Oh, what to do???

[jgcoastie]

Alright, after a 10year hiatus from the old Chevy world (and this forum... I was a member back in the early 2000's, can't even remember what username or email I used back then) I think it's time to break back into it...

I'm looking for build ideas, advice, and guidance from the masters of all things old Chevy...

I'm looking for a reliable daily driver/weekend hunting/light-moderate off-road rig. I'm married, with 2 kids, another on the way, so I need room for the 5 of us, plus our gear. I might tow occasionally, probably nothing more than 12k lbs.

Oh, and I want zero computers controlling the main functions of starting and running the motor. Call me crazy, but that point is non-negotiable. I believe it can be done, something akin to a key-access switch for the main 12vdc line, then an array of momentary and SPDT switches for power control/starting control/accessory control/etc.

I'm considering 3/4 & 1 ton crew cab pickups, and 3/4 ton Suburbans (they didn't make 1 ton Burbs did they?). I've seen pics of a few "Suburbalanches" and that idea appeals to me for some reason... I want unmatched reliability above all else, so a small suspension lift may be possible, but the closer to stock I can stay, the better. I would like to run 33" tires, so at a minimum, a fender weight-loss program may be in order, maybe a small body lift... Anyone want to weigh in on the pros and cons of suspension/body lifts?

I'd heavily prefer a manual transmission.

As far as the engine goes, well... I'm pretty well undecided... I want a diesel, but I'm not sure if I want to go through the hassle and $$$ of a 12v 5.9 Cuimmins swap... Here's the part where I really need advice and ideas...

Would a Banks-equipped 6.2 or 6.5 give me the guts for moderate towing and still maintain some semblance of fuel economy? Or would I be better served by a 5.9?

Is it even possible to bypass computer controls for a 6.2 or 6.5?

I'm pretty sure you cannot bypass computer controls for the 24v 5.9, but I believe you can on the 12v 5.9... Can anyone confirm/clarify that?

Basically, you are all going to be able to weigh in on this build, starting from a clean slate with the following factors in mind:

- Diesel
- 4x4
- Manual Transmission
- Seating for 5 + gear
- Moderate towing (maybe)
- Moderate trail use
- No computers controlling starting and running

Have at it!!!

 

[496truck]

Interested to see what others say... According to the movie Dante's Peak the burb can ford like 6' of water but the K30 can traverse molten hot lava.

My vote would be for a 3/4 ton Burb with a 2" lift and 33s or even 35s if you want to trim fenders. The 3/4 ton axles will hold up to that and what you want to use it for (expedition style according to your welcome post?). And plenty of seating for the family. Find one that's already diesel and if the TH400 auto just isn't what you're looking for then swap in a manual. The TH400 is pretty stout for an auto though.

You may also want to mention your time frame. IIRC from your welcome post you had a time frame to get it done by. This is an important factor in which to plan a build. Swapping in a Cummins may get time consuming and expensive and could make or break the project deadline. I've seen many failed projects sold cheap or parted out because they just took too long and interest was lost.

My recipe would be 1 diesel 3/4 ton burb, expedition style.
2" lift and 33" tires.
Banks upgrades (I will say here that I know nothing about diesels).
keep/rebuild the TH400 auto cause it's pretty bulletproof. Unless you find a 91 with the 4L80E auto which is basically a TH400 with OD.
3.73 or 4.10 gears depending on trans choice.
Mix well and enjoy in a very short build timeframe.

 

[Deuling]

Get one of these

Put in a cummins, NV4500 tranny, and a toolbox in the back.

 

[jgcoastie]

Thanks for the advice, the more I look at timeframe and $$$, the more I think a 5.9 swap is out of reach for the immediate future...

The blazer I had years ago had the 6.2 & TH400 trans, it was pretty stout, and the truck towed a 2 horse trailer fairly often without too much issue. Not highway speeds mind you, but it got me there... I would imagine putting a Banks kit would liven up the ol 6.2 a bit...

