Grey Wolf Suburban Build

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Hey all, new member and long time lurker from the Northwest. I have a 1988 Suburban that I want set up as a general overland vehicle/long range driver. The specs are, 1/2 ton, 6.2 NA diesel(turbo in the future), 700r4 auto(hope to swap to NV4500 or Gear Vendor sm465), 10 bolt front and rear(I see a 14 bolt in the near future). So far it is pretty much the same as the day I bought other than maintenance and some new parts. Added a brush guard while changing out the bumper, beefed up supports for it, 20" light bar and got a roof basket for it that attaches to the rain gutter mounts. PS, sorry about the brush guard picture being flipped

 

[toastyjosh]

Nice burb!!! Turbo would be really good. I would try to fine some ones old banks setup. If not find a old 6.5 turbo setup. Its not to hard of a swap just dont go to much boost.
some 6.2 turbo info
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?43430-How-to-turbo-a-6-2-using-6-5-parts

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Yeah I've done the turbo swap before on other 6.2 motors, the dream is a 12v Cummins. The reality is I can find 6.2/6.2 motors cheap, parts are plentiful and they get good mpg. Boost ideally will be kept 6 psi or under with a mechanical controller. I do need to make a thread on Steelsoldiers, they have a wealth of info for these style of GMC vehicles

 

[Enginerd]

Nice Burb. I also have an 88 GMC. Can you tell me what company made your roof rack? I'd like one for my project.

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

I'd love to tell you who made it, but it's a custom job actually. I can get better pictures of the mount areas and how it was made though. Pretty simple basket made to attach to round roof racks. Can go on any vehicle with windows gutters and supports 150 lbs like nothing

 

[chilliwak]

Ari I like the `burb´!!:Wow1: Here is hoping we see more of your fine old GM! Let us know how we can help you out with anything from budget to high end replacements/mods. I drive an old 79 Chev pick-up and have done numerous changes. Welcome to the site and lets see some more pics. Cheers, Chilli...

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Small Updates

So I put on some new tires after realizing that the 15" tires just don't seem to have the weight capacity needed when loaded down with passengers and my random assortment of junk inside the Suburban. Was going to to originally go with 235/85/16 tires for the bigger tire look without taking a hit on fuel economy, but ended up with 215/85/16 instead. Couldn't pass up the deal I got on them, with how much I saved I'm going to actually get a second set of tires just for camping/ off roading. They're an all season tread design instead of my previous A/T, mileage went up too. About 2mpg extra which is always a good thing
The big improvement was modding the passenger side battery tray to hold a second battery. What this means is both of my starting batteries can both be on the same side, making my life easier for when I upgrade the starter, alternator and ground wires. As a bonus I now have room for a third battery that can perform deep cycle duties so I can hook up all my lighting, radio, winch, etc to it. Had to use an angle grinder to make all the cuts, would have been much easier with and actual metal chop saw. Bad thing is I don't own a welder so I had to do "emergency/trail" welding. Two car batteries, some good jumper cables, welding mask, gloves and welding rods. Certainly not a pro welder at all but it's strong enough to support the batteries like I wanted.

 

[chilliwak]

Nice little ghetto:Wow1: welding job there Ari3! Cool that you could just weld with your batteries and cables. Can I ask what rod you used so I can keep this trick in mind if I ever need to do it? You might want to incorporate a post under the 2nd battery that is furthest away from the bracket mounts. I made a similar set up to yours and found that the weight and angle from the second battery made the bolts shear off from the mounting positions. Anyways keep us updated with lots of pics. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Chilli..

 

[Ari3sgr3gg0]

Thanks for kind words Chili, I don't mind sharing info. I used a 6011 rod from Harbor Freight, $9 bought me 2lbs worth. You wire the batteries in series to make 24v, some prefer using three batteries for 36v. I have a support rod I welded on to brace up the second battery, hopefully it all holds up. I'm also using group 31 batteries instead of the stock sized battery as well. Gives me 1000cca compared to 800cca, and more reserve capacity. I'm glad I had the extra juice when I had to start in -5 blizzard, thankfully did it without even a starting aid! I'll probably be tacking all the wiring next to replace too small or worn out factory wires, when I make all the battery connectors I'll post up some tricks for that as well

 

[chilliwak]

Thanks for the info Ari3. I might just have to pick up some of those rods if I ever need to do a ghetto weld out in the bush. Cheers, Chilli..

 

[kojackJKU]

LOVE IT. square body burbs and trucks (since they are so rare around here now because of rust), get me everytime I see one.