1988 Suburban Project

[Enginerd]

Hey everyone!

I'm interested in starting a square body Suburban project, and I've found this as a potential candidate.






Its an 88 GMC 1/2-ton with the standard stuff you'd expect:

- TBI 350
- TH700-R4 tranny
- 8.5" 10-bolt axles front and rear
- 86,000 original miles

It is currently owned by a widow who's husband recently passed away. She and her husband had owned it for about 15 years.
They bought it from the original owner who was an older gentleman who used it to get himself and his wife to their favorite fishing holes.

This thing has lived in Montana and Wyoming since new, so has no rust except for light surface rust on the roof and hood where GM's paint couldn't stand the test of time.
Aside from the bug deflector, running boards, small tires, and other various old-man'esque bits, it looks pretty solid.

My question is, what is its estimated value? I don't want to under pay the 80+ year old widow, but I'm not made of money either.
Based on the info I've presented, could you guys please give me your opinions on its approximate value?

Thanks!

 

[chilliwak]

Cool looking `Burb`but I am curious about it being a 1/2 ton and what your needs are. If you only want to take the misses and the dog on a camping trip its fine...

 

[Enginerd]

Cool looking `Burb`but I am curious about it being a 1/2 ton and what your needs are. If you only want to take the misses and the dog on a camping trip its fine...

I think it being a 1/2 ton will be fine for a while. Eventually, I could see the installation of a lower geared 14-bolt rear, and converting the front 10-bolt to 8-lug to match the front and rear bolt patterns. Then, in time, a larger displacement small block (or BBC) and 4L80E would be great. Just want it to explore and camp out of. Maybe pull a small camp trailer. No rock crawling.

Right now, I'm just excited about how good the condition of the body and interior is.

 

[chilliwak]

I think it being a 1/2 ton will be fine for a while. Eventually, I could see the installation of a lower geared 14-bolt rear, and converting the front 10-bolt to 8-lug to match the front and rear bolt patterns. Then, in time, a larger displacement small block (or BBC) and 4L80E would be great. Just want it to explore and camp out of. Maybe pull a small camp trailer. No rock crawling.

Right now, I'm just excited about how good the condition of the body and interior is.

You could do an easy BDS lift on that truck and be good to go with a larger tire and more clearance. Good luck and whatever you decide to do: then lets see some pics of the evolution of your ` Burb´.... Cheers, Chilli...:wings:

 

[Enginerd]

You could do an easy BDS lift on that truck and be good to go with a larger tire and more clearance.

I like the idea of a small'ish lift. I've never used BDS components before though. I've previously used Tuff Country EZ-Ride springs in a 75 3/4 ton, and they rode well. Is there any particular reason you suggested a BDS lift?

 

[cyclic]

BDS is good, I went the "roll your own" route. a 2.5 lift and 32 inch tires (265/70r17).

1988 Suburban 1/2 ton, similar to the one your looking at.
I used 2.5 inch Superlift front springs, a 2.5 rear flip kit, some Monroe shocks, and some sway bar links. Rides nice and performs great. You can see some of the build here.............. http://ck5.com/forums/threads/basic-hello-and-showing-my-starting-point-new-update-pg-3.302918/

I also did a front brake upgrade to Hummer H3 front rotors and four piston calipers. Then I swapped in a complete 2004 Silverado rear axle which widened the rear width and gave me rear disk brakes with parking brake. Which you can see here.......................... http://ck5.com/forums/threads/pure-chevy-sex.316597/

And a couple pics to draw you in.........................................

 

[cyclic]

I just looked closely at your pics, when I got mine it had the same stuff installed. Bug guard, grill guard, side steps everything! Even the basic specs are the same as mine. I almost wonder how far off our vin numbers are? Mine ends in 175369

I got mine with 90,000 miles for $1500 with little rust and the same wonderful GM paint.

 

[chilliwak]

I like the idea of a small'ish lift. I've never used BDS components before though. I've previously used Tuff Country EZ-Ride springs in a 75 3/4 ton, and they rode well. Is there any particular reason you suggested a BDS lift?

BDS has the best waranty in the bussiness. Their front springs have a military wrap that goes around the main leaf so that you can snap a main leaf and still make it home. Their pricing is very competitive. The quality is excellent. I have used them on all my rigs with no problem. Need I say more? I hope this helps. Cheers, Chilli..:wings:

 

[Enginerd]

I just looked closely at your pics, when I got mine it had the same stuff installed. Bug guard, grill guard, side steps everything! Even the basic specs are the same as mine. I almost wonder how far off our vin numbers are? Mine ends in 175369

I got mine with 90,000 miles for $1500 with little rust and the same wonderful GM paint.

Well, I moved forward with the purchase today, and I own this old burb now. I gave $1800, and thats not too bad I guess. By the way, my VIN ends with 522841. Maybe they're not brothers, but just cousins. LOL

 

[Enginerd]

BDS has the best waranty in the bussiness. Their front springs have a military wrap that goes around the main leaf so that you can snap a main leaf and still make it home. Their pricing is very competitive. The quality is excellent. I have used them on all my rigs with no problem. Need I say more? I hope this helps. Cheers, Chilli..:wings:

That definitely helps. I really value a referral from someone who has actually used a project. Thanks Chilii!

 

[chilliwak]

Well, I moved forward with the purchase today, and I own this old burb now. I gave $1800, and thats not too bad I guess. By the way, my VIN ends with 522841. Maybe they're not brothers, but just cousins. LOL

Congratulations my friend. You are now one of many proud `Burb´owners. Cheers, Chilli....

 

[Enginerd]

Well, I've only gotten a small amount of basic stuff done to the new burb over the last few days. The Thanksgiving holiday and associated Black Friday madness have slowed things up alot.

I did manage to remove the old man's bug deflector and mesh screen from in front of the grill. I was also able to do a bit of cleanup along the front edge of the hood. Sitting under crab-apple trees for the last 16 years with a load of crab-apples trapped between the deflector and hood was not good.



I also removed the aluminum running boards that I'm sure some older gentleman paid a bunch to have installed. This behemoth looks better, and gained ground clearance in the middle, but the small tires look even smaller now!

Now you see them....


Now you don't!!!!


I guess my next step is to do some routine maintenance checks. I need to change the fluids in both axles, the T-Case, and the transmission. Looking at new plugs, distributor cap, and wires will be next. Probably a belt or two as well.

 

[toastyjosh]

Nice!

Here is some good reading...http://tbichips.com/?page_id=73

 

[Enginerd]

Nice!

Here is some good reading...http://tbichips.com/?page_id=73

Thanks for the link!

 

[toastyjosh]

This also should be helpful
http://chevroletforum.com/forum/vindecoder.php?