1991 Suburban 2500

[jscusmcvet]

Are you running dual batteries? I seem to remember you having a portable battery box. I just got a fridge and trying to decide what route to go.

Matt - I have a portable battery box that I can move between my two trailers. I have my little bantam trailer and then the pop up for the family trips. Also the portability gives me the option to take it off the trailer and use to jump off whatever vehicle needs it. I went with an inexpensive marine battery
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...6-P?navigationPath=L1*14920|L2*15000|L3*15601
and put it into a boat battery box that I picked up at Walmart.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Attwood-F27-Power-Box/11071158
It has done the job fine so far, was inexpensive and so darn easy to use and move about as needed. I would like to investigate dual batteries more and perhaps add it to the Burb so that extra battery power is always with the truck would still use the box on the campers though.
John

 

[M35A2]

BTW, here's a tip for those with TBI motors. If there is an occasional unexplained intermittent miss at idle, or if the vehicle stalls when shifting from reverse to drive (or vice versa), look for a bad plug wire, even if they look perfect from the outside.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Added a Molle panel to the rear door and a shot of the fridge for you. I have the forward end secured and am looking for solutions to secure the rear. I have a whole box of anchors and what not somewhere in the shop, just cannot find them.

 

[Larry]

Sorry to be late bloomer on this thread but life’s been crazy busy lately. I really dig your Burb John. It’s coming together great!

 

[jscusmcvet]

Sorry to be late bloomer on this thread but life's been crazy busy lately. I really dig your Burb John. It's coming together great!

Thanks Larry! At some point there is an engine swap in my future and you and I are going to have to discuss that 8.1L As for now the 350 is doing the job although blowing a little blue smoke at start up and clicking instead of starting sometimes... etc.... etc.... etc... a swap hopefully is a long way off.

 

[jscusmcvet]

So researching lockers today. With my 9.5 SF 14 bolt I am considering 2 options for this:
1. Detroit Locker - Roughly $650 + install. I cannot install this one myself, but am well familiar with the legendary Detroit locker durability. I have to assume $1000 total for this.
2. Lock Right - Roughly $400, and I can do the install myself. I have done lunchbox locker installs before and while it has not been on a 14 bolt, I think I can handle it.

Do you have any input? I have zero worries about the on road manners. I think people make too much out of that... do you have to drive differently? Yes. No worries.

I see that Lock Right sells spring kits for their lockers which makes me think they must wear out over time. Anyone know what the life expectancy is on a DD/overland rig?

Thanks,

John

 

[justcuz]

In post #68 I forgot to mention, roughly 3 years and doing fine. No idea on longevity, but ease of installation is not bad.
I bought one for a 12 bolt that had busted pins, I think he used it in a drag car.
Spring and pin kit was purchased at Summit for about 20 dollars as I recall.

 

[jscusmcvet]

In post #68 I forgot to mention, roughly 3 years and doing fine. No idea on longevity, but ease of installation is not bad.
I bought one for a 12 bolt that had busted pins, I think he used it in a drag car.
Spring and pin kit was purchased at Summit for about 20 dollars as I recall.

Thanks Justcuz. The install looks reasonable and I will probably be heading that route. I am open to other input as well.

 

[justcuz]

I personally would not spend the bucks on a Detroit locker for a 9.5. If you later choose to install a 10.5 FF buy the Detroit for it.
The Lock Right in the 9.5 will make selling it later, if you so choose, much easier.
I installed the Lock-Right in my driveway on an unusually cold California day in Februrary. I was actually getting numb fingers! Thank heavens for my dental picks I used to install the pins and springs. Grease the pins so they stay put.

 

[MTCK]

I'd go lunch box and run it. If it blows up get a FF with an open carrier and get a Detroit.

 

[warrpath4x4]

I have never ran one but I have heard several good reviews of the Spartan lockers and cost about $350

 

[jscusmcvet]

I have never ran one but I have heard several good reviews of the Spartan lockers and cost about $350

I ran a spartan in my cherokee a few years back. Install was simple and performance flawless... I have not been able to find a Spartan for the GM 14 bolt 9.5 though. The lock right looks to be the same basic product. I did see I can order a lock right from Advance auto, and with their on line special and my speedperks I can get it shipped for $382... not bad. Decision time.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Actually found a lock right for $390 at http://www.justdifferentials.com/default.asp that comes with a 2 year warranty and had free shipping, no tax. Advance would charge tax which pushed the purchase up to $408. In addition to that I was having trouble with Advance's online purchasing.

So bam. Just differntials for the win. Order placed and ready to go. Stand by for my panicked posts during the install... probably not this weekend, but next.

Now to splain it to Ann :smiley_drive:

 

[jalbrecht55]

Just curious, will the lock right fit in The 9.5" LSD carrier? I can't remember if you mentioned whether or not this has a limited slip or not but it seems like a nicer optioned suburban like yours would have had one from the factory.

Looking forward to seeing how things unfold on this and your LJ. I've got an LJ Rubicon too and I'm too kind of undecided if it's something I'm going to keep long term (meaning do I put some money into it to make it the way I want) or if I should leave it as is, enjoy it for a few years and then move on.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Just curious, will the lock right fit in The 9.5" LSD carrier? I can't remember if you mentioned whether or not this has a limited slip or not but it seems like a nicer optioned suburban like yours would have had one from the factory.

Looking forward to seeing how things unfold on this and your LJ. I've got an LJ Rubicon too and I'm too kind of undecided if it's something I'm going to keep long term (meaning do I put some money into it to make it the way I want) or if I should leave it as is, enjoy it for a few years and then move on.

From everything I can figure (I am new to the GM world of vehicles), this 9.5 sf rear axle has no limited slip. The information stickers that would show if it had the G80 are no longer present. I can say there is clearly no functioning LS in this axle You are correct, that if I am wrong, this Lock Right will not fit. If that is the case I will try to return it or worst case sell the locker for wahtever I can recoup.

As for my LJ Rubi, it is my dream jeep, and I have had several over the years. I have it set up the way I want (well, prepped to go to 255's, just not bought yet). For myself alone and for day to day driving, I love it. The lack of "comfort" was never a big deal to me. In hindsight, life constraints had us keeping most of our trips in the 3-4 hours drive time max... now that those contraints have eased a bit, we took several long trips in the jeep (PA this past summer, LA this fall) with three of us in the jeep. As it turns out we were only good for about 5 hours at a time before we all were ready to stop. So with future plans to continue with longer trips (long for us) we began looking for something I could build and be happy with, and drive every day. To move away from the jeep it took a significant change in space and capability... This Burb in theory will meet those goals if I get it sorted out and can deal with a 25 year old vehicle. I like to do maintenance, tinker and build the vehicle... I just do not want it to rule my life... So we will see. I am learning bits and pieces and the old girl is coming along.

Looks like the locker arrives tomorrow, so this weekend should be go time.

John