Ryan McGrew of Wilmington, North Carolina, bought this 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 4×4 in 2006 at just 17 years old. At the time, the regular cab, shortbed truck was bone stock and had been driven about 100,000 miles by its previous, original owner. It was Ryan’s first truck, and although he did not know it then, it would remain with him decades later, heavily refined along the way.
For the first year, Ryan racked up miles in stock form. Then the wrenching began. The initial upgrade was a Rancho 4-inch suspension lift and a set of 35-inch tires. From there, the build escalated, eventually gaining more power and a solid front axle, shaping the truck into what it is today.
383 Cubic-Inch V8, With Mods
The OE Vortec 350 cubic-inch V8 was swapped for a BluePrint Engines 383 cubic-inch V8. Ryan says the original engine ran strong when it was pulled, even with 250,000 miles on the clock, but more power and torque were the goal. The 383, which was purchased as a long-block, features an updated “spider” fuel injection system, a Black Bear Performance tune, and short-tube headers. Other underhood components include an Odyssey Extreme battery and a pair of Jegs-sourced electric fans paired with the factory radiator.
4L60E And NP241C
Engine power flows through the factory 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. The unit has been rebuilt and strengthened to handle the added output. After a fan-equipped transmission cooler failed during an off-road trip in a remote area, Ryan ditched it in favor of a standard cooler sourced from a salvage yard truck. He says it has performed flawlessly ever since.
Bolted to the four-speed is the OE, manual-shift NP241C two-speed transfer case. It has been rebuilt and fitted with a slip yoke eliminator kit. Power is delivered to the axles via a pair of ‘shafts from Tom Wood’s Custom Driveshafts.
Locked Dana 60 Up Front, Locked 14-Bolt Out Back
One of Ryan’s main goals was ditching the independent front suspension in favor of a solid axle. Once he had saved the funds to make that happen, the experienced team at Low Range 4×4 in Wilmington handled the conversion. In place of the IFS sits an East Coast Gear Supply Super Kingpin Dana 60. The high-pinion axle is loaded with chromoly shafts, Yukon Gear & Axle 5.13:1 gears, a Yukon Grizzly Locker, and an Offroad Design track bar. Pointing the meaty 40×13.50R17LT Toyo Open Country M/T tires on KMC Machete beadlock wheels is easy thanks to a PSC Motorsports hydro-assist setup paired with Offroad Design crossover steering.
Out back, the Low Range 4×4 crew yanked the factory 10-bolt and bolted in a more durable 14-bolt. Sourced from a salvage yard, the axle was rebuilt with chromoly shafts, Yukon 5.13:1 gears, and a Yukon Grizzly Locker. Final touches include a Yukon differential cover and an Offroad Design 10.5-inch pinion guard.
Tried ‘N’ True Leaf Springs
The Sierra rides on a proven, simple, leaf-spring suspension. Up front, an Offroad Design solid axle conversion kit is paired with the company’s springs and Fox 2.0 monotube shocks. Out back, Offroad Design shackles, mounts, and springs are paired with Fox 2.0 monotube shocks. Total lift over stock is approximately 6 inches.
Canvas Truck Top, Secure Storage, Winch, And More
One of Ryan’s priorities was boosting the Sierra’s functionality without piling on weight. That meant being selective with every modification. For example, limited interior storage in the regular cab led to the addition of a Softopper canvas truck top. It shields the bed from the elements, folds forward when needed, and can be removed entirely to haul larger loads. Underneath, the bed is fitted with Amazon-sourced rail tracks that keep recovery gear and tools locked down. A Power Tank system is also securely mounted in the bed using a heavy-duty bracket.
Additional exterior upgrades include a Warn VR EVO 12-S winch and Trail-Gear rock sliders that protect the rocker panels.
Inside the cab, upgrades are kept simple and functional with a Sony head unit, a pair of 10-inch subwoofers, and an easily accessible fire extinguisher.
Ryan’s Favorite Mod Is…
Ryan calls the solid axle conversion his favorite modification. “The SAS was by far the biggest improvement to the truck. Granted, along with that came 1-ton axles and 40-inch tires, which made a huge difference on the trails.”
On the trail, the 1997 GMC Sierra delivers. Ryan often wheels it at the Badin Lake Recreation Area OHV trails in North Carolina, where it has tackled the extremely difficult-rated Daniel Trail in both directions without issue. Clearly, Ryan has found the right formula with his Sierra.
Photos by Ken Brubaker and Kimberly McGrew
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