Suburban vs Excursion for Family of 8

[ogre]

Again, I love the space of the big full size vans and the option to go 4x4, but again, the cost would push it to $40k-$60k+ depending on buying used or new with the conversion.

I can see a new van going for the prices you listed.
However a used Ford econoline can be had for 5k - 15k depending on year models.
4x4 conversion can be done by you for 5k - 15k depending on equipment and, diy vs shop.
So a 4x4 van can be had for 10k - 30k+ depending how you set them up and the price of the van you go with.


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[phsycle]

Not sure why people keep bringing up vans when he clearly said it’s not for him.

Vans are nice. Plenty of space. But cost would be issue #1. And for me, the biggest issue is the parts availability for maintenance and repairs, especially out in the podunks. I’d prefer to be able to go into any parts store to get parts that are readily available. Not sure if that will happen with a highly modified van. I also had a friend that had one converted to 4wd, then sold it after one issue after another. Maybe it was install error, but for one-off vehicles like that, it’s not uncommon. Some people are handy and don’t mind laying down on dirt hours on end fixing whatever issues pop up. Not me.

 

[BayMonty]

So I’ve got an update!

A few posts back I mentioned that I’ve decided on a Suburban. Parts are easy to come by and cheap. Most any repair shop is familiar with the platform. The vehicle will not be a daily driver. I expect to put maybe 4000 miles per year at the absolute most...just to keep the fluids moving and the mechanicals fresh. It’s going to be the family adventure/camping vehicle and possibly pull a light pop up tent trailer, or base camp off road trailer. Nothing heavy. I plan to keep this in the family for a long time.

I’ve always loved the GMT400 Suburban’s. The box body, the lines, etc.

So I’m picking up a 97 GMC Suburban K1500 SLT tomorrow. Over the last few days I’ve looked at 3. Two 99’s and the 97. Exterior is a 9/10 and the interior is about a 7.5/10. It’s got the barn doors I want and it was a one owner local vehicle that was religiously serviced at the dealer. Downside is it has 180k miles but it drove really nice, no leaks, 4x4 engaged and drove well, just an all around solid Suburban. New tires on stock wheels, battery, and front brakes as well.

I’ll post some pics tomorrow when I pick it up.

Oh yeah...we agreed to $2800.

All the rest of the budget will go to some nice upgrades (4-6” lift, steering/suspension, off road wheels/tires, rack, miscellaneous stuff, and leaning towards the Taxa Woolly Bear base camp. I think I can pull it all off for around $20k.


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[BayMonty]

Picked the Suburban up tonight. Anyone from NorCal can recommend a great shop in the North Bay or Sacramento area?


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[toastyjosh]

Nice!!

Here is some good tbi info.

Recommended 350 TBI modifications | TBI

Recommended 350 TBI modifications

harristuning.com

I would skip the 4 to 6in lift., just throw a set of keys in the front, with fox shocks all around, and some air bags in the back. Throw on some 285s and a roof top box and run it.

 

[BayMonty]

Anyone have links to factory shop manuals?

 

[toastyjosh]

try this

Chevrolet Suburban Repair & Service Manuals (131 PDF's

Chevrolet Suburban Workshop, Owners, Service or Repair Manuals. Free. No Ads.

www.onlymanuals.com

https://my.gm.com/content/dam/gmownercenter/gmna/dynamic/manuals/1997/chevrolet/tahoe/1997_chevrolet_tahoe_owners.pdf

 

[calicamper]

Nice!!

Here is some good tbi info.

Recommended 350 TBI modifications | TBI

Recommended 350 TBI modifications

harristuning.com

I would skip the 4 to 6in lift., just throw a set of keys in the front, with fox shocks all around, and some air bags in the back. Throw on some 285s and a roof top box and run it.

Especially if your packing 6+ butts in it! Its one thing to lift trucks and drive solo or 2-3 people around. Its a whole different deal with 6 people. The stock burb with quality tires is pretty great all around rig. Lifted and full of bodies I have seen far to many on their lid between North and South I5 in recent years. Keep that family safe, drive a safe vehicle?

 

[BayMonty]

Especially if your packing 6+ butts in it! Its one thing to lift trucks and drive solo or 2-3 people around. Its a whole different deal with 6 people. The stock burb with quality tires is pretty great all around rig. Lifted and full of bodies I have seen far to many on their lid between North and South I5 in recent years. Keep that family safe, drive a safe vehicle

Thanks for your advice calicamper. Very true. I want a very reliable and safe rig, but also have it capable enough to get through certain situations. With it having a long wheelbase and the butt sticking out, more clearance is needed to get through steeper approaches and exits. The stock clearance isn’t high at all. A minimum 3-4” lift, in my mind, is needed. I won’t be crawling, but even with a decent incline, more lift is almost a necessity.


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[xjchad]

Monty,
I loved reading this thread and seeing your success at finding a good rig!
My wife and I have 6 kids also, ages 2 to 12. I'm in the same boat and looking for a Suburban. We already have a GMC 12 passenger van so this will be my daily driver (short commute) and adventure/camping/hunting/fishing rig. I'm looking at a couple 97-99 rigs right now, and really close to pulling the trigger. Looking forward to seeing how your build goes!

 

[BayMonty]

Monty,
I loved reading this thread and seeing your success at finding a good rig!
My wife and I have 6 kids also, ages 2 to 12. I'm in the same boat and looking for a Suburban. We already have a GMC 12 passenger van so this will be my daily driver (short commute) and adventure/camping/hunting/fishing rig. I'm looking at a couple 97-99 rigs right now, and really close to pulling the trigger. Looking forward to seeing how your build goes!

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing your rig as well. Getting front end straightened out today. Will post pics soon


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[toastyjosh]

Here are some useful links for the both of ya!
https://www.gmt400.com/threads/gmt400-lift-guide.176/

Lift/tire options for 99 k1500 suburban

I just purchased a 99 gmc suburban k1500 and wanted some input on what lift I should go with? I also will be running 18x9 wheels and need tire size. This will be my family travel/expedition vehicle. Thanks

expeditionportal.com

Tech Time! Installing a BDS Lift Kit on our 1995 OBS Chevy Tahoe

If you were a natural born truck junkie finally making it to legal driving age in the ’90s, you most certainly noticed these Chevy C/K body

www.streettrucksmag.com

 

[BayMonty]

Here are some useful links for the both of ya!
https://www.gmt400.com/threads/gmt400-lift-guide.176/

Lift/tire options for 99 k1500 suburban

I just purchased a 99 gmc suburban k1500 and wanted some input on what lift I should go with? I also will be running 18x9 wheels and need tire size. This will be my family travel/expedition vehicle. Thanks

expeditionportal.com

Tech Time! Installing a BDS Lift Kit on our 1995 OBS Chevy Tahoe

If you were a natural born truck junkie finally making it to legal driving age in the ’90s, you most certainly noticed these Chevy C/K body

www.streettrucksmag.com

Thanks toastyjosh!


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[BayMonty]

Tie rods out


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[BayMonty]

Not too bad underneath. Original owner had this it’s entire life in the South Bay/San Jose are all it’s life.


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