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Duramax Suburban - IFS Rebuild

dhcomp

dhcomp

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So....I can't contain my excitement any longer.

After recently losing an auction for a Dmax suburban, I have put a deposit down on a custom build.

I love my 91 as my primary truck, but need something a bit newer that requires less maintenance. I live at elevation now, and the 350 just doesn't cut it for towing anymore.

Travis at California Salvage Kings has been looking for a clean title rig to build, and found me one this weekend.

Going to keep quiet about $ details until it is done, but he is picking up the truck this week to begin the swap. Should be done in 3-5 weeks.

2003 Suburban, 2500, 4x4, White/Grey, LT, liftgate
Truck is loaded, but is missing the sunroof and has second row bucket seats.

I HATE second row buckets, but am having him look for a bench to swap. Not a deal breaker. I rarely have the 3rd seat in my truck, and like being able to have 5 seats.

Heart donor will be a 2007 LBZ, and the swap will consist of lbz, 6spd allison, transfer case, rear end, gauge cluster.

Plan is to keep it stock ish, probably run 285 BFG's when it needs tires, and run the large tow mirrors.

So, other than them being badass, I know nothing about these LBZ motors.

What are my best forums for diesel info?

Thanks guys! I'll keep you updated!
 
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Russell said:
I can't wait for pics!! I'd love to build one of these but can't quite justify the cost.
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Haha, really? I figure you've spent way more on your 2 door.

Love your rig.

I could have gotten by with a 8.1 or 6.0L burb for a lot cheaper, but most are high mileage. The truck itself will still be higher mileage, but the motor/trans will have less mileage on it.

I plan to keep this combo long enough to easily make up the purchase price difference in fuel savings.
 
Did you buy a diesel chassis? Or is it a bar'd swap? Just wondering how you're getting around the smog nazis.

Regardless, can't wait to see it.
 
It will be on the burb chassis.

Plan is to smog it before swap, so that it at least gets properly registered right away.

From there, I'll have to fight through the referee process to get it smogged. No one can give me a definitive answer, but keeping my fingers crossed i get a fair ref. As long as all the emissions components from the LBZ are installed, it shouldn't be too bad to get it ref'd.

We shall see.
 
I was asking if you bought a diesel burb chassis, that would get you around the smog nazis. I'm not familiar with the LBZ swap legalities into a gas chassis however if you've done the research and it's an option you just have to go through the process.

The diesel will be nice up there.
 
What color interior? We have a 04 Suburban LT with a second row bench and might want to trade for buckets. Our's in the tan leather.
 
:sign6:

You are building quite the badass combo right there! Definitely sub'ed for updates! [emoji14]opcorn:
 
skunked said:
I was asking if you bought a diesel burb chassis, that would get you around the smog nazis. I'm not familiar with the LBZ swap legalities into a gas chassis however if you've done the research and it's an option you just have to go through the process.

The diesel will be nice up there.
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There's no such thing as a diesel burb chassis in that body style. The only way to get the chassis would be to buy a diesel truck chassis and body swap.
 
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http://boise.craigslist.org/ctd/5117688148.html

I've been finding a few around here. not mine and not affiliated...there have been a few nicer ones but this is the only one currently listed. there was one with less than 100K on the donor and the HD front clip from the donor, but that listing expired. also a white one in North Dakota was listed recently...
 
Congrats on the truck. How are you going to deal with swapping/emissions for CA? I'm sure they aren't going to make it easy.....
 
jeff in co said:
Congrats on the truck. How are you going to deal with swapping/emissions for CA? I'm sure they aren't going to make it easy.....
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he'll need to go through the process of getting it approved through the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. They have certain guidelines you must follow and once he's gone through the process the chassis will be stamped as an approved swap. I've done a couple Honda twin cam vtec swaps and had them BAR'd.
 
Yep, that black one is all over Craigslist. Salvage title though, makes his price way high

There are one or 2 more mod'd salvage ones in Idaho.

CSK really builds them at the best value though. I'm stoked.
 
hidesertwheelin said:
What color interior? We have a 04 Suburban LT with a second row bench and might want to trade for buckets. Our's in the tan leather.
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I think its the grey, not tan, but not sure.

Definitely will be in touch to discuss when I get it. Would totally be down for a trade.
 
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