91 GMC Suburban build

[trbon8r]

Hello folks. I registered here a few years back and showed a couple pictures of my 91 GMC Suburban. Life got in the way and the project sort of stalled out as sometimes happens. Things are getting back on track. I just found and purchased a direct injected 6.6 gas engine and 6 speed automatic out of a 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD that appears to have been damaged during transport. The engine/trans have a grand total of 7 miles on them.

The Suburban is a 1500 but has an 8 lug 10 bolt and GM 14 bolt rear with disc brake conversion out of a 78 3/4 ton pickup. The truck has a tired 6.2 diesel and 700R4 trans. I went back and forth on doing a new 6.2 or 6.5 diesel but eventually settled on a new gas engine. I still like the old diesels, but engine technology has come a long way since the 80s. The one thing I won’t miss is wondering if the truck will chuck one of those old V Drive belts in the middle of nowhere.

I’ve already got a 6” ORD lift with custom ORD springs, steering box brace and all the good stuff. Got the tires too…..Yokohama 37X12.50-17 Geolanders.

I look forward to posting more often and keeping you all updated. Glad to be back here and active. I really like this place.

 

[mountainsports2002]

Hello folks. I registered here a few years back and showed a couple pictures of my 91 GMC Suburban. Life got in the way and the project sort of stalled out as sometimes happens. Things are getting back on track. I just found and purchased a direct injected 6.6 gas engine and 6 speed automatic out of a 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD that appears to have been damaged during transport. The engine/trans have a grand total of 7 miles on them.

The Suburban is a 1500 but has an 8 lug 10 bolt and GM 14 bolt rear with disc brake conversion out of a 78 3/4 ton pickup. The truck has a tired 6.2 diesel and 700R4 trans. I went back and forth on doing a new 6.2 or 6.5 diesel but eventually settled on a new gas engine. I still like the old diesels, but engine technology has come a long way since the 80s. The one thing I won’t miss is wondering if the truck will chuck one of those old V Drive in the middle of nowhere.

I’ve already got a 6” ORD lift with custom ORD springs, steering box brace and all the good stuff. Got the tires too…..Yokohama 37X12.50-17 Geolanders.

I look forward to posting more often and keeping you all updated. Glad to be back here and active. I really like this place.

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How did you source that motor?

 

[trbon8r]

How did you source that motor?

Car-part.com

 

[zoomad75]

Right on. I’ve known a couple of guys that have installed DI 5.3’s into squares and they are doing well.

I’m interested to see how the 6.6 gasser does as it should be better in every way over the smaller versions.

 

[plumber mike]

Awesome old beast. I was wondering what you were planning for the computer controls needed to make it all go vroom.

 

[ExpoMike]

Awesome Burb! Love the color combo. For all that is holy, please tell me you are keeping those wheels!!!! Those are sweet and remind me of the old "turbine" wheels.

 

[trbon8r]

Awesome Burb! Love the color combo. For all that is holy, please tell me you are keeping those wheels!!!! Those are sweet and remind me of the old "turbine" wheels.

I do kind of like the wheels and would consider keeping them. The trouble is they are old 16.5” wheels. That doesn’t give me many options for tires in a 16.5”.

 

[ExpoMike]

I do kind of like the wheels and would consider keeping them. The trouble is they are old 16.5” wheels. That doesn’t give me many options for tires in a 16.5”.

Sorry I missed the fact the tires you mentioned, were new ones, not what was currently on there. Yeah, sadly the 16.5" wheels are a no go anymore. I think I read there was one size choice available. Totally understandable to move to a different size wheel for tire availability. Still cool.

 

[trbon8r]

Drivetrain came in today. Other than the shipping monkeys trying to kill it and destroying the pallet it mostly came through ok. Worst damage is a kink in the transmission pan. I was worried about the engine oil pan but the shop tells me it’s ok.

Looks like a new transmission pan is about $50 from GM. Annoying for sure, but I’m just glad it’s not worse than that. The shop tells me other than that it looks exactly like a new 7 mile engine and transmission should.

 

[trbon8r]

The shop just sent me some pictures today. The truck is making progress. No longer a diesel and it appears to have lost some weight.

The truck is being built by Matt and his crew at Carolina Truck Shop in Spartanburg, SC. Matt may check in here from time to time as his schedule permits.

 

[trbon8r]

Off Road Design 6” lift and 37”X12.50 Yokohama Geolanders is nearly complete. Shocks will be Bilstein 5100s. Springs are custom ORD springs that should flex pretty well.

I’m hoping the rear springs settle an inch or so when I get the spare tire mounted out back and all the accessories and tools loaded in the back……

 

[pigsammy]

You're off to a great start! I will look forward to updates as you progress. I may even steal an idea or two from time to time for my 89.

 

[trbon8r]

The 6.6 engine and 6L90E transmission have been test fit in the truck. Fits like a glove

I’m waiting to hear some numbers on paint and body. I know that number is going to hurt on something this big. ?

 

[mrpeterclark]

Love it!

 

[Gummee]

There's an 88 'Burb in the driveway that needs some of that action.

Please keep us updated!

M