The only question there is if I can bypass the computer board in a 6.2...

 

[imiceman44]

I will support the burb idea and definitely try and find one with a diesel to begin with, may even luck out and it has a turbo already.
The 6.2 diesel has no computer controling it, and if you switch to a manual transmission you'll be in great shape.
Towing will be decent and for your purpose I think it will be just fine.
I would stick with 4.10 gears with 33" tires, you could also upgrade to 35" tires which I think will help a little with clearance for your mild off road.
If you don't mind trimming fenders you don;t even need a lift to clear 35" tires, and you don't need to trim for 33" tires if you keep them on stock 8" rims.
I had the perfect burb 3/4 ton turbo diesel, 4.10 33", but had to sell it when I needed cash quick, and it did sell really quick.
now I have another but the engine doesn't run, getting ready to change it out,, I already have one sitting.

Interested to see what others say... According to the movie Dante's Peak the burb can ford like 6' of water but the K30 can traverse molten hot lava.

My vote would be for a 3/4 ton Burb with a 2" lift and 33s or even 35s if you want to trim fenders. The 3/4 ton axles will hold up to that and what you want to use it for (expedition style according to your welcome post?). And plenty of seating for the family. Find one that's already diesel and if the TH400 auto just isn't what you're looking for then swap in a manual. The TH400 is pretty stout for an auto though.

You may also want to mention your time frame. IIRC from your welcome post you had a time frame to get it done by. This is an important factor in which to plan a build. Swapping in a Cummins may get time consuming and expensive and could make or break the project deadline. I've seen many failed projects sold cheap or parted out because they just took too long and interest was lost.

My recipe would be 1 diesel 3/4 ton burb, expedition style.
2" lift and 33" tires.
Banks upgrades (I will say here that I know nothing about diesels).
keep/rebuild the TH400 auto cause it's pretty bulletproof. Unless you find a 91 with the 4L80E auto which is basically a TH400 with OD.
3.73 or 4.10 gears depending on trans choice.
Mix well and enjoy in a very short build timeframe.

 

[imiceman44]

Thanks for the advice, the more I look at timeframe and $$$, the more I think a 5.9 swap is out of reach for the immediate future...

The blazer I had years ago had the 6.2 & TH400 trans, it was pretty stout, and the truck towed a 2 horse trailer fairly often without too much issue. Not highway speeds mind you, but it got me there... I would imagine putting a Banks kit would liven up the ol 6.2 a bit...

The only question there is if I can bypass the computer board in a 6.2...

As I said in my post earlier, no computer on the 6.2

 

[Deuling]

Thanks for the advice, the more I look at timeframe and $$$, the more I think a 5.9 swap is out of reach for the immediate future...

The blazer I had years ago had the 6.2 & TH400 trans, it was pretty stout, and the truck towed a 2 horse trailer fairly often without too much issue. Not highway speeds mind you, but it got me there... I would imagine putting a Banks kit would liven up the ol 6.2 a bit...

The only question there is if I can bypass the computer board in a 6.2...

Fixed it for ya then

Get one of these

Put in a 6.2 Diesel, SM465 tranny, and a toolbox in the back.

 

[imiceman44]

Fixed it for ya then

If I didn't know any better I would think you are trying to sell him this truck

 

[Deuling]

If I didn't know any better I would think you are trying to sell him this truck

No, my buddy just bought it and im gonna steal it from him cuz im in love with it (ok i prolly wont steal it.... But i want it soo bad)

 

[jgcoastie]

As I said in my post earlier, no computer on the 6.2

Sorry, didn't see your post before I said that. Thanks for clarifying the computer/6.2 for me.

So I would assume then, that the computer in the '84 K5 I had was for accessory equipment then? Like blinkers, windshield wipers, etc?

Edit: I remember there being an issue with it shorting against the firewall, but I do not remember what problems it caused... It was a long time ago and I was a teenager that just wanted Dad to fix it so I could get back in the woods...

