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Help with my "new" 89 Suburban? Lift/gear/capabilities??

A

airspeed247

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Hello to all, I am the proud owner of a 89 4x4 1/2 ton suburban and while I'm mechanically inclined my knowledge is somewhat new to the 4x4 spectrum. (spent more time under cars)

I picked this suburban up and it was said to have a 6" lift. For sure has 4" blocks in the back but not really sure if its a 4" or 6" lift. I do know there are no helper springs in the back and the springs tehmselves look a little flat in the back. Front has new springs and an extended steering rod? But unsure if the springs are 6" lift springs or if they are 4"? Truck is on 35's for reference.

484582_107018589443807_1337167942_n.jpg


Also, I am wanting this rig for some every day driving and offroad use, is that very practical with the size of this. My secondary option was picking up a wrangler and using this to tow it and have as a recovery vehicle but if it's offroad capabilities are there then I'd rather invest in one instead of two.

Last question: Rear axles was said to have a 4.10 with detriot locker and the front has 3.73's correct me if I'm wrong but I need to put 4.10's up front for offroad use pretty much immediatly due to the rear gears pushing faster then the front gears correct?

Thanks for the help upfront. :waytogo:
 
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You will never make the wooded jeep trails in the burb and the wheelbase may keep you out of some areas but it is a great adventure vehicle for sure. Yes, you will need to re-gear the front axle to match the rear. While you are there, just go to 4.56's to more properly match the tire size and switch the rears to the same, the truck will drive much better. Have fun, these are great rigs.
 
I appreciate the advice. I was hoping to not have to regear the rear also but if it'll work better I may have to. Will those gears work with 37's also? Trying to figure out what setup I can do without stressing everything out and having to pour money in all directions at once.

Sidenote: Has a rebuilt carburated 350 and automatic 700r4
 
In truth, I think 37's may be taxing the limits of the 10 bolt axles , even yours with the updated 30 splined shafts, especially in a Heavy vehicle like this. If you plan to do some off-roading and want to go bigger than 35's then save the gear money and step to a Dana 60/14 bolt combination.
 
I think 35s tax any full size vehicle with 1/2 running gear, just expedites the wear if you wheel with it. I'd agree to just fine some 3/4 ton axles, then you just swap, instead of changing out the gears, because with that 700r4, 35s or larger you really need 4.10s or lower.

Dunno what it's like where you live, but it's easier/cheaper here to buy a parts truck for $500, grab your running gear, anything else you may want, and scrap the rest for 2-3 hundred.
 
^ so if I stick with just tossing in the 4.10 up front and stay in 35's it'll be a start correct? Until I can upgrade?


Any inputs on what size lift? I know it's a pro comp.
 
I am running 35's with 4.56:1 gears and a 700r4 behind a TBI 5.7. Wish I had gone 4.88:1. Hunts for overdrive at 65 mph.
 
What are the ten bolt axles in it already called? I know the 14 bolt setup was mentioned to be called the Dana 60/44 so what are these called?
 
10 bolts are called corporate 10 bolts and are used front and rear, 14 bolts are corporate 14 bolts used only in the rear, there are semi floater (9.5" ring gear) and full floater (10.5 ring gear) versions. the Dana axles are dana 44 (front), dana 60(front), etc. The 14 bolt is not a 44/60. The front axles that bolt into our square bodied trucks are either 10 bolt front (6 or 8 lug), dana 44 front (6 or 8 lug), or dana 60 front(8 lug 1 ton only). Hope that makes sense.
 
I appreciate it. I meant Dana 60/ 14 bolt not 44. The axles on the truck have just been rebuilt with new seals and internals. Anything I can do to beef these axles up without having to do full swap immediately when I swap the front gear to 4.10?

Also any ideas on what lift the truck has?

Thanks
 
Heres a better picture of the leafs themselves:

Iphone14033.jpg






It also has this steering bracket that was added for the lift. Works really well actually. Very little slop. I'm too newb to know what its called though:


Iphone14016.jpg
 
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