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Suburban for Xmas

J

jjplagg

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Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Hey guys, wanted to get your thoughts on this. I was looking for a K5 but have had a hard time finding something nice under 4K. Starting looking into suburbans since the only off roading would be basic trails when camping so the longer length isnt an issue (i had an 87 GMC 2500 several years back too).

Im currently in Cedar Rapids IA, but travel back to MI for Holidays. I cam across this:
http://saginaw.craigslist.org/cto/3470251676.html
Bummed about 1) not a 4L80E and 2) fender flares 3)rust is starting and 4) ac

But at least it has overdrive for the trips, the fender flares can come off without holes and we may leave IA but only to go back to MI, so im going to deal with rust anyway.

Any major concerns I might have with this? Ive read the buyers guide from the Garage and all, but was curious on what i should start with for an offer? Ive spent a lot of time on here reading about the R12 and conversions, but it will cost some $$

Really appreciate the thoughts!
thanks
Josh
 
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looks clean, Especially the inside. Im not 100%, But It should not have a 700R4 in it. I thought they to the 4L80E in 1989. Im not sure though.
 
That was my first thought too, but digging around it *seems* that the 1/2 tons still had the 700R4. Like you, im not positive though.

Any thoughts on price?
 
4l80e is 91 3/4 ton only.

Id wait for a 91. There are a good amount of nice ones out here in CA.

DEFINTIELY get a 3/4 ton.
 
wow - people on the west coast do have it good. Sadly, flying out there and driving back to iowa isnt in the cards at the moment. :frown1:
 
True, but having a member or a friend check one out, and then shipping it back could still get you under 4k.
 
dhcomp said:
True, but having a member or a friend check one out, and then shipping it back could still get you under 4k.
Click to expand...

X2. Like maybe someone from a web forum that is all about these crazy rigs. West coast rigs might cost more up front to get, but save you a lot in rust repairs
 
Call the guy directly and have a real conversation with him. Also, ask him to take lots of pictures. And I mean lots of pictures. When you are confident that the body is what you are looking for. Call a local mechanic in that area and ask them what they charge to check a rig out. Have the seller take it to the mechanic for you. If they truly believe their rig is pristine than they won't have a problem, if you're paying the bill. Next step or maybe the first would be to call a vehicle transport company. Ask them how to handle the shipping and payment. I have a buddy who ran a car hauler for a while. Two trucks in the fleet and they hauled some nice rides. He would pay the seller from time to time. I'm not totally sure, but I think the buyer would pay the transport company the total price and they would do everything with the buyer.
 
Nate left some good advice.

I would find someone you know well enough to have go check it out though.

Also, remember, on a 4k purchase.....whats a couple hundred dollars in a quick flight to go check it out?

At the budget you have, and the low cost of these trucks posted, you have a few hundred to go check it out, and enough to transport it.

There are nicer, more formal transport companies out there, but you can also go uship if there isn't a huge hurry.

Remember though, you Are looking at a 20yr old + truck, so in terms of condition, ANYTHING is possible.

Having a manual one would be sweet, but....4l80e with overdrive would be better.
 
dhcomp said:
Nate left some good advice.
Having a manual one would be sweet, but....4l80e with overdrive would be better.
Click to expand...

Cool, thank you for all the help! I was really curious about this (auto vs manual) when comparing those two specific transmissions on suburbans as well.
 
When comparing the manual vs. auto, the manual will be more reliable, and last longer, but does not have overdrive.

The 91 3/4 ton's have overdrive, as well as all of the 1/2 tons.

So, if you are going auto 3/4 ton, DEFINITELY wait for a 91.

The 4l80e is a GREAT trans, but not cheap when it needs a rebuild. My rebuild with some minor upgrades was in the $2500 range.

On the flip size, the sm465 manual is bulletproof, and if you need to swap a clutch, or rebuild it, it will definitley be cheaper. But, you have to live without overdrive on the freeway.

My burb spends SO much time on the freeway, that i would never think of having a non-od trans.

What is the purpose of this rig going to be?
 
Wow - ok, all these years I thought the sm465 was a legit 4 speed while people just calling first gear the "granny gear" or whatever. That rules that out then.

I work from home and my fiance and i share a car. No big deal in chicago but at the moment we are in Iowa and most likely back to MI soon. We do have a dog, maybe kids within the next 5 years.

I use it for small stuff around town but the majority of the time would be highway to different camping/hiking trails. OD is a must! Im really just going to keep it stock because it would handle anything i intend to use it for. Once we do have a house, it would be nice to a K5 as well, and build that up more.

That all said, could i get by with a 1/2 ton or otherwise my only option is a 91 2500?
 
jjplagg said:
That all said, could i get by with a 1/2 ton or otherwise my only option is a 91 2500?
Click to expand...


Lots of guys here have 1/2 tons, but even more have swapped 1/2 tons to heavier duty axles. In my world, i say why not buy the stronger version.

My opinion is that the 1/2 ton stuff isnt' strong enough for a burb, period. Even for light duty. That, and the 700r4 in stock form isn't that strong. Yes, you can build them to take abuse, but again, i think that should be saved for blazers. If a burb can come from the factory with 3/4 ton axles, and a 4l80e, why not buy it that way?

The 91's are a little harder to find, but really not all that rare. Find one, you'll thank me.
 
I agree. I bought an 88 1/2 ton burb 4 years ago when my wife was pregnant with our first daughter for $1500. At the time, it was the only Suburban I could find that was worth a damn as all of the others I looked at were poo.

I love my Sub, but if I were to do it again, I would try to hold out for a 3/4 ton.
 
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