Help me choose between the two!!!!

[Beerdy]

I have two early to mid 1990's Suburbans that I am looking at.

One is completely stock, great condition, with 250k miles or so for $3500.

The other has, per the seller, a "a 3" suspension lift. Blocks and torsion keys. And a 3" body lift." It has 35" tires, exterior lights on the roof rack, brush guard, and air compressor. It does need an AC compressor and radio. This one is $5000, but I feel like I can get it for $4500 as it's been posted for a while.

Both are 350 v8 4l60e. Assuming that they are mechanically similar, what would you choose?

My plans are this. I have four kids so I need the space. Right now we are in NC, but plan to move out west in the next two years (think ID, MT, WY, UT, AZ). I don't want a rock crawler, but want to be able to go off the beaten path.

 

[tarditi]

I would go with the stock, unadulterated one over the modified one - no telling how the mods were installed, their reliability, or what work-arounds were taken to get it all put in there.

AC compressor + charge (all the lines OK?) could cost a few hundred once all is said and done - assuming no other AC components are damaged from the compressor going bad (drier/condenser?)... radio cost can vary wildly, of course.

 

[Beerdy]

That's where I'm leaning. Plus, the suspension mods seem like the poor man's mods instead of going with a full kit. Any thoughts on that?

 

[rayra]

Didn't say what the mileage is on the tarted up one, but I'd still suggest the first one. The latter has likely been driven too hard. Get the first one and prepare to replace its transmission in either.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Stock all the way and upgrade as NEEDED, that way you have less to worry about if you are buying someone's issues.

 

[Wally'sJimmy]

Go for the stock one. Any history? Motor original? I'm assuming the trans has been replaced but you never know.

 

[evilfij]

Both seem high in price. A good high miles 96-99 suburban is $1500-2500 here.

The biggest things to be would be (1) 96 and up as vortec has better power than TBI and (2) proof of transmission services.

Finally, if I could have chosen, I would have gotten a 2500 as they seem much better than the 1500 -- trans and diffs are the weak links on the 1500s.