I run 35s on my 99 k2500 ccsb (same chassis as a 96 k2500 burb with 8 bolt axles) with a key crank and blocks BUT you will lose most if not all of the down travel on the front suspension. The body lift will maintain the original suspension travel, and be easier on CV joints BUT you may need to extend brake lines or redesign mounting spots or brackets since theyre mounted to the body and frame. You may also need to get a longer filler hose for the fuel tank and the bumper to body line will look off. Depends on what you need.
GMT400 Suburban as Base Overland Rigs?
- Thread starter Luckie1999
- Start date
Lilia, I'll be making front and rear bumpers along with roof rack and limb pushers the trees up here in the PNW sometimes get in the way.
I think I'll do body lift for now to get tire clearance and eventually do a SAS because I've never worked with IFS on any of my rigs.
Thanks for the info!!!!!
I think I'll do body lift for now to get tire clearance and eventually do a SAS because I've never worked with IFS on any of my rigs.
Thanks for the info!!!!!
Patrick.S5
New member
What about the reverse scenario? Using a GMT400 Suburban gas tank (42gal) in a GMT800 truck, making sure the gauges read properly and the electronics are my questions.
zoomad75
K5 Camper guy
I don't know if the GMT400 tank would physically fit in the GMT800 truck.
dman93
Adventurer
How do the ‘Burbs compare with a pickup plus shell for sleeping in? For two people, plus usual camping gear which ideally we wouldn’t have to completely move outside if we get somewhere late at night and just want to crawl in back and crash. Currently tent camping out of a 5’ bed Tacoma, looking at 6’ bed midsize or 6.5’ bed extended cab fullsize, but find Suburbans appealing plus they’re cheap. We’d still mostly use a ground tent (did the RTT thing, no thanks) so this is just for backup in case of weather, late arrival etc. Thanks.
phsycle
Adventurer
Burb would work great for that. Just build a simple platform with camping gear underneath and mattress on top. I’ve camped in a Landcruiser which is smaller than the Burb. Worked well but depending on the persons’ size, may be tight.
NevadaLover
Forking Icehole
My '99 (same cargo area) has lots of room for me and the GF, I made a removable platform that sits on top of the wheel arches and allows me to store some camping stuff underneath but pulls out when I'm not going camping, we have plenty of hip room and even over 6' I never need more length, if you get one you will not regret it.
nitro_rat
Lunchbox Lockers
They're much nicer than a truck shell for many reasons. A truck shell isn't usually fully upholstered with a smooth carpet floor. A truck shell isn't usually sealed from road dust. A truck shell doesn't have an easy pass through to crawl into the back without going outside. Sure, if you're a skinny kid and you have a slider you may can pass through; most adults cannot do it easily or comfortably! Also the back of the 'Burb is fully climate controlled. If it's too hot and sticky or just too cold you can leave it running and enjoy a comfortable temperature. One can also purchase a decent older Suburban for less than the cost of a new shell for a pickup!
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
I don't know if the 400's have a flat load deck but the 800's do for sure. With the 3rd row removed and the 2nd row folded down there is a space that is 8' long and just over 4' wide. Plenty of room for sleeping + gear. IMO it's one of the Suburban's best features.
NevadaLover
Forking Icehole
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They all do have a flat load area but my '99 is an ex-government radio tech vehicle and all the interior plastic has been removed, it gives more room for all the supplies but also leaves the jack and wheel arches exposed, not a problem for me but some of my friends don't like the way it looks.
dman93
Adventurer
Thanks for the replies on sleeping inside a Suburban. Last SUV that I owned was an 80 series LC and it was OK for solo sleeping but short and lumpy and not that roomy for two. And removing seats and installing/removing platforms wasn’t very practical as it was a kid hauler 90% of the time. But empty nest now, for just my wife and me, the ‘Burb’s “clean” interior and access to/from the front look pretty appealing. Unfortunately we’re on COVID-19 lockdown now so car shopping is out of the question.
Burbs awesome for overnighting. A full size air matress fits in the back with room at the end for gear. I slept in mine the first night I had it. Flew across the cou try to get it. Stopped at wally world for a cooler, air mattress, pillow and a sleeping bag. Comfy as hell and Im 6'2".
rayra
Expedition Leader
It's ~97" from the back of the front seats to the rear Liftgate in the gmt800s. Should be in the 400s too. THey were all deliberately designed to fit 4'x8' sheet materials. About 49" between the rear cargo area interior panels, at the floor, wider at the windows. It's about 36" ht at the rear opening weatherstripping and a few inches higher in the rear cargo area. About 100cu' behind the front seats.
I've got about an 11" tall platform / drawers in mine. Still (just) enough headroom for sleeping in it. I've done that alone a couple times. When the missus goes we use a ground tent and an air mattress, usually.
125# GSD fit well enough
Never did get around to making a fold-open filler panel to bridge over the 2nd row seats. Solo, I just pile my gear for foot support.
I've got about an 11" tall platform / drawers in mine. Still (just) enough headroom for sleeping in it. I've done that alone a couple times. When the missus goes we use a ground tent and an air mattress, usually.
125# GSD fit well enough
Never did get around to making a fold-open filler panel to bridge over the 2nd row seats. Solo, I just pile my gear for foot support.
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