Diesel Suburban- what to start with?

[ntsqd]

I wouldn't have a problem in putting a prep'd 700 behind a diesel, but I'd be specific about the engine. If we're talking a 1000 ft-lbs 6BT then I'd be looking for an Allison (4 spd?) from a delivery truck and a divorced 205.
I drive manuals, I have manuals, I wouldn't want one in a large vehicle like my Suburban.

 

[1speedlos]

Manual...

I'd like a manual purely for the simplicity and durability of it- something like a NV4500 would be pretty bulletproof as well. I'm thinking of trying for something along these lines- the $15k ultimate expo rig.
Maybe I'm looking to do too much for our limited budget... most of our trips would be inside the US, but we'd certainly like something that we'd feel comfortable taking to the Yucatan, Baja, etc.

Los

 

[Czechsix]

Even with a limited budget it can be done - ya just gotta be selective and take your time in finding the parts. Doing your own work also helps in a couple of different ways.

Personally, I like that older body style, parts prices are inexpensive and it's easy to work on. NV4500 and a 205 are great ideas, like Ron says, easy to do axle swaps as long as you're doing live axles. Gets a bit more complicated with IFS, but still commonly done.

I'd still start with a diesel burban though, even if you don't plan on keeping the 6.2 or 6.5 - it'll be easier to adapt to a diesel transplant than one that originally had a gas engine. Throw a 12V Cummins in it for ultimate installation ease, no electrical worries, and plenty of power. And weight too, LOL.

IAC, you're approaching it right, do lots of research and you'll come up with something that works well and does what you want it to do.

 

[864x4rv]

1986 iWinnebago Class A 26' 4x4

I'm new to the forum and would like some advice on a gas to diesel converstion for a 1986 Class A winnebago 26' rv. The RV comes with the gm drive train (454, T400). The rig feels underpowered with the gas engine and would like to know if a 6.2 or pre 1993 6.5L turbo would to the answer to more power for such vehicle. I was planning on purchasing a diesel suburban and canivalizing the drive train. Any advice on this project?

 

[TacoTraveler]

I'm new to the forum and would like some advice on a gas to diesel converstion for a 1986 Class A winnebago 26' rv. The RV comes with the gm drive train (454, T400). The rig feels underpowered with the gas engine and would like to know if a 6.2 or pre 1993 6.5L turbo would to the answer to more power for such vehicle. I was planning on purchasing a diesel suburban and canivalizing the drive train. Any advice on this project?

If you're looking for just the diesel aspect then find a GM truck. Very similar if not identical drivetrain, but I may be wrong. This will be much easier to find than a diesel suburban. Any diesel blazer, 2500, or 3500 truck will do.