1990 Subrban Plans

[wakeup]

Hey everyone, pretty new to the forum so I figured I'd tell you a little about my planned project and get some input about it.

I have a 1990 R2500 Suburban with the 6.2, th400, 14 bolt with currently unknown gears (but I think they are 3.42:1). The vehicle is totally stock as far as I know, and has about 280,000 on the clock. I picked it up not long before my current deployment, so upgrades won't start until I get back in May or June.

I plan to use the vehicle as a family hauler, tow vehicle for my k10 and boat, and camping trips. No "wheeling" that's what the k10 is for. However, I would like to improve the offroad ability and available power to make it a more capable tow vehicle.

The plan is to lift the front with 4" spindles for a 88-99 GMT400, and the rear with blocks or springs. I would like to put a selectable locker in the rear and possibly regear the rear end, as well as add an overdrive unit or a strong enough 700r4. Along with the lift, I plan to use the 35" duratracs (315/something/R16).

For power, I've considered everything from headers/exhaust, a banks kit, a doner 6.5 (either complete or just the turbe etc.), a 6bt swap, or I'd really like to put a duramax in it. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or money to do something like the cummins or dmax. Money is an issue, so any recommendations on how I can get some power out of this engine would be very helpful to me!

So, what do you guys think about it? Anything you would recommend for me to make this plan better(types of lockers, power options, lift option, anything you'd like to say)? What would you do with it?

 

[496truck]

Wait, what? Spindles? Is this truck 2wd?

May I suggest looking at 33s instead of 35s. You want a family hauler, tow vehicle, more power from a 6.2 and money is a factor. Regear the axle(s) to 4.10 and run 33s and that will be a huge improvement in power vs the 3.42s. 35s will just create more weight to drag.

The 700R4 isn't a bad trans and can be rebuilt to handle some good power through it. That's your easiest option. The next option is to swap in a 4L80E which is more invasive and pricey but fairly bulletproof.

 

[wakeup]

I agree that 33's would probably cut the cost of all of this in half, between the tire price and not having to purchase the lift, longer brake lines, and correcting the steering geometry. Not to mention the better mpg and available towing power. It may very well end up being the route I take.

On the other hand, since no one makes a lift for this generation 2wd that I know of, I thought it would make for a pretty unique ride. After searching the nets for about a month, I found someone that has done the lift with 88-99 spindles on a c10 or 20 on another forum. I'd love to share it, but I'm not familiar with the "linking to other forum" policy/etiquete here.

On the other, other hand (I think I'm running out) if I wanted to do this even more budget minded I could sell my burb for 2-3 thousand. Take that money and another 2-3 thousand and buy a late 90's 4x4 6.5 suburban that would probably do everthing I need, with no lift.

 

[blazinzuk]

So no dirt time with this truck?

Time to sell it and get the newer truck. Even if you put out 6k for a decent burb with a 6.5 in it you will be money ahead.

I am here to tell ya that 6.2 NEEDS a turbo to tow with. Like needs it bad. I tow Horton ( my truck) behind my Jimmy for in town kind of wheeling, its fine until the speed goes above 55 or if there is a grade, or if there is a wind, or if I ever have to pass anyone.

On the other hand I had the chance to have the exact same setup towed by a 6.5 tahoe, that admittedly had some small stuff done to it. It towed at 65 no problem at all.

If this is your tow rig I say no mods to the suspension, turbo the 6.2 and keep it.

Or sell it buy a 6.5 newer burb and be done with it

 

[wakeup]

The sound of reason starts to sound more, well reasonable. The main reason I would keep this is the project/make it better part. It just doesn't add up from my wallet's perspective. However, I still have my k10 for that, and it really does need some attention. Also, my wife would probably be much happier in the newer model. I've already been looking, and I've seen a couple for sale in pretty good shape between 5 and 7 k.

Too bad GM didn't put the duramax in the gmt800 suburbans, that would be enough to make me keep this one stock and save for that purchase. (Haven't seen it yet on this forum, but I'm sure that dead horse has already been beat.)

 

[imiceman44]

Oh yeah believe me if GM offered the Dmax in the newer burbs, you'd see lots here with them, me included.

The sound of reason starts to sound more, well reasonable. The main reason I would keep this is the project/make it better part. It just doesn't add up from my wallet's perspective. However, I still have my k10 for that, and it really does need some attention. Also, my wife would probably be much happier in the newer model. I've already been looking, and I've seen a couple for sale in pretty good shape between 5 and 7 k.

Too bad GM didn't put the duramax in the gmt800 suburbans, that would be enough to make me keep this one stock and save for that purchase. (Haven't seen it yet on this forum, but I'm sure that dead horse has already been beat.)