One Piece at a Time: My 1985 Diesel Suburban

[AgDieseler]

I loved wheeling my 75 wagoneer I almost regret selling it, but my suburban fits my family better and I am not into bashing my truck on rocks anymore, just overlanding.

It's interesting. Most folks I've met have a personal tie to a suburban, and the wagoneer is a close second. In fact, my dad had a wagoneer until I came along.

I recognize that jeep. This is going to be a cool project.

The waggy looks familiar for sure. I feel the same about the adult direction you are heading into. Kudos for doing the right thing.

Excited to see you stretch your skills on the new ride.

Yessirs. Kris picked up a Disco and a YJ and also has the S2000 race car, and so I'm taking the Party Shark off his hands. He and I will build it on the channel, and probably on leaf springs to start. It will be a lot of fun to wheel a truck with less of everything, and hopefully become a better driver.

I'll still wheel the suburban on trails that present lower risk. It's really just the tight and technical stuff that will be reserved for the wagoneer.

A dedicated wheeler, now that's an adult decision I can get into, once I heard adult decision I was afraid the next pic was a minivan.

Worry not. You're very unlikely to find me driving a minivan. I make decisions like a boy grown tall.

David

 

[ZooMad75]

Calling a Wagoneer less of everything is a true statement coming from a guy driving a burb like yours. But for 98.57% rest of the public a Wagoneer is still a huge by wide beast to shove down normal jeep trails. Though I approve the delusion, not that you need that either. Full speed ahead!

From what I’ve seen it’s not like you are tearing up a minty woody Grand Wagoneer anyway. Though the FSJ Jeep guys may shed a tear over the beating it may get.

 

[AgDieseler]

From what I’ve seen it’s not like you are tearing up a minty woody Grand Wagoneer anyway.

Yeah, far from it. It's cherry was popped a long time ago. And you're right that perspective matters. The truck is at the stock 110" wheelbase right now that will get a little bit longer, but will generally be about the size of a short bed pickup, but slightly narrower.

David

 

[obijuank5]

Good plan stopping just soon enough to peer over the ledge and not drive off. I wish I did the same.

 

[max 02]

Can the wagon have a gladiator grill please!

 

[ashman]

Can the wagon have a gladiator grill please!

Oh, and angry eyes! Gotta do angry eyes.

 

[max 02]

Oh, and angry eyes! Gotta do angry eyes.

Thought you meant the eye lashes Jeep people put on for a minute there.

 

[ashman]

even better! do that too! And a duck!

 

[ZooMad75]

even better! do that too! And a duck!

I got a feeling the only thing Jeep on this will probably be the sheet metal. Again, just enough to annoy the FSJ nerds.

 

[AgDieseler]

I got a feeling the only thing Jeep on this will probably be the sheet metal. Again, just enough to annoy the FSJ nerds.

This guy knows.

David

 

[82355]

Does it already have a TH400?

Martin

 

[76zimmer]

New build thread or morphing the burb into the Wagoneer?

 

[AgDieseler]

Does it already have a TH400?

I'll ask Ducato to build one. We already have a five neutral 4L65.

New build thread or morphing the burb into the Wagoneer?

I'll start a new one, but today I guess is all in the context of changes in duty for the suburban.

David

 

[Babaganoosh]

I'll ask Ducato to build one. We already have a five neutral 4L65.


I'll start a new one, but today I guess is all in the context of changes in duty for the suburban.

David

He can build a 4L70E that can last behind one, ask me how I know.

 

[AugustDiesel]

He and I will build it on the channel, and probably on leaf springs to start. It will be a lot of fun to wheel a truck with less of everything, and hopefully become a better driver.

Though it’ll be a starting point, I like the simplicity in the idea of leaves.

 

[82355]

Why go automatic if you are starting from scratch?

Martin

 

[AgDieseler]

Why go automatic if you are starting from scratch?

It’s just my preference for off-road stuff. It’ll almost certainly be a manual valve body.

David

 

[Bent77]

He can build a 4L70E that can last behind one, ask me how I know.

Why bother spending money on the little sister when garlic bread is available? If it an auto to be, start with a 400 or a 4L80e

 

[centexk5]

4L80e fits perfect in a square body. Probably the same in a jeep.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Why bother spending money on the little sister when garlic bread is available? If it an auto to be, start with a 400 or a 4L80e

Originally my truck was set up for one, now it will interchange easily.