think so. if I was going to go that route I would use my 09 f250. even with a long wheel base I took it into some areas I shouldn't have. it doesn't exactly turn on a dime. that's why I bought the Willy's. looking for something in between
CK5
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Alaska Build
- Thread starter CoJeeper
- Start date
blowedupmotor87
1/2 ton status
I my case, NO WAY!!!! Okay, yeah, it COULD be, if you check every option box (really could, a loaded Laramie Power Wagon I think is in fact $60k) but, mine is an ST (base model) so, I got all the off road goodies for a lot less! ($45k sticker, $38k OTD) The crazy clean '06 my buddy just sold he sold for $22.5k.
blowedupmotor87
1/2 ton status
Depending on what cab and bed configuration, they may be the same size trucks but, the Power Wagon has a LOT more off road goodies stock than an F-250 does! (though you certainly could add them to your Ford!) Also, I do believe the Power Wagon has a smaller turner circle diameter. On a comparison note, the 3rd ten Power Wagon is not much bigger than a 73-91 'Burb:
Wheelbase: 140.5" (PW) vs 129.5" (Burb)
Overall length: 227.7" (PW) vs 219.1" (Burb)
Overall width: 79.8" (PW) vs 79.6" (Burb)
Overall height: 80.6" (PW) vs 76.1" (3/4 ton 4x4 Burb)
So, a third gen Power Wagon is merely 11" longer wheelbase, 8.6" longer overall length, .2" wider, and 4.4" taller compared to a 73-91 'Burb. Seems like whatever trail one would fit on the other surely would as well.
I'm not saying don't buy a Suburban. I'm actually all for a Suburban. I am just saying not to buy one of the first two you see.
If you really want a 6.2 in a Suburban, but a Suburban with a 6.2 in it. I really think you should limit your search to a 1991 V2500 with a 6.2.
The 3/4 ton will come factory with a 14 bolt (albeit a semi floater, not a full floater). A 1987-1990 3/4 ton will come with a TH400, which while strong, limits you to a poor first gear (for offload purposes) and no overdrive with poor fuel economy. A 1991 V2500 is the only year of the 1973-'87('91) body style to use the 4L80E, which is just a TH400 with overdrive. With it, you can run a deeper rear axle gear to make up for the poor first gear of a 4L80E, because you won't rev it so tight with the overdrive.
A 1991 will also use an NP241 transfer case, which is a good transfer case, and also very easy to convert to a fixed rear yoke. 1989 (mechanical speedometer) and 1990 (electronic speedometer, same as 1991) also use the NP241.
All 1981-1988 Suburbans use an NP208 transfer case, which isn't bad, but isn't as good as an NP241, and is more complicated to install a fixed yoke on the rear of.
Martin
If you really want a 6.2 in a Suburban, but a Suburban with a 6.2 in it. I really think you should limit your search to a 1991 V2500 with a 6.2.
The 3/4 ton will come factory with a 14 bolt (albeit a semi floater, not a full floater). A 1987-1990 3/4 ton will come with a TH400, which while strong, limits you to a poor first gear (for offload purposes) and no overdrive with poor fuel economy. A 1991 V2500 is the only year of the 1973-'87('91) body style to use the 4L80E, which is just a TH400 with overdrive. With it, you can run a deeper rear axle gear to make up for the poor first gear of a 4L80E, because you won't rev it so tight with the overdrive.
A 1991 will also use an NP241 transfer case, which is a good transfer case, and also very easy to convert to a fixed rear yoke. 1989 (mechanical speedometer) and 1990 (electronic speedometer, same as 1991) also use the NP241.
All 1981-1988 Suburbans use an NP208 transfer case, which isn't bad, but isn't as good as an NP241, and is more complicated to install a fixed yoke on the rear of.
Martin
blowedupmotor87
1/2 ton status
LOL! I bought it to wheel it, wife said I couldn't have two trucks anymore so…
The only bad damage (knock on wood) is to the bed sides which can be replaced separately from the bed anyway, it's just some spot welds, not a terribly expensive thing. I'll probably just keep them the way they are (well, likely worsening) until it's time to sell/trade and then fix them before. Or, I may just end up going tube bed years down the road, who knows?
