Suburban Questions

[CRolandLJ]

Hey Guys,

My brother and I are considering purchasing an older suburban (late 80's to mid 90's) for use as basically a hunting and adventure vehicle. It would be used to tow our camper and carry us and our dogs on relatively short trips (usually 3 hours and under) and then travel around our ranch (basically Jeep trail like roads would be the most severe we'd need to do). Plus it's nice to have a suburban around as an extra vehicle. It may also be hauling a trailer with a medium sized tractor or ATVs on it, something we have towed with 1/2 ton trucks regularly.

Between my brother, Dad and I we have owned 5 or 6 trucks, suburbans and one tahoe from the early to mid 90s. My dad owned several 80's chevy trucks before we were around. Obviously we are fans of the 93-99 suburban/tahoe and 90-98 truck body style and are very familiar with it... and I feel there are tons of cheap parts readily available, however we also have a soft spot for the pre-93 suburbans... they're just so cool but we have much less experience working with them having just owned a 90 suburban.

Long story short i'm looking on opinions and comparisons for mid 80s to mid 90s 4x4 suburbans.. specifically i'd be interested to know about any reliability or other concerns for the 2500's (the 454's and diesels) since we have only ever had the 350/5.7L and 4l60(?) trans

 

[dragogt]

A 92-3 25-3500 diesel sas'd would be my choice...

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[The Grinch]

the 93 and up will be more comfotable and ride better. the 91 and older are simpler to fix, easier to make built proff with things like 1 ton axle swaps etc. The 73-91 subs came with the fallowing transmissions Th400, Th350, 700r4, and Sm465( 4speed manual with granny low). The th400 and sm465 are very stout but don"t have over drive. The 700r4 has OD but is not the strongest transmission. Transfercases are as fallows np203 full time, np205, np208, np241. Engines will be 350, 400, 454, 6.2 diesel. Front axle is either a dana 44 or coperate 10 bolt. rear could be a 10 bolt or 12 bolt if 6 lug or a 14 bolt semi float or 14 bolt full float if 3/4 ton. If gas they came with TBI fuel injection in 87 to 91. The diesel started in 1982.

For a work horse i like the 73-91. for mixed use the 92-99 is good. probibly easier to find a good 92-99.

 

[CRolandLJ]

haha, SAS is probably to much work for what we're doing or have time for. The suburbans had solid front axles up until 91, correct?

 

[CRolandLJ]

Grinch - great info, thanks.

 

[dragogt]

haha, SAS is probably to much work for what we're doing or have time for. The suburbans had solid front axles up until 91, correct?

Late 80's for sure OBS

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[xbox73]

Some relevant info on the '92 - '99 Suburban in this ExPo thread:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/119725-why-not-as-many-96-99-suburbans

 

[evilfij]

Anything pre-vortec (96) is underpowered in my view.

 

[Erik N]

I don't think the square body Burbs came matched w/ a 454 and 4x4 combination. The 3/4t 4x4's had 350's.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

I don't think the square body Burbs came matched w/ a 454 and 4x4 combination. The 3/4t 4x4's had 350's.

A 454 is over rated anyhow. Build a 383. That's what I did. I miss it almost every day...

 

[cyclic]

I know the 3/4 91 straight axle actually came with a 4l80E transmission and a 241 case. Little bit of a rare bird, but one of the strongest stock set-ups you can find.

 

[Rovertrader]

I have a weak spot for beam axles, as they are simple as dirt- and extremely reliable. I had the next generation when they were new, and no issues, but the ride is considerably better. For hunting and remote locations, I would go pre '92. If over 50% paved and no lift- '92-'99.
Throttle body started in '87 which is much better than carbs especially these days as fuel continues to deteriorate.
'91 is the Holly Grail with the O/D. Barn doors over rated if you are used to tailgates!
Lastly, what you get for what these trucks sell for is amazing!! Easy to find low mile western trucks if you are patient.

I currently have an '87 2500 4x4, 68k miles from one Ca owner. It sits for weeks at a time and starts first crank. Milage is not critical, but the TH400 is bomb proof. And I would buy the overall truck vs. searching for the '91 as the end result for the O/D is negligible. The 350 is adequate, but not like the 513 in my '76 K30 obviously, but is smooth and well, adequate...

Good luck on the search- great rigs!!

 

[CRolandLJ]

Great info about the 91...

i have noticed you seem to get a lot for you dollar on the suburbans. Thanks for all the info.


Any one have any experience with the diesel? I've never owned a diesel...but it's intriguing.

 

[Weeds]

Great info about the 91...

i have noticed you seem to get a lot for you dollar on the suburbans. Thanks for all the info.


Any one have any experience with the diesel? I've never owned a diesel...but it's intriguing.

I have had several friends that were die hard chevy fans and bought the diesel. They were underpowered and not very dependable. And with the cost of diesel today, I think the 383 as mentioned earlier is better. It is probably more dependable and more powerful.

 

[Outback]

Im a big fan of the 80s Burbs. BUT, the 90 ones are on my radar list now. You can do a Dana 60 solid axle swap in them and chuck that crappy IFS. Just another option for you to think about.