New guy in Columbus, Ohio

[Cbus97x]

Hey Guys,

Just purchased an 06 97x and started doing some internet reseach and found this site.

Right now I just plan on doing a basic lift and tires, but who knows...definitely need to do some more reading.



Hope to meet some of you guys along the way.

-Matt

[corwin]

Welcome aboard! That's one neat looking 97x. Enjoy modding

[Trail X]

I do like the look of the Saab. Most everything should be similar on it, but I beleive they are lowered slightly from the other GMT360s. You might want to consider getting new shocks for a trailblazer when you do your lift. You'll have to verify compatibility though.

[Cbus97x]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

You’re right, everything I’ve found says the Saab comes lowered about 1” up front but it’s all interchangeable with trailblazer.

I’ve already got new bilsteins and Moog springs front and rear to replace the factory spring/airbags. My research says that should give me about a 2” lift. After I install them and figure out ride height I may add a lift. I also have bought spacer/adapters as well a Tahoe 16’s that I plan to put 31/32’s on soon. Not looking to go crazy, just want some extra ground clearance for the back roads and trails.

Probably won’t get the lift installed until after the holidays due to traveling but will post pictures once it’s done.

-Matt

[Cbus97x]

Small update... got the suspension overhaul done this weekend, looks great! Got 2.5” in the front and .75” in the rear. Still has slight rake, but much less than before. Have a set of 32” duratracs to install soon, just waiting on my spacers.

Suspension consists of Moog 81114’s up front, Moog 81049’s in the rear and new Bilsteins and associated hardware all around. Removed the rear airbags and the ride barely changed. Will grab some pics next time I get home before it gets dark out!

[DirtyBacon04]

Welcome to the kool kids klub...
Wait... maybe not the best name for the klub. The stickers probably wouldn't sell well

[tsmith1156]

Welcome! I’m not too far from you, I’m in Lebanon Ohio

[Cbus97x]

Thanks guys, I know it's not anything earth shattering but I was just looking for a little more ground clearance for when we go camping.

Here's a quick picture from tonight, should get the new wheels/tires on in the next week or so.

[Cbus97x]

Slight update, 32’s were so close to rubbing when test fitting that I decided to step down a bit, that and I got a nice hookup price on these. 245/70/17’s so no spacers needed or trimming. Still trying to decide between chrome or black.

Couple pics...

[Cbus97x]

Also added 2 ‘racing’ tow straps out front as I wanted tow points with minimal trimming needed. They claim rated for 8k lbs...and I bolted them straight to the frame rails.

Couple pics...

[cpyonker]

Looks good man. Can’t see the duratracs too well from the picture. Have any with the wheel turned?

I just got them for my blazer, let me know how they turn out off-road! I won’t get a Chance to check them till May.




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[TBYODA]

Slight update, 32’s were so close to rubbing when test fitting that I decided to step down a bit, that and I got a nice hookup price on these. 245/70/17’s so no spacers needed or trimming. Still trying to decide between chrome or black.

Couple pics...

https://flic.kr/p/HQ6w6d
https://flic.kr/p/24ALf2n

Looks good, get some armor under there from . MDB Fab

[Cbus97x]

Quick update, had a succcessful year getting dirty with the saab. Got stuck a handful of times, got winched/yanked out several times and my front recovery points are holding up well and definitely a lifesaver. Early last summer I added a lift to the Saab as I needed more ground clearance desparately, it certainly helped. Just recently I added some TG 67" sliders that I modified to my liking and they look awesome, provide my wife with a much needed step and will offer some protection offroad.

Been really reliable so far just some basic maintenance, nothing I can complain about for how much enjoyment I get from it.

Plans for this year include a headunit replacement with bluetooth and a backup camera, a PCM of NC tune, a homemade roof rack to mount my awning on and a few other goodies, likely some MDB armor for the underside and then just enjoy it!

Couple recent pics...rocking my stock wheels/tires for winter use but you see the sliders and drop in HID's I added last summer.

[Cbus97x]

Few pictures from some trips last year, as you can see in the above picture I got a lot more ground clearance from the lift compared to just springs.

Camping in WV...


Camping in KY...got to meet Josh this weekend, a fellow forum/facebook group member.




Camping in the UP...


Plenty of good times had, I'm still the only Saab on the trails, get plenty of goofy looks, lol.