My New Purchase

[chubbynova]

Well after a long time of not having a project vehicle, I finally convinced my wife to let me get another toy. I wanted another blazer but after considering my future use for the vehicle, I felt a suburban would suit our needs better. I am hoping to turn this project vehicle into a long distance camping vehicle that will carry me, my wife, and our two large dogs while pulling a small trailer with our camping stuff. I wanted a 87-91 fuel intected 4x4 but when I saw this diesel suburban on ebay I thought it might work. I went and checked it out, fairly clean interior, very little rust, and drove straight down the highway. I never thought I would get it for as cheap as I did. It needs alot of work before I take it out of town. The frame is cracked around the steering gear box, has an oil leak, no radio, no A/C, and the wife wants the interior redone. I paint cars for a living, so the body work on the quarter panel should not be too big a deal. I hope to evenually give it a nice paint job, small lift, and 1 ton axles. I look forward to reading and learning a lot about these old 6.2 diesels. Heres a link to the ebay listing, let me know if you think I got a fair deal and have any suggestions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chev...9c3QQitemZ120503454147QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

 

[str8axle55]

I looked at that one too, solid rig good luck with it.

 

[chubbynova]

I had read a lot of negative things about the 6.2 so I was skeptical about bidding on it. Also with it being from MT I did not know how much rust it would have. After I went and drove it, I know I would have to bid on it. I think the 6.2 run goods. Not hard to start and I was expecting it to be loud but it wasnt. It is not fast but fast enough. Maybe a turbo in the future if I can find a good deal one.

 

[diesel4me]

I just got an '85 diesel Burb on Nov.23rd myself!..its not that bad a shape considering its age,but has some issues too,like any older vehicle will..I gave 400 bucks for it--

I traded a garden tractor for a Fisher plow blade and push frame for it,and bought the other parts (pump,hoses,joystick,etc) to make it a complete setup for 50 bucks at a junkyard this week,and I found a real decent tailgate with a good power window & glass for 40 bucks off craigslist too!..

All I need now is a good tranny for it,it supposedly loses reverse and overdive after beinbg driven some distance..(a 700R4,boo-hisssss!)..the rear end has a clunking in it too,I'm hoping its just a posi clutch or something,its got a 12 bolt rear,so I assume it may have been swapped in it years ago..I hope to get it all fixed up and use it as a daily driver,my plow trucks 6.2 started making a horrible clatter the other day (as you probably read in my other thread here),so I may have to get it fixed SOON!..

I'll be watching your posts ,to see what yours looks like and what you end up doing to it!..I never liked Suburbans much,till I got older,now I think they are like a
"Stretch Limo K5"!...plenty of room in side for friends,camping gear,and economy with the diesel.plus it might even pay for itself plowing..

 

[tRustyK5]

Looks like a great start for the money! I have always felt the 6.2 made plenty of power for my needs. They're quite easy to work on too, and parts are plentiful and relatively cheap.

Rene