What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Alaska Build

I wouldn't be concerned at all about running a 10bolt front end under a suburban with 33" tires.

Personally, I would run 2-4" of lift, the stock drivetrain (with the SYE), running gear and some 33" tires. Simple, cheap, and it will get around fairly good. If your not planning on big tires or rock crawling, that setup will be great. If you put too big of tires on it, then you have to re-gear or it will be gutless.

As mentioned, the rear ends in the later burbs are semi-floating 14b (which is an ok axle). Why put in a D60 front :dunno:
 
You can buy a 1991 Suburban with a 6.2 diesel in it from the factory.......

Martin
 
For what the OP is describing, 4 people, long haul. There's nothing else I would rather be in than a Suburban. You need room for STUFF. So don't forget a nice roof rack.

I think any suburban would be a good start. If you want a sm465, 700r4, th400, 4l80e, a 6.2, 6.5, 400, 454. They're all fine choices. But what I believe is most important, get a factory 3/4 ton. From what you're describing, you won't be doing crazy stuff, so full floater or not, you'll be fine. Now, the main benefit with the 14bff axle, if you're out in the middle of no where, and an axle bites the dust, you can still drive, can't do that in a semi-floater. But like you said, you won't be doing crazy stuff.

I'm all for the 6.2/6.5. Great gas milage, like someone said, you're out on the trails, you barely use any fuel, at all. Everyone says they wouldn't tow with one :dunno: I wouldn't tow cross country with one, but I wouldn't hesitate at all for an hour or even couple hour trip, especially with 4:10 or 4:56 gears. But I believe OP said his 'towing' will be back at home, when he'll be towing a willies or something to go out and play, so probably somewhat local. This big trip there will be no towing.

I 2nd finding a diesel 3/4 suburban. Why do all that work, spend all that money. Spend some time finding one. Save the time/money for other things. You don't need uber expensive parts, you need a stock 3/4 ton suburban for what you're wanting to do, these stock rigs can do A LOT. So some slightly bigger meats and perhaps a tiny bit of lift and you'll do just fine, if you don't mind trimming fenders, don't even need a lift, it doesn't help anything anyway, and ya just saved a couple hundred to a grand.
 
no worries as it is sold already. one day and it was gone.
I have the auto switch 4WD in my truck. seems to be okay, however I do not take it on the trails to much
 
seems the 2500's go pretty quick. that is why I thought of picking up a 1500 and swapping parts. not in a big hurry but would like to start things rolling soon before the wife talks me into a new kitchen. :-)
 
Took a drive up the mountain to look at another 87 2500 suburban Silverado. Body looked good and the engine sounded strong. Was a bit low on oil. They said they have to add oil to it occasionally. Body looked good except for a dent in the passenger side door that happened when there kid got off the 4 wheeler and let it rolled into it. That knocked off a little on the price.

Stopped by a guys house who lives up the road. He has a 91 2500 sitting next to his shop. The two side rear windows are gone, left side barn door is bent in, but the frame is okay. Dash is tore out. Basically it is rough. he was going to take the engine, trans, and transfer case out and put in a buggy he was building. He wants them to go together. The buggy has a 14 full float and a 2500 front end, so that’s the Danna 44 and has worn 36’s on it. Didn’t look to see the brand as I was not interested in going that big. The burb has the stock front end and the semi floating rear. I think he said they were geared 3.36? he also has a 4l80e laying around that he said needs a rebuild on..

So anyway.. still searching around. Might need to write a program to scrape Craig’s list every day. J

Did the eighth generation 1500’s have the same front end as the 2500’s just with more springs in the 2500?
 
I have no idea what generation is what, but ALL 1973-1991 Suburbans have the same front axle (either a Dana 44 early, or a GM ten bolt late). The only difference is that the 3/4 tons are 8 lugs. There are either two or three leaf springs on the front. Doesn't matter if they are half or three quarter ton, depends on different options.

Do you have any pictures if what you looked at?

Martin
 
this s the 87 I made an offer on. however they have to find the title.

87.jpg

87a.jpg

I don't have pics of the 91. it is real rough. missing the rear side windows, dash has been removed. tires are trash. that one will be a big project as someone had already started tearing it down. he was taking the running gear from the suburban and putting it into a rock buggy. he wants to sell them together.

87.jpg

87a.jpg
 
I know I sound like I am in a hurry but I am not. Just trying to figure out the best way to go. It seems I can find 1500 4wd all day long…the 2500 are a little harder to come by. I am trying to keep the base truck around 2k an build from there. Might have to bring that price up a little.
I know of another 1500 4wd that I can prob get for around $1500-$1800. 4” lift and a rebuilt engine. I am not sure what kind of mess I might get myself into with swapping out lots of suspension parts nor am I sure what I really need to swap out.

I appreciate everyone’s thoughts on my questions… guess it is like drinking from a fire hose at this point. J

Spent the day working on the Willy’s to clear my head.
 
For what you are looking to do, I would almost exclusively look at 1991 V2500 Suburbans, but you are right, 3/4 tons are much more rare than the 1/2 tons.

Martin
 
CoJeeper said:
this s the 87 I made an offer on. however they have to find the title.

attachment.php
Click to expand...


As Martin said that is NOT an 1987 grille it looks like a 89 to 91. They may have changed it. If you buy it be sure to check the vin and if you feel hinkey ask the local PD to check the truck vin.
 
right now I am waiting for them to produce the title. told them to call when they have it. so my search goes on. the guy I bought the plow truck I just sold has a 91 that is in rough shape. he was going to pull the engine and trans for the rock crawling buggy he was building. wants to sell both. don't need the rock crawler. but it does have the 14bff and 44 front end. think he said it was the 4:10 also has 36's on it ... don't need anything that big.

search continues.
 
If 1500s are easy to come by, find a good one with the best body you can. Then find some axles for it. I think we're all saying a 91 V2500 because it pretty much comes with everything you'd want in a rig.

I don't remember, your views on the later model suburbans? I'd rock one of those too, IFS or not. More modern/comfortable for a cross country family haul. The IFS is just fine if you're going to just bump along some light trails.
 
I am a little concerned with all the glass in the back bed area. figure a little more sheet metal back there will be better.
 
Are you saying you would rather a truck with sheet metal panels vs. windows?
 
No. on the later burbs there is more glass on the rear side back portion. with the earlier burbs there is substantial sheet metal on the rear sides panels. figure less glass less money to replace if things get broke.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom