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Buying a Suburban and need some opinions(UPDATE-BOUGHT ONE)

WJACKSON11X

WJACKSON11X

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Location
Madison,GA
I'm going to be parting out out my Jimmy 1ton trail rig and going to buy a suburban and build a mild trail rig. I've been eyeing this suburban for years. It sits on a friend of mines property which is also my hunting land. It's an 1988 2500 with a very straight body and no rust(other than the surface rust on the hood and top). My plans will be to convert it to four wheel drive using parts out of my Jimmy. It has a 454 with TH400. I'm going to offer the owner $2500 and my buddy thinks he'll take the offer, which I think is a great deal considering the new 454. I have a newly rebuilt NP205(th350), NP208, 8 lug completely rebuilt 10bolt with flattop knuckles and evertyhing for crossover steering. Need opinions on which transfercase to use and what parts will be needed to convert it to 4wheel drive. Going to use the shackle flip for the rear and Kurt's bumper center with 52's up front. Should I keep the TH400 or try and find a TH350 so I can use the Np205? If I keep the Th400, what will be needed and can I use the 208? It will be mostly street driven and I really want to keep the body straight and not cut it up like I did my Jimmy. It will only be driven occasionally, but I want it done right the first time.

Pros
A brand new rebuilt 454 with an rv cam
Straight body
Clean interior

Cons
2 wheel drive
Bench seat front
No carpet
Cracked windshield
Needs paint

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For me, the paint, bench seat, and no carpet are all pros.

$2500 sounds high judging by the picture and the 2wd aspect.

Also, that engine doesn't look brand new or rebuilt from here.
 
Just looking at it....$2500 seems high. Perhaps by as much as 1K high.

Better question: Why has it been sitting in the field? What's wrong with it?
 
Price is way high. And converting a 2wd to get a body that looks like that isn't worth it.

Cruise your local craigslist. I think you can do better.

Remember though, the 4wd's never came with a 454.
 
I know for a fact that the motor was rebuilt a couple of years ago. The owner was into racing and was going to use the Burb to pull his racecars. Just after the rebuild, he got out of racing and parked it. The body is actually in really good condition except for the paint, which to me is minor. I can have it painted cheap. So, I'm basically buying the motor. I will offer him less and see how that goes. I'm really liking the idea of the 454 although I know converting it to 4 wheel drive will be a little work. As far as I know, the only thing wrong with it is the fuel pump is bad. No big deal there.
 
Thanks for the help guys. I figured the guy probably had around $2000 in the motor rebuild, maybe more. I may just look for a 4 wheel drive locally on craigslist.
 
82355 said:
Have you asked what he would want for it?

Martin
Click to expand...

Not yet. I was more interested in what it would take to make the conversion to 4wheel drive. I've got all of the suspension stuff. Trans and transfercase will be the issue. I have a good 700R4/208 and I also have a 205 from a th350. If I can use what I have, then I don't mind paying $2000 for the Burb.
 
Ya never know, if it's been sitting for awhile and he just wants it gone, he may tell he'd take $800 for it...

I'd ask just to see what he wants, then go from there.
 
Well, a little update. I had my buddy ask the guy what he wanted for the Burb. He said that he wants $2000 for it. I may be willing to pay that since the motor has less than 100 miles on it. I'm going to hold out a little longer and see if he'll take less though. Never hurts to offer less.

The owner says that it is an '89. The sticker on the door says 11/88. I thought all of the 89-91 had the different front clip with 4 headlights? Am I missing something?
 
It makes me more concerned that the engine was never driven.
 
11/88 makes it an '89 model year. Car companies go by fiscal year so the year begins in October. Even to this day. The 2015 models are already for sale.

And even one made before October could be an 89, just depends when they started the production run. It could be June for some manufacturers.
 
Richcz28 said:
It makes me more concerned that the engine was never driven.
Click to expand...

I think if the proper measures are taken, this shouldn't be a problem. I was told by a very reliable source that the motor is good. The guy just decided to not go along with the restoration. We'll just have to get some oil in it before start up along with the obvious filter/fluid changes.

What's up with the single headlights on an '89? Was it a bad model?
 
Probably no power windows or locks either...

If ya really want that thing, offer $1500. If he says no,, walk away..
 
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