Heavy Half 91 Burb build

[MT86K5]

I've never done a build thread before so now that I got a stock worn out Suburban I figure why not so here goes.

I found it on Craigs List in Billings for $400, the ad said timing cover is off, you just need to put it back together. I went and took a look at it and was impressed how straight the body was and no rust to speak of, it was also loaded up from the factory pretty good and had a Grand Prix package or something similar.

Specs: 350 TBI 187,000 miles, 4L60 or 700r4 not sure, NP 241, Tow Package, HD Radiator, 100amp Alternator, 3.73 10 Bolts.

So my main goal for this thing is make it into my camping and camper pulling rig. Not planning on doing any hard core wheeling with it, I have a Toyota for that. Future will be 14 bolt rear and Dana 44 front with 4.10 or 4.56 gears, Built 383 and built up 4L80e and some new paint. On to some PICS.

New to Me

How it sits currently

 

[MT86K5]

So far I've put new 31" tires on it, new shocks, CD player, refinished the wood console (I should have taken some before pics of it) and Ruff Country add a leafs on all 4 corners. Here are some more pics.

I have also ordered the TBI mods from CFM Tech and I picked up a rebuild kit also, I'll report on how it works when its installed.

 

[y5mgisi]

Any more details on the add a leafs? In the rear, did you just do the coil overs, or did you do add a leafs and coil overs?

 

[MT86K5]

The picture is before the add a leafs, but yes I did add a leafs and the coils. I was going to do air bags but for the price of the coil overs I thought I would give them a try. I got the leafs from JC Whitney for around $160 for all of them. Kind of a pain to install, I had to take the whole spring out, heat and bend up the tabs then install the leafs. I'll get better pics this weekend I just had these on my phone.

 

[Burbdood 74]

Looks good. I think I read that ad on CL myself one day. I remember wishing I wasn't a responsible type of guy with bills to pay and trying to figure out how to get it home without the "Finance Comittee" veto-ing it.

On the bright side, if it had come home with me, at least I'd have my choice of 2 broke down Subs to sleep in...

If you need any help with your 'Burb, let me know. I'm not Mr. Goodwrench, but I can do ok.

Dan

 

[MT86K5]

Looks good. I think I read that ad on CL myself one day. I remember wishing I wasn't a responsible type of guy with bills to pay and trying to figure out how to get it home without the "Finance Comittee" veto-ing it.

On the bright side, if it had come home with me, at least I'd have my choice of 2 broke down Subs to sleep in...

If you need any help with your 'Burb, let me know. I'm not Mr. Goodwrench, but I can do ok.

Dan

10:4...Roger that. Man I really could have used you putting the springs in
None of my friends here in Billings are big into turning wrenches so I'm always flying solo on any projects. I'll be giving you a call when its time to put in the axles.

 

[MT86K5]

A little more progress this weekend. Added the 5150's up front and finished my 7 pin trailer plug. I also got some more pics of the interior just to document the changes I'll be making.

First the interior.

Notice the power mirrors, and they work!

Added some extra power outlets.

Suspension shots

 

[MT86K5]

Not the coolest update but it's one none the less. Cut a hole in the bumper and put in the 7 pin trailer plug to keep it safe and out of the way.

 

[TREA18]

Nice work Are the axles soon or is that down the road someday?

 

[MT86K5]

Nice work Are the axles soon or is that down the road someday?

Hopefully with in a year. I find good deals on them all the time on Craigs List.

 

[MT86K5]

Well, I tried to adjust my tie rod tonight after finding out I had some major toe out going on (that explains my wondering issue). It was a 1/4 inch out in the front and from what I've read it should be 1/4 in in the front. For the life of me, I couldn't get the adjuster sleeve to budge. I soaked it in PB blaster, heated it and took a pipe wrench with a breaker bar to it but it was getting to the point where I didn't want to bend or break anything. Any suggestions to save me a $70 alignment or should I just take it in.

 

[MT86K5]

Got the tie rod adjusted last night. Drives alot straighter now. If anyone is wondering how I freed it up, I soaked it in PB overnight and the next day I hammered in a small chisel to spread the adjuster sleeve just enough to break the rust loose from the threads, it worked great and turned easy after that.

 

[MT86K5]

Found a 14 bolt ff and dana 44 with 4:10 gears for $250. Talked to they guy this morning and he said he would hold it for me to come pick up in 2 weeks. Its out of an 80 chevy 3/4 ton, that should just bolt in right?

 

[Burbdood 74]

You lucky sonuva............

 

[79rustyk10]

Found a 14 bolt ff and dana 44 with 4:10 gears for $250. Talked to they guy this morning and he said he would hold it for me to come pick up in 2 weeks. Its out of an 80 chevy 3/4 ton, that should just bolt in right?

Yes, will bolt right in.

 

[y5mgisi]

Nice! Yea it will all bolt right in.

 

[kd7kmp]

They'll bolt right up, but the parking brake will not. I just went through a small fiasco with adapting the parking brake cables on my '90 burb to a 1979 3/4 ton axle. I finally got it all working and together last night.

Kevin

 

[MT86K5]

Cool, that's what I thought. Now a new issue I get to deal with tonight. Last night I rebuilt my throttle body and did the ultimate tbi mods. What a difference that made, like a 30 horse gain and much better throttle response. But, I think I need to adjust my TV cable, it wouldn't shift out of first unless you really got on it. I've researched it today and it don't look too bad but is there any tips or tricks you guys know.

 

[Burbdood 74]

How bad was rebuilding the TBI unit? I suspect that I need to do this and I'm hoping it isn't going to cause me any more grey hairs.

 

[MT86K5]

It was actually extremely easy. I did it in about 3 hours but I also grinded down the butterfly shafts or whatever there called and grinded down the lips around the throttle bores plus I had a 3 year old to chase after every 5 minuets. But it was all well worth it, runs sooo much better now, and again, it was like gaining 30 horse. I got a kit from Oreilly's for $24 but make sure you get about 5 cans of carb cleaner.