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If money were no object

I like the idea of the older body style. It sounds like you are really just looking for a frame/tub, and everything else would be new so I'm not sure why reliability would be an issue. With your budget I would consider a GM Performance crate LS engine, possibly the E-rod.
 
Any way you go is great but keep in mind that coat of labor is going to be BIG BIG with custom work!!! Labor will be about half of your cost do LOTS LOTS of research before you jump. The best plan for break down is good comunication let someone know were you are going and when you are going to be home so if something goes wrong you won't be stranded to long. and know how to get out of prombles and lean what your rig can and can't do. so do lots of research with what you want and can afford.but I think you would be better off going with a new rig and doing a SAS.
 
Save yourself the headache of restoring an older truck just so you can have something to take offroad on occasion and buy yourself a newer burb. Follow Rob_H's build with the radius arm setup and have a truck you enjoy to drive more place than on the trail and that your wife wont be embarrassed in. Something with modern safety features, modern powertrain and modern styling. Spend your money on fab work instead of body work. Start with one that already has a 6.0 in it, have it build to make the power you desire. Take me out for a nice dinner for suggesting it when you're done.

Here's his build.

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279164
 
Just buy somebodys already completed rig from here or something. Pretty nice rigs go up for sale quite often that already have the work done for you, or that may just need the finishing touches. I dont really know what kind of off roading you are talking but im guessing 2 track type situations instead of mud and rocks and sand. You most lukely dont need that built to the moon rig, but if you want it go for it!:thumb:
 
A used Tahoe XL or sub say 02-03 would be a great starting point. I would do solid axle swap with some nice coil overs and 4 link. That would give you the road manors you want. I would drop it off somewhere and have it done in about a month if money was no object. But whats the fun in that. :whistle::whistle: It sounds like you want something to do everything including daily driving. So keep it mild say 37" tires. Be careful this stuff is addicting, soon your thoughts will change. Its crazy one day you are driving a lifted k5, the next you have a 3/4 ton modified turbo diesel, and a trailer to tow your rig wherever.
 
I'm with Jess, if you are going to drop some coin, don't start with older, not even 90s older, go something relatively knew, early 2000s or even something just out of warranty, and drop it off at a reputable shop for a solid axle swap and custom suspension. You'll be much better off for comfort and daily driving.
 
I am going to change my thinking here. If it was me I would look for a Suburban that was even newer than what has been suggested. I would look for a burb that was as new as say 2004 or so. Contact the folks at Off Road Design about their solid axle kit and go from there. My reasoning for this is because it would be easier to find a Burb in nice condition, less miles, less nickle and dime stuff to go wrong. Due to everything being newer, better condition, less use, and the like.

No matter what your decission is my first call would be to Off Road Design to get their opinion. All of us enjoy solid axle rigs here but, they are the experts. Off Road Design makes a living at this kind of thing.

I guess I should have read more of the thread. The folks who posted just above me have already covered this.

LT.
 
Wow, thanks for the responses everybody. Keep'em coming.

I was up into the wee hours of the morning last night looking at suburbans between the years 2003-07. I'm only looking for 3/4 ton trucks as I'm assuming is has a more stout frame. Please correct me if I am wrong on this point as the price difference between the 1500 and 2500 is significant.

I think it might clarify a couple of points. The purpose of building a capable off road suburban isn't to "see what it can do" - I will never take it on the several obstacles I've seen in Moab (like the hot tub) that guys run their trucks into just to see if they can get over, out of, or through them. I'm on my third off road truck in a year (a 2001 Range Rover, and two Land Cruisers) each more capable than the last. Every time we've 'upgraded' and increased the capability of our 'adventure vehicle' we've had more fun and been able to explore more places.
Also I've found that outstanding equipment can sometimes compensate for lack of driving skill :whistle: - Off-road driving skills and techniques are still something I'm learning.

To summarize, it seems the consensus is to go with a newish truck and swap out the front suspension with a solid axle - a dana 60 seems universally liked. Coil over front suspension from a place like ORD or similar. I'm less sure on the rear suspension.

I've also received many PM's with things like "put a 8 inch lift and make it a monster". While I appreciate the enthusiasm, I find it more useful speak in terms of increased wheel articulation. I really would like some 37 inch tires (maybe larger?) however, as I feel I can still get good highway performance out a tire that size, but also make going over obstacles easier. In order to do that a lift is certainly going to happen, but I'd prefer to stay away from excessive height - I want enough to get some larger tires and have room for an awesome suspension.

I've also received several suggestions as to garages where I can have the work done. You all correctly assumed I'm not capable of building something like this myself - I can however divest your 1032b fund from commodity based derivatives using futures supplanted REITs while harvesting tax losses from foreign currency credit swaps. :waytogo:
Any other shops I should consider?
 
Looks up ultimate adventure z71 if you are thinking about doing a newer burb

I think the 3/4 ton is the right choice, I believe they got leaf springs instead of coils and the crappy 4 link in the back

Although is the frames are similar I'd consider the price difference and what it would cost for someone to do the rear suspension
 
3/4 ton also has the bigger motor and heavier duty trans available.
 
Regearing will get to close to stock performance or better on the highway. You must first pick your tire to pick the right gear ratio. It doesn't hurt anything but your pocket book if you get a deeper gear.
 
The start point when you are talking about this level of mods is almost a moot point IMHO.

Everything is going to get changed, so start with whatever your favorite looking body is.

There are going to advantages and disadvantages to starting with different years.
 
I agree with that ^. You wanted an older body style, don't let anyone talk you out of that. There is nothing wrong with a 1991 V2500 Suburban. Just find a loaded, lower mile, Silverado trim.

Martin
 
I agree find the start first if you want a square body find a rust free one fully optioned then go from there.

91 is probably your best year new enough not to be worn out but still a square body.

ORD makes a really nice coil over set up would be a good shop to send the rig to, to get built right. I would send it there if money were no object :bow:

(and I have a pretty built burb)

Buy one here send it to them drive it a Blazer Bash :woot:
 
Don't let them talk you into the older body style. :D:haha:, if its a DD rig you'll be much happier with a new body to start with, because the rest will get changed so the IFS doesn't matter anyway and the newer stuff is quieter and more comfortable. They are assuming you are doing more mods than you are. :thumb:

(sorry I couldn't resist, I just thought it was funny). Get whatever body you want. :waytogo:

I actually like the older body style because it looks good and I'm willing to put it up with the wind noie and such even though it has all new seals. But I wouldn't want to DD it.
 
Code: 
Please read through this.


http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthr...hlight=Thunder

Holy cow that is an awesome Burban. I'd like something very similar, perhaps not quite as tall. I'm only on page 6 of 110 so I'm excited to see what I can learn.

I am exploring the 2000-07 body style Suburban deeply. I'm concerned however because I can't seem to find an established SAS kit. Anybody know of one?
 
DarkandShiny said:
Code: 
Please read through this.


http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthr...hlight=Thunder

Holy cow that is an awesome Burban. I'd like something very similar, perhaps not quite as tall. I'm only on page 6 of 110 so I'm excited to see what I can learn.

I am exploring the 2000-07 body style Suburban deeply. I'm concerned however because I can't seem to find an established SAS kit. Anybody know of one?
Click to expand...

Change your settings to 100 Posts per page. Works a bunch better. You can do that in the User CP.
 
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