89 Suburban DD Build (finally a 3/4ton)

[y5mgisi]

Sweet! Sounds good! Also, you might look into a crate motor. They are new and probably pretty close to what a rebuild will cost, depending on what level of rebuild you are wanting to do. A quicky rering and new bearings will probably end up around $800. A full machine shop job will probably be nearer to about $1500. And I'm pretty sure dhcomp on here got a new crate motor that he likes specific to these year trucks for around that price.

 

[eclipse85k10]

I got a friend who rebuilds hotrods and he has a builder he highly recommends and I think I'm gonna give him a shot and I should be under a grand easy. Gonna get the guys number this week and find out for sure. A other shop in town quoted me 1200 with a warranty

 

[y5mgisi]

Good enough then!

 

[cyclic]

Unless your going huge on the tires, skip the 14 bolt and go with a 2000ish disk brake 10 bolt. Absolutely rocks!!!

 

[eclipse85k10]

Already have a 2.5 lift, 3/4ton rear springs, dana44/14bff w/4.10s sitting in my garage. Just need new ubolts and bushings. I want to be able to tow a trailer since I won't have a truck.

 

[dhcomp]

I got a friend who rebuilds hotrods and he has a builder he highly recommends and I think I'm gonna give him a shot and I should be under a grand easy. Gonna get the guys number this week and find out for sure. A other shop in town quoted me 1200 with a warranty

That will be cheaper. The crate was $1995 to my door from jegs or summit.

 

[eclipse85k10]

Project in the basement pushed the suburban out of the garage but the benefit is I can start lift axle swap at the same time. Before in the garage I was limited with a cherry picker hitting garage ceiling and needed to wait before making it taller.

 

[natemc]

Southworth engines here in Eugene is who I use.

 

[eclipse85k10]

Got some cash today from selling my dad's k30 dually. Time to call ORD and get the engine to a builder.

I'm really torn on the transmission now. So I'm gonna have a 14bff rear end and 3/4ton rear springs to tow with but thinking my 700r4 is gonna be the weak like. I'm a commercial driver and I've really gottan use to have an automatic DD the last few years but a nv4500 seems like smart choice for this rig.

 

[muddysub]

if you want a manual, a 4500 would be the way to go. i'm a big fan of 4L80Es myself.

 

[eclipse85k10]

Hmm depending which one I can get cheaper. What would be needed to go from 700r4 to a 4l80e

 

[muddysub]

Hmm depending which one I can get cheaper. What would be needed to go from 700r4 to a 4l80e

a 4l80e is computer controlled so you'd need that. i'm using a TCI ez-tcu for mine. it isn't perfect but i like it. ideally i'd have my ECM modified to control my 4l80e so it's all done in one unit rather than two. a TCI unit will add $600 to the cost of the swap.

 

[natemc]

My vote is for the 4l80e also. I refuse to drive an auto in my big trucks but for a DD it's the only way to go.
You won't regret it.

 

[y5mgisi]

For a tbi truck you can just get the computer from a 350/4l80e truck from 91-94 and be (basically) done. There would be a few extra wires to run but I would he willing to bet you could get a harness and ecm from a junk yard for around $50.

 

[eclipse85k10]

I'm still undecided on the transmission. Been pricing parts and I may end up spending more than planned on brakes but I rather have them all new when I swap the axles in. Been working on getting prices from different builders but haven't pulled the trigger on one yet.

 

[eclipse85k10]

Alright my budget is disappearing fast! 350s at the engine shop and just got off the phone with ORD and next week all new greasable bushings heavy duty shackles spring plates and and ubolts will be here so I can do the 3/4ton swap and 2.5 lift

 

[y5mgisi]

Nice!

 

[eclipse85k10]

Got the old bushings out of all the springs today. Took to work and used the press.

The bolts sure rusted out on the front Ranchos and I shouldn't have this problem with my greasables.

 

[y5mgisi]

Nice!

 

[muddysub]

Nice press!