2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD

Before: The current owner has kept his '02 GMC Sierra in immaculate condition from the interior to the engine and exterior. Like owners in their mid-life, who feel they need some physical upgrades to better their maturing nature and self-esteem, it was time to do the same for a mid-mileage truck.

We are noticing more and more early '00 trucks given a second go-around. Guys and their trucks have similarities, projecting a healthy lifestyle, a fit image that will help them increase a longer life. But for most, it doesn't matter how healthy, fit, or handsome you think you are, the years- just like miles-take their toll on both man and his machine. Just as some guys go through a mid-life crisis, trucks have that same dilemma. As trucks accumulate six figures on the odometer, the performance and physical appearance tend to deteriorate.

That's why we decided to give an '02 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab 6.0L, ex-work horse a second chance during its middle age. After a good scrubbing, new paint, and some simple bolt-ons, we were going to help out the cause.

After: With just one day's work, we had a great-looking truck with more capabilities than ever before. Your truck can look this good, too, with a little bit of effort.

To achieve a better respiratory system, the team at CGS Motorsports in Pomona, California, stepped up with their intake and exhaust systems. To help the 6.0L small-block exhale better, CGS bolted on one of its hybrid 3-inch cat-back exhaust systems. This inhale/exhale combination will deliver a powerful sound and significant performance increases.

To give the '02 Sierra some structural muscle tone, we decided to lift it with a 6-inch lift from Race Car Dynamics (RCD) in El Cajon, California. This particular suspension system features drop-down brackets, hub/spindles, and Bilstein gas-filled shocks up front. To raise the rear level with the front, 4-inch blocks were inserted between the rear-axle housing and rear leaf-spring packs. For this segment, we used the talents of the team at Top Line Performance in Huntington Beach, California, headed up by Mario Romero. Ryan Neves performed his skills as he installed the RCD 6-inch lift, and mounted the Cooper Tires Discoverer STT 35/12.50-18 all-terrain rubber onto some Custom Ultra Goliath Chrome 18x9-inch wheels.