Ultimate Square Body Suburban Overland Build

[75SUB4X4]

Well, where to start. I bought this 1975 Suburban K20 back in mid 2016 and havent had time to really do anything as of yet. This Suburban started out with a Diesel engine, but got swapped before I bought her, according to the VIN. This is a stock, manual 4x4 suburban that is pre-smog, which is huge for us Californians! I dont want to spoil it, but I think it will be a great build...stay tuned!

 

[75SUB4X4]

Some more parts for the rig, 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD hydroboost and brakes. The plan is to use the front and rear disk along with the emergency brake set up as well. Also got the D60 and 14B from a M1031 CUCV.

 

[75SUB4X4]

Oh yea...2003 6.0 Vortec from a 2500. Also picked up a 95 GM NV4500!

 

[Judge Mills]

Nice score on the 6.0! I'm looking forward to this build.

 

[75SUB4X4]

Nice score on the 6.0! I'm looking forward to this build.

Yea, I got lucky and found a complete setup out of a running truck and dropped the cash on the spot. I have some plans to rebuild her later, but I have other more important aspects of this build to focus on first.

 

[75SUB4X4]

Well, I got the rig into my tiny garage to start the tear down process. Not alot to report so far, picked up some 98 suburban captain seats up front and bench seating for the rear, removed the barn doors and soon the motor, trans, axles.

 

[Smileyshaun]

Yea, I got lucky and found a complete setup out of a running truck and dropped the cash on the spot. I have some plans to rebuild her later, but I have other more important aspects of this build to focus on first.

I wouldn't worry to much about a rebuild ,the 6.0 has a good reputation for racking up the miles and still running strong . my mom has 260k on her Yukon and it's only ever needed oil changes .

 

[75SUB4X4]

More slow progress as the tear down continues, wheels, fenders, carpet off and out. Some exciting news also, a man in brown shorts knocked and left these four big heavy boxes on my door step today. I ordered them about six weeks ago!

 

[75SUB4X4]

I wouldn't worry to much about a rebuild ,the 6.0 has a good reputation for racking up the miles and still running strong . my mom has 260k on her Yukon and it's only ever needed oil changes .

I have heard these motors run. The rebuild will be for additional HP and TQ, specifically lower RPM. Im thinking LQ9 pistons, rods, SSTB intake, larger TB, cam, headers and a solid tune should be able to net some decent HP/TQ over stock

 

[Tex68w]

Well this build just took it up a notch lol

 

[75SUB4X4]

Well this build just took it up a notch lol

Hell yea!

 

[camp4x4]

Cool to see another early ‘70s Burb build! Looks like you’re going all out with the suspension. Will be interesting watching your progression. Where about sin CA are?

 

[vintageracer]

I wouldn't worry to much about a rebuild ,the 6.0 has a good reputation for racking up the miles and still running strong . my mom has 260k on her Yukon and it's only ever needed oil changes .

Agreed!

My daughter's everyday driver is a 2001 1500HD 2WD Crew Cab Chevrolet PU with the 6.0 and 480LE transmission.

Original engine with 357,000+ miles and 1 transmission rebuild. Uses LESS than 1 qt. oil between 5K mile oil changes. Have always used Synthetic oil and good filters of course!

Those LS engines are pretty amazing and VERY long lived!

 

[Martinjmpr]

Looks like quite a project, but I'll be looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

BTW, nice avatar!

 

[75SUB4X4]

Cool to see another early ‘70s Burb build! Looks like you’re going all out with the suspension. Will be interesting watching your progression. Where about sin CA are?

I love the old square bodies and of course running a pre-smog burb has its advantages. Im in the high desert, victorville.