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I finally have a my own Suburban!

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DarkandShiny

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Joined
Jun 26, 2012
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Location
Utah
I have been reading about the awesome projects the different members of this forum have created for over a year now. Well today (well yesterday) I joined the ranks. Behold my new 1989 3/4 ton Chevy Suburban!

I found it on craigslist in Hesperia California (aka the desert) while I was working in Los Angeles. Instead of flying home I decided to rent a car and drive to Hesperia to take a look. If I liked it I would just drive it home. I did just that - 600 miles without a problem!

The truck's exterior is in amazing shape. No rust, well I haven't found any yet - and the exact model I was looking for.

I will be posting lots of questions in the Garage section as the build progresses and eventually I will put up a 'build' in the Driveway section as I complete different tasks. The rig will essentially be "The Truck that CK5 Built" as I won't do anything without consulting with the experts here on this site.


Thanks,

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No barn doors! :woot:


My dads old burb had a tail gate, and was the first rig I drove, so Ive always had a softspot over barn doors.
 
Nice! The license plate even says GRRR. :haha:

Now hurry up and remove those running boards!

jealous of your rear tinted window.
 
Looks like a great find!

Nice ride DarkandShiny!!
Curious to see what you do with your new toy....
 
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welcome to the CK5 SubCluture, nice rig man! looks pretty clean, i'm guessing that's hard to find in your area.
 
welcome to the CK5 SubCluture, nice rig man! looks pretty clean, i'm guessing that's hard to find in your area.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the welcome everybody. My truck is up in the air now and these are the things I am replacing

  • Upper and Lower ball joints
  • wheel bearings (repacking them)
  • sway bar bushings
  • serpentine belt (heavily cracked)

There was also nearly zero transmission fluid so I'll have to keep an eye out for leaks - I don't see any sign of one. I do have some oil leaks but I was about 4 quarts MORE than I should have. I'll change the oil and put the appropriate amount in and keep an eye out. I might have a valve cover gasket leak and an oil pan casket leak.

I'm also changing the rear diff fluid as it is low and dirty. As soon as I know what the gears are in it I'll figure out what to do with my rear axle.

I did a compression test
  • Cylinder 1 = 115
  • Cylinder 2 = 104
  • Cylinder 3 = 85
  • Cylinder 4 = 110
  • Cylinder 5 = 110
  • Cylinder 6 = 100
  • Cylinder 7 = 110
  • Cylinder 8 = 115

Any thoughts? my engine looks tired to me. Plus I think I've only got a 3 speed transmission. Looks like I'm headed for an engine and trans swap.
 
I'd bet putting some ATF in cyl 3 and running it could create a little more pressure. That engine might be tired a little but will probably run for quite a while yet! I'd swap for a better tranny and save for engine work later.
 
That is a nice looking Sub for sure! Can't wait to see pics sans the running boards.

As for the motor, other than Cyl 3 you are probably good for a while like JPOutfitters said. I'd do a leak down test (or at least put some oil in the cyl and check compression again) to see just where the loss of compression is coming from.

How'd the plug look for number 3?
 
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