 

[Deuling]

I dont think theres a computer in an 84

 

[jgcoastie]

Is there any particular year range I should be looking for? Known issues that would be a problem in certain year models, etc...

I appreciate the help folks!

 

[jgcoastie]

Maybe I'm mistaken then, it was a long time ago.. So I yield to your greater knowledge in such things.. Again, thank you. :-)

 

[Deuling]

Well I beleive 87 was when they started tbi stuff, so computers and more wiring started then. I have no knowledge of the 6.2 and what to look for though.

 

[imiceman44]

Sorry, didn't see your post before I said that. Thanks for clarifying the computer/6.2 for me.

So I would assume then, that the computer in the '84 K5 I had was for accessory equipment then? Like blinkers, windshield wipers, etc?

Edit: I remember there being an issue with it shorting against the firewall, but I do not remember what problems it caused... It was a long time ago and I was a teenager that just wanted Dad to fix it so I could get back in the woods...

Was your 84 a diesel or gas?
The 84-86 K5 with gas engines had a computer controled carb.
The diesel up to mid 93 didn't have any computers.

 

[Davebud]

Very interested to see where this thread goes.

I'm looking to do much the same thing with a Blazer and a 6.2.

 

[Deuling]

Was your 84 a diesel or gas?
The 84-86 K5 with gas engines had a computer controled carb.
The diesel up to mid 93 didn't have any computers.

Really? Ive never noticed anything resembling a computer on my 85, must have been torn out

 

[imiceman44]

Really? Ive never noticed anything resembling a computer on my 85, must have been torn out

A K5 will have the Computer controled carb or CCC and electronic controled spark or ESC.
I know some federal trucks didn't get that in 84 but 85 they did.
You will see on the carb 2 electric plugs.
It's possible yours was changed if MI has no problem with such things.
In CA it's illegal to change to a regular carb.

 

[jgcoastie]

Was your 84 a diesel or gas?
The 84-86 K5 with gas engines had a computer controled carb.
The diesel up to mid 93 didn't have any computers.

It was a diesel, 6.2. It was a Navy SeaBee truck before I got it.

Anyway, back to the guts of this thing...

So I'm looking for a pre-85, 3/4-ton Suburban, preferably with a 6.2, preferably with a manual trans...

Haystack, here I come... Lookin for a needle... Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't most 6.2's come with a TH400 trans?

If so, do you think I would be better served with swapping out for a manual trans? Or just rebuilding it or replacing with a rebuilt 4L80E, as suggested by a previous poster?

We're starting from square one here, with no actual money or time in play yet... So feel free to offer suggestions based on what you guys would do with such a build.

 

[imiceman44]

It was a diesel, 6.2. It was a Navy SeaBee truck before I got it.

Anyway, back to the guts of this thing...

So I'm looking for a pre-85, 3/4-ton Suburban, preferably with a 6.2, preferably with a manual trans...

Haystack, here I come... Lookin for a needle... Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't most 6.2's come with a TH400 trans?

If so, do you think I would be better served with swapping out for a manual trans? Or just rebuilding it or replacing with a rebuilt 4L80E, as suggested by a previous poster?

We're starting from square one here, with no actual money or time in play yet... So feel free to offer suggestions based on what you guys would do with such a build.

Well first I wouldn't say a needle in a haystack, and as for the years, you can go all the way to 91 the 6.2 trucks were the same up to then.
The 3/4 tons mostly got the th400 but I have seen, and have one such beast, the 700R4 behind the 6.2 in a 3/4 ton burb.
I like it because it is offering an OD for the diesel that is very important.
Now having said you don't want computers, the 4l80e needs a computer, unless you want to go fully manual conrols but it's not the best setup for a do all truck, especially if the wife might drive it.
If you have no problem with a computer controled tranny then a 4l80e is definitely a good addition.
And don't try to find a manual truck, the change to manual if you wanted it is pretty easy, and also cheap enough that it's better to find your truck the closest to what you want it and add the trans of choice