New guy from Central MN

carkhz316 · May 10, 2016

Been a lurker here for quite some time. I've been wanting to join up for awhile as this place seems a little bit more popular and more mature than some of the other "bro-like" truck forums I've been on.

I'm from Central MN; 29 years old, married, 2 kids. I went to college and have my AAS in both Automotive Service Technology and Autobody & Collision Technology. I worked in a reputable body shop for a couple years, but ultimately went back to my college job of driving LTL/ semi for a local trucking firm due to better money and benefits. I only work Monday-Friday, and am home nightly, so it's not much different from a regular sit down job.

I still do automotive repair as a hobby on the side though. I do most things from the simple brake work and such, to rebuilding transmissions (a couple dozen in the last decade) and engine R&R. I excelled and enjoy doing electrical diagnosis& driveability and repair the most though. It's something a lot of the old timers and independent shops around seemed daunted by. While they are good overall, a number of the local guys like to throw parts at cars and see what sticks; whereas I like to try to diagnose things properly.

I've been a GM/ Chevy guy as long as I can remember, though I attribute all the makes to having their good and bad. Current vehicles include my '12 Silverado 2500 HD 6.0 LTZ CCSB, 2009 Pontiac G8 GT 6.0 (wifes) and my '98 Monte Carlo 3800SC with 5 speed Getrag 284 (a project car of sorts, haha).

I am also an avid snowmobiler and ATV rider.

Truck the day I got it home

And one of most recent from this winter (I don't have many pics of my truck)

Don't worry. I still have the 20's. Just put the 17's on for winter with better tires and dipped the wheels black.

Only mods I've done to the truck, is 20% tint all around, Weathertech floor liners front and rear, underseat box, rollup tonneau, and painted bumpers. Also put some DEPO blacked headlights in and did the switchback 3157 LED mod for the DRLS.

Don't have many pics of the wifes G8

Caprice wheels and Blizzaks for winter. 400hp and RWD don't do well in winter on summer tires

Anyway, this turned into a long story. Sorry. Hope to have some fun around here!

txab · May 10, 2016

Welcome

slj2008 · May 10, 2016

welcome

99silveradoz71 · May 10, 2016

Welcome aboard.

Daryl LBZ · May 10, 2016

Welcome!

carkhz316 · May 11, 2016

Thanks for the welcomes guys! Hope to pour over some more threads and share some more pics and info soon!

SteveBBB · May 11, 2016

Welcome to the group!!

carkhz316 · May 11, 2016

I guess there are a couple more things I forgot about. I did turn up my torsion bars a bit. I went about halfway in with the bolts, to increase front ride height another 1.5 inches. I'm about 1 inch from level, but enough of a difference for me to not have an obvious rake, but not enough to compromise what little ride quality a 3/4 ton has. My truck also has the snow plow prep, but since I don't ever plan on hooking up a plow (got one for my wheeler), I re-purposed the switch for the cargo light so I can turn it on without having the dome lights on.