1/2 ton 'burban tow rig

[rick88blaze]

I might have a chance to pick up a nice '88 suburban 1/2 ton 2wd in May for a really good price. $1400. It has about 130K on it, the tranny has been rebuilt with a shift kit and the 350tbi runs great. If I do get it I'll be flat towing my K5 this summer for wheeling but I will try to get a trailer for next year.

My question is, does anyone know the towing capacity for a 1/2 ton suburban?

When I do get a trailer it will have brakes on at least one axle so I know that will help. From what I read when I searched, most folks still recommend upgrading the rear to a 14 bolt SF or FF and the springs. If it has at least 3.73 gears will it really help that much to upgrade the axle if I don't do the springs too?

Thanks in advance,
Rick

 

[Leper]

My 90 model 4x4 has the factory tow package on it and the hitch says 9500#

 

[dhcomp]

Im pretty sure what the hitch says isn't the vechile's tow rating. Its just a class V hitch that is rated at 9500lbs.......its only as capable as what it is bolted to.

 

[rjfguitar]

Im pretty sure what the hitch says isn't the vechile's tow rating. Its just a class V hitch that is rated at 9500lbs.......its only as capable as what it is bolted to.

Exactly, the burb itself is probably limited to about 6K max according to the factory specs.

 

[dleroy43]

My burb barly pulls its own fat @$$ around let alone tow anything. Thats proplem with it to big to be a decent trail rig(without cutting off too much) and too weak to be a tow rig. Get 3/4 2x with a 454 and you shouldnt have to worry too much

 

[G-Force8]

no kidding

my stock 91 1500 4x4 350/700R4 can barely sling its own arz around, and the 180k mile 350 runs beautifully. The suburban should have never been available without anything less than a big block in my opinion. this 88 you're talking about may save alot of weight being 2wd, but trust me, it will have hell pulling your blazer.

unless you swap a 14-bolt w/4.10s under it

and supercharge it! yea!

whoops, budget broke eh?

I'd spring for a 2wd 3/4 ton burb with the TBI454

 

[4xcrazy]

I yanked a '78 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham from San Diego,Ca to Phoenix,AZ with the Burb, using a tow bar,,,was heavy climbing up the hills at about 45mph, but did the job ok. ATE ALOT OF FUEL TOO

the Caddy weighs somewhere near what the Burb weighs too, maybe alittle less.


Just as long as you are aware of the weight, and braking characteristics, it shouldn't be a problem for the occasional pull to the trails.

BTW, the motor/trans combo IS a TBI 350/700r4 and at that time it had about 215k miles on it.