommend buying the big bag. You'll be glad you did later.
Not flashy or fun, but a few $ and a few minutes work pays big dividends here.
"Line of Fire"
At least that's what we used to call these back in the day. . . when they were several hundred $$$!! Now these LED tailgate strips are unbelievably cheap. . . so much so that I think it's kind of stupid not to use them. The OBS doesn't have giant, bright tail lights, so every little bit helps.
Significantly more light for the Brake Lights, Sequential Turn Signals (Still cool even though they're everywhere now), and a pretty sick, ominous glow from the Running Lights. This is one of those cheap parts that actually does enhance your ride.
I'm also pretty sure it helped to make sure I didn't get hit when I broke down on the Parkway in NY! I just got one for the Square Body Trailer too.
Shocking I know
One of my first parts after buying the OBS Suburban was some super-cheap Monroe shocks. Better than what was on there, but I realized they weren't so great when loaded down.
I sprang (pun intended) for the Coil-Over Load Assist Shocks from Gabriel: 43180
Not only did these help while loaded down, but they also eliminated a lot of the shimmy from the back end. Still have original Leaf Springs, and Bushings back there, but I do have new rear sway bar poly bushings.
Speaking of RSB Bushings. . .
Another simple and effective upgrade that definitely improves the driving characteristics of this 30+ year old design.
These went on pretty easy, and I believe they improved the ride without really adding any additional noise or harshness.
Stainless Steel Brake Hoses
Bad OBS Brakes are basically a meme. If you've ever driven one of the early years then you know. Even the end of the range like my '99 K1500 Suburban left a lot to be desired in terms of stopping power.
This little upgrade helped improve pedal feel, albeit marginally, but every little bit helps. I coupled these with some 2500 Calipers with larger pistons.
I also opted for the longer hoses, as some people mentioned the standard length being a little short. It also leaves room should I decide to lift in the future. I just zip tied to take care of the little bit of extra length.
New Vinyl Seats
Just did this recently. Simply Massive Improvement to the Interior. Makes the front feel like you're sitting in a brand new vehicle.
It's a couple hours of work, some of which can be a bit tedious, but overall not too bad. . . and the payoff is absolutely worth it!
New Foam
Along with the New Vinyl Seat Covers I also got a new DuroFoam Driver Seat Base Foam. If you're doing this covers, consider spending a little extra on foam too.
My only regret was not getting a 2nd one for the Passenger side. While it's technically made for the Driver side, and the don't make a Passenger version, it should still work.
These Aren't Affiliate Links - No Better Endorsement
Cunningham Machine Steering Shaft
Another fantastic way to make your OBS feel like a newer vehicle. Of course you'll want to make sure the rest of your steering system is in good shape for maximum benefit. I ended up doing both the Lower and Upper Shafts. The Upper probably wasn't necessary but steering is pretty great now!
Another one that you'll never see, but you'll sure FEEL IT!
Just be sure to get the right one 88-94 vs 95+!!
If you have deep pockets and feel like spending. . .Cunningham has a whole bunch of awesome, High Quality, OBS parts.
Rust Buster Frame Repair
In my endless battle with Rust I did end up finding the Front Passenger Frame section is in somewhat poor condition. While not as bad as many I've seen I wanted to do something about it. I found these guys out of Ohio. Got a Super high quality frame cap from them.
The other side isn't as bad, but I'll probably end up getting another to reinforce it as well.