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.

Difference between suburban 1/2 & 3/4 ton?

Mav2u

Mav2u

1/2 ton status
Joined
May 22, 2002
Posts
346
Reaction score
1
Location
Palm Bay, Florida
What is the real difference between them? 1/2 ton has the 12 bolt rear an the 3/4 Ton has the 14 bolt SF?

Is that the only difference? Ive been thinking of getting one as my next vehicle but I would like the 3/4 ton for towing purposes. I can easily swap in a 14 bolt if that is the only difference!

I'm looking for a 1991 with the 4l80e so I get the OD tranny also!

I'm many months out but I like to do my homework before I start looking! My dream is a driveway full of square bodies!

I want to add to my 89 GMC Jimmy an have the following!!
1. 89-91 v30 pickup 4x4 ( Love these trucks, 4 doors are great! )
2. 91 3/4 Suburban 2x4 or 4x4
3. 82 - 87 pickup 4x4
 
Some got 14ffs and auto equipped would get the heavier auto. Bigger brakes and I would guess heavier frame.
 
I would install a 14 bolt sf or FF if I needed to to make it a heavier duty towing truck! I have a 20 foot car hauler.

I'm curious if the frame was different or if the rear end was the only real change that was made? As I assume they all came with the 4l80e in 1991 regardless of the model?!
 
yep and I have a good example on mpg. My dad had a 3.73 sub with a 350 and a 4l60 and got 15ish and it down shifted looking at hills. My friend had a 454, 4l80, 4.10s and it got 14s and never down shifted. I would own a 3/4 (and a bbc) many times more than a 1/2 ton.
 
dremu said:
Just to add that the big block only came in 2WD 3/4's.

-- A
Click to expand...

Man that stinks!! Nothing would be more fun than a 454 4x4 suburban with a 4l80e!!

I wonder if the did any diesels in 91 or not? Wonder how good they were at towing?
 
i purchased a 78 2wd burb 1 time just for the motor.

454/th400 deep pan / 12 bolt and loaded options for 78 .

had 5 lug suspension but 10k trailer towing package .

also 4l80e 91 only first year.

and 4l60-e 93 first year older were 700r4 or 4l60 .

e = electric controls in valve body.
 
Ya my buddies was a 96 3/4 ton. On a side note they fall in pretty easy. I bought a 89 3/4 ton 454 sub for $500. We parted it out after saving the 454 and came out 100 ahead.
 
Mav2u said:
Man that stinks!! Nothing would be more fun than a 454 4x4 suburban with a 4l80e!!

I wonder if the did any diesels in 91 or not? Wonder how good they were at towing?
Click to expand...

The 6.2 was available in '91, though I don't know what tranny it had behind it.

My only experience with the 6.2 was with 3.08:1 gears, which ... yeah, towing, no. :haha:

-- A
 
my '91 Suburban, a GMC 6.2L, 3/4 ton 4x4 has the 4L80e trans with 3.73 rear end gears. it pulls stuff pretty much the same as a 350 would
 
Last edited:
my 90 (3/4 ton) came with: 6.2l diesel, th400, 3:73 gears...:thumb:

I love it other than the hiway mileage...that's why I be prepping a 700r4 transplant...
 
Mav2u said:
What kind of mileage you get going down the road with a diesel?
Click to expand...
I don't have an actual figure, all I go by is the gauge..to Church & back at 65 moves the needle pretty good...about 25-30 miles round trip.

I've only had it about 5 or 6 weeks. Around town it hardly moves at all...a 1/2 tank last a good 4 weeks.

Remember, the th400 is a non overdrive, heavy duty tranny. It eats a lot of power just turning ...

I'm expecting close to 20 mpg with the 700r4 swap and 3.73's...:whistle:
 
i'll have to get back to ya on the hwy mileage. i've only had it a little while, and it had a bad TPS on it for a while (which disables OD). i've had a note pad to record gallons along with the starting miles (my goal was to see what the mileage over several weeks would be) but i forgot to record the gallons last time i filled up, so i have to start over:doah:
 
I'm curious how much a difference the two trans make in the mileage! I'm looking to have the burn I buy do some mild towing an daily driving also! I've heard people claim 20 mpg but I don't know if they are talking out the butt or if that is really possible!!

Look forward to both of your comments on the diesel mpg!!
 
i'm curious also. i've also heard the 20 mpg figure, but we'll see.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom