Suburban info please!

[redthies]

So there are a million suburban owners on here. That we know. I have owned lots of 81-89 era Subs, Blazers and K2500s. What is the deal with 90-96 era? I see a ton of them for sale. Most with barn doors. I am looking for something I can tow 7500 lbs with and get a sheet of plywood in the back once in a while. Last year of solid axle? Any issues with the early to mid 90s? Is the 4L80 a decent trans? Any problems with lifted 2500s with the torsion bar suspension? Thanks for any insight.

 

[1leg]

1991 is the last year with the straight front axel and the only year the 4L80 was installed. 89-91 2500 4x4 only came with 5.7 or diesel engine(no 454).

you will want a 4L80 and 454 if you plan to tow 7500 for long distance trip. I would suggest buying a 93-2000 2500 with the 454 or 8.1. this would make a great family towrig. The 5.7 will tow 7500lbs but you will avg less mpg towing then with a big block 454 or 8.1.

 

[redthies]

Any ideas on what kind of mileage to expect out of a vortec 7.4? With a 4L80 and 35" tires? I know it won't be good! I have owned big blocks before, but I hear the vortecs are supposed to be better power and mileage. Also, as asked
above, can you get a sheet of plywood to lay flat in the back of the mid 90s style sub?

 

[1leg]

My guess would around 10-12 towing and 12-15 on flat ground not towing.

I have no idea about plywood fitting in a 90s burb. It will in my 89.

 

[Rot Box]

Keep in mind that with a few modifications the 6.5TD with 4.10 gears can provide more power than a 454TBI and get much better fuel economy especially when towing. Again the 4L80E is a winner and if you are looking at the 92 and later years do yourself a favor and get a 3/4 ton. The front suspension components are much stronger and the 14 bolt rear axle is well suited for heavy loads. I like the 95 and newer interior but I don't consider it a deal breaker by any means.

 

[Spur]

I used to own a 1996 1 ton flat bed with a 454. It was mainly a tow vehicle for horse and cattle trailers. I think it had 31s on it and we would get about 10 mpg when towing a heavy load. Great engine. We abused the hell out of that truck, but it still ran great when we sold it last year.

 

[redthies]

Thanks for the info guys. I am looking at a 96 3/4 ton with 6" lift and 35s. It seems to be in decent shape with the exception of rear power windows being a bit fussy. This isn't a deal breaker for me though:sombrero: It has the 7.4 which will pull my trailer no problem. I am just looking at alternatives to my Dodge as the reg cab is going to become an issue some day soon. I listed the Dodge on CL for a fairly stupid amount of cash as I am not yet convinced I want to sell!

Hey SPUR... Wanna trade??? Love your Cum-burban!

 

[TheOtherSide]

I have a 93 Burb... with the rear bench removed and the middle row folded down, 4x8 sheet of plywood fits like a glove. I have the hatch/tailgate model... and I like the idea of it better for our purpose, but it's quite a jump to climb inside the thing with the lift.

It's IFS front with solid rear and I have had great success offroad with it and haven't even disconnected the front swaybar yet. As for the torsion bars... I have the realiftsusp.com torsion bar relocators and have tons more clearance than with the torsion bar cross member drop brackets. No problems with the torsion bar suspension. I went through my truck when I got it and replaced all the ball joints and tie rods etc... and it drives great.

Mine has 6" lift with 35's... and we pull a 6000lb travel trailer in the summer and it's great. It's the 5.7L with the 4L60E trans... and again, no problems. 7500lbs is reaching it's max... but if you look at the 3/4 ton with the 7.4L and check the owners manual (we had a 96 3/4 ton with 7.4L last year), it is rated to either tow the same or 500lbs or something crazy small difference like that. The 3/4 ton rides horribly... so we changed to the 1/2 ton.

We're re-geared to 4.88's and it wouldn't have hurt to go to 5.13's... just for the towing. RPM's are at 2250 at 100km/hr in OD. I just take it easy up the hills but it's all good. I put a 18,000gvw trans cooler in mine to ensure I don't kill the trans.

If you got one, or are still thinking of getting one... ask me anything you wish about them. I love the body style and we're very happy with our family hauler that goes offroad and tows.

 

[shortbus4x4]

I owned a 96 3/4 ton 4x4 with the vortec 454. Nice rig but not so good on gas. I think the best we got on a trip to socal was about 13. That was loaded with 4 kids and luggage. We got rid of it when gas hit 3.50 a gallon a few years back. A 40 gallon tank is hard to fill once a week at that price. I wish I would have kept it and done a 5.9 cummins and solid front axle conversion. They are a really nice all around rig especially if you have kids.