I quoted the wrong post on the last page by accident. I went and fixed that post.
Back to the Burbs.............
A Suburban like this is what I was talking about.
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=310215
Martin
blowedupmotor87
1/2 ton status
Back to the Burbs.............
LOL! OP asked:
"I have looked at a jeep Cherokee, ford expedition (1st gen), 2013 tacoma, 74 scout , Bronco (full size) and a Willy’s wagon.
If anyone has any other rigs that I should consider let’s throw them out. I am looking for something that has room for 4 for a long haul and some light trails."
Just was giving another option!
But yeah, ended up being a heck of an unintentional Hi-jack, sorry OP!!!
Anyways, I agree, back to Burbs! I still miss my square body GM!!!
Okay, so, am I the only one who thinks a Cummins swap into a 73-91 Burb would be a sweet way to go for an expedition rig??? Maybe an overall build like this one off ORD's website (pic was a testimonial as to bumper strength after encountering a herd of elk, the pic is post herd, I remember drooling over this burn back when I bought my K5's front bumper from ORD) The specs on the rig are on their page (it's an Alaskan Burb!):
OR Diesel Power magazines Project Doomsday!
Last edited:
email sent cojeeper
79rustyk10
3/4 ton status
A 90s bronco might not be a bad choice. Rear seat area is a little lacking, but they're pretty capable stock, very reliable, simple once you get used to the ford aspect, and at least around here, they're somewhat cheap. Plus there's a huge aftermarket for them.
blowedupmotor87
1/2 ton status
Around here, K5's have leapt a bit in value (wish they would have been this high when I sold mine!), but Broncos have stayed about the same as before. So, with a comparable K5 and Bronco, the Bronco will be about 2/3 the price!
With a ****ty front axle.
Martin
Martin
blowedupmotor87
1/2 ton status
Depends on what your using the rig for, go fast desert types love TTB for 4x4 rigs. But yeah, I agree. BUT, the pricing difference I was quoting was for comparable K5 and Bronco, I was actually meaning to say even for solid axle swapped Broncos- typically about 2/3 the price of a comparable K5 around here. One of my buddies has been rig shopping (trying to find his next 4x4) and I have been looking around trying to help him, so I have been seeing a LOT of the current pricing!
79rustyk10
3/4 ton status
Yes. I cannot argue there.
However, You also have something that is possibly much newer, if an auto it's electronically controlled with OD from the factory. An axle swap was already brought up, putting a 44 in one isn't too hard from what I've looked up. I do believe that requires a four inch or so lift, IIRC.
blowedupmotor87
1/2 ton status
It is about 4" lift needed to clear the TTB crossmember. (though I wonder if making a custom crossmember would allow lower lift?) Also, have to buy or make a track bar mount and track bar. Just researched some, looks pretty easy to do.
The four door broncos are pretty awesome. I would be looking four doors with kids and what not on a trip like that. I know they are not easy to find, but they do pop up once in a while.
black dawg
1/2 ton status
the coil sprung ttb stuff isnt bad, actually none of it is as bad as it is made out to be, and besides, everything needs a 60 anyway.
blowedupmotor87
1/2 ton status
Centurion Conversions. The best are the ones based off F-350 diesels!!! There was one for sale near my house a few years ago, I was drooling over it big time!!!!
Truth!!!
Hearing a lot of good stuff and more to think about. Still leaning toward a Suburban, and with all the feed back / suggestions, I think I know what I should look for. As this will be built out over the next year the plan is to find a 2500 that isn’t too warn out. Engine, trans, and transfer case will get the immediate attention along with the breaks. Not going to do the diesel swap as it doesn’t sound like I gain much. After that 60 on the front with a lift and tires.. possibly 33?? Not sure what will look the best. that I should be a good start, until I find something else to add into the mix like a roof rack, custom bumpers… J
Good thing is I sold the plow truck and have a few more $$$ to throw at this. J
Good thing is I sold the plow truck and have a few more $$$ to throw at this. J
