Best value Suburban as an all arounder
- Thread starter upcruiser
- Start date
What about a Ford Excursion?
Or a 4x4 van?
With a diesel...
The one issue I have with a 4x4 van is that it would get camperized in one short order. ha ha. They should be campers!
WrenchMonkey
Mechanical Animal
What about a Ford Excursion?
Or a 4x4 van?
With a diesel...
He said best value. Those run double a decent Burb...
Kaisen
Explorer
Double? More like 4-5x as much
Erik N
Adventurer
My '96 is way more comfortable than my '88, which is much more truck like. The '88 wouldn't be a choice for a long distance trip, if feels like it wants to explode going over 65, where the '96 will cruise at 80 all day long. But the '88 would outperform the other off road I think. I look forward to driving it every year (flying out less than a week away from today!) she is a classic billy goat beast.
If it had a 4sp auto instead of the TH400, it might feel a bit more refined. I think that is a bolt-in mod, not sure.
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98dango
Expedition Leader
I love suburbans.
That said I don't currently own one. I do have a Tahoe an yes often wish it was longer. I have zero complaints and my Tahoe on 285s keeps up with my buddies FJ all day long.
I would not have any problem doing the fun senic trails in Moab in a suburban.
What you need to tow will be fine with what ever.
I do have one question why a RTT and camper?
That said I don't currently own one. I do have a Tahoe an yes often wish it was longer. I have zero complaints and my Tahoe on 285s keeps up with my buddies FJ all day long.
I would not have any problem doing the fun senic trails in Moab in a suburban.
What you need to tow will be fine with what ever.
I do have one question why a RTT and camper?
DetroitDiesel
Adventurer
The best would be a 93 1500 6.5td for what you want. It was still a mechanical pump and did not suffer from the PMD failures. You can put a 97 thermostat and be fine. The only other option is the 8.1 because at some point you will want more and more. A compromise would be a 97ish 2500 with the 350. There is a lot of things to improve a 350. I dont recommend any 1/2 ton unless its a 93 diesel. A half ton from the late 90s up is made to be a grocery getter. Yes it rides better obviously because of that. There are a few super clean 8.1 near Detroit under 4 grand. One thing I noticed searching Clist all over the USA for cars is that Detroit is the cheapest cars in America next to NYC. So if you can find a well kept one in Michigan it will be 2500-4k for what you want. The diesel will tow less than the 454 or 6.0 or 8.1 but more than the 5.7 and 5.3. I would not get the 454 at all. Yes guys are talking it up but its a hog and a slug. Unless you are consistently towing 8k+ a 03 6.0 2500 should be your target. I sense you want something a bit more comfortable and the newer ones are made for Soccer moms unless you go to a 2500. So if you want a truck with storage get a 2500, if you want a large blazer get a 1500 after 00. The 6.5 or 6.2 dont necessarily save you mpg or have more power and it tows less in contrast to when you normally think about going to a diesel.
- Just realized your location has the UP too. There are lots of Suburbans near Detroit. Its a popular vehicle you can find the one you need no problem. Look near G rap, Kzoo and T City. Thats the areas they are used for their primary purpose, near Detroit they are more "urbanized" if you get what I'm implying.
There are 3 8.1 within 3hrs of Detroit for under 5k and there are tons of 6.0 2500 for under 5k. Thats just a quick Clist search.
Heres a quick comparison
A 01 2500 8.1 for 4
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/4641020174.html
A 01 2500 6.0 for 3500
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/4679830952.html
A 00 2500 6.0 for 5200
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/4668191498.html
Now of those 3 whats the best value? Thats just a comparison of models and how different pricing can be. I would choose the 8.1. They are rare beast.
- Just realized your location has the UP too. There are lots of Suburbans near Detroit. Its a popular vehicle you can find the one you need no problem. Look near G rap, Kzoo and T City. Thats the areas they are used for their primary purpose, near Detroit they are more "urbanized" if you get what I'm implying.
There are 3 8.1 within 3hrs of Detroit for under 5k and there are tons of 6.0 2500 for under 5k. Thats just a quick Clist search.
Heres a quick comparison
A 01 2500 8.1 for 4
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/4641020174.html
A 01 2500 6.0 for 3500
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/4679830952.html
A 00 2500 6.0 for 5200
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/4668191498.html
Now of those 3 whats the best value? Thats just a comparison of models and how different pricing can be. I would choose the 8.1. They are rare beast.
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TroopThrowback
Observer
I'm in a little different boat. Not towing anything heavy and usin as a family grocery getter. That said we need 4wd and like trucks better than car like ride
Have my eye on a 98 1500 with 114k and a 350. Thoughts on this setup and opinions welcome.
Edit:
It's also got about a 4" lift on 33s. Super clean truck at $6800 asking in CA.
When did they stop making tailgate versions?
Anything to get rid of this odyssey!
Thank you
Troop
Keep the Faith!
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Have my eye on a 98 1500 with 114k and a 350. Thoughts on this setup and opinions welcome.
Edit:
It's also got about a 4" lift on 33s. Super clean truck at $6800 asking in CA.
When did they stop making tailgate versions?
Anything to get rid of this odyssey!
Thank you
Troop
Keep the Faith!
Throwbacks MC
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DetroitDiesel
Adventurer
I haven't seen the truck but that seems outrageous. Im not sure if there is some type of super premium on cars that have never seen snow but the intended purpose is to use it not garage it so Im sure you can find one cheaper. Im not familiar with the used car market out your way but for sure I can find the same truck in PA for 3.
And for what you want a 00+ 1500 with a 6.0 option is the best choice. Now that should cost 6800 or less also.
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TroopThrowback
Observer
Never underestimate the power of the typo! Asking $5800 obo. Looks super clean.
I simply can't stand all the plastic cladding of the modern suburbans.
Keep the Faith!
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I simply can't stand all the plastic cladding of the modern suburbans.
Keep the Faith!
Throwbacks MC
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=159697770713381
DetroitDiesel
Adventurer
Never underestimate the power of the typo! Asking $5800 obo. Looks super clean.
I simply can't stand all the plastic cladding of the modern suburbans.
Keep the Faith!
Throwbacks MC
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=159697770713381
That looks clean Troopy but why do you need a lift? That will totally change the ride and with a 350 and those tires to will reduce mpg. Whats the rear end? It could be a 342 and that would be not fun. I say if you want a slight lift find a 2500 with a 350. It has a natural lift. You can fit bigger tires, its a 14 bolt FF, better brakes etc. If you dont like the new ones which I agree find a 99 2500 with a 350. Exhaust and things for Mpg and put tires and you are set. Im including a pic of my 99 454 2500. I bought it for 2500 with 170 and sold it for 2500 with 240. It was a headache with it being fully loaded and all the electronics. A 98 or 99 is your best bet. That means a Vortec with the peak output years.
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TroopThrowback
Observer
I don't care about the lift either way. I was attracted to it for low miles and very clean. I'm hard pressed to find anything so lightly used.
Keep the Faith!
Throwbacks MC
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=159697770713381
Keep the Faith!
Throwbacks MC
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=159697770713381
TroopThrowback
Observer
Did you see that interior?!!!
Keep the Faith